My favourite places to eat in Leigh on Sea
The thought that there may be a light at the end of this lockdown tunnel, has moved my thoughts onto the move toward normality, the freedom to go out and the opportunity to do something I love, eating out.
The one thing that Leigh has, is a myriad of some lovely and tasty places to eat. There is something to suit every pocket and a range of food choices that can even test your geography.
I am no food snob, but I prefer quality over substance, ambiance over necessity, hygiene over speed, but most of all a feeling that the chef cares and loves what they produce.
Theses are my choices alone, I could have picked over ten, but I have narrowed it down to just five of my favourites. Each one slightly different than the other.
In no order:
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Shabash
Based on the Broadway, Shabash is perhaps one of the best Indian Restaurant in the area. It is relaxed fine dining at its best, in luxurious surroundings. It has won many accolades for its food, but credit must also go the staff, who make you feel special and manage to make one feel that you are the only customer.
The food is sublime, from the very spicy to the mild. Everything is cooked to a perfection that only a chef with real knowledge of ingredients from India can produce. Bombay comes to Leigh. The menu is extensive and although it offers the most traditional of dishes, here they seem to be given a special touch, this is what makes the food better than most.
Even on busy days the ambiance remains unhurried and relaxed. The décor is modern and suitably indulgent. I cannot imagine that someone who lives in Leigh has not dined her before, because if you have not, you are missing out.
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Little Talk Café
I can hear the reader now asking themselves “Where is that”? You may be surprised to find that perhaps one of the best cafes in the area is NOT on the Broadway, indeed quite a way from the seafront. The Little Talk Café is on the London Road, directly opposite Waitrose (which may indicate how special this place is).
The owner knows what he is doing at the Little Talk. This is a café, but with the freshest of ingredients, the cooking skills of a restaurant but with prices that can please even the stingiest of customer. You can call in for a catch up and a cup of tea with a slice of cake but for the more adventurous, one can order Breakfast here.
It is served in the traditional way, but without the grease, substantial but so tasty that you just must finish it. If you are the sort to want something more ‘modern’ try the Avocado on muffin with Hollandaise sauce. The continuing list is just as wonderfully mouth-watering. For lunch, you can have burgers that melt in the mouth, steak or just a gloriously filled sandwich. Vegan or vegetarian? NO issue here, you will find something lovely.
In the Evening, although one can choose an all-day breakfast The Little Talk indulges in a Tapas menu, beautifully authentic, rich, and delicious and do not forget that glass or even a bottle of wine to go with it (p.s unfair to say, but you can even bring your own!!)
The Little Talk is a lovely, clean well decorated café, but with a menu that would match any brasserie in London, a menu that provides a great deal of choice, a great ambience and attentive staff. The owner is proud of his Little Talk Café, and he ought to be, it could be renamed The BIG talk Café, it is that good! Trust me!
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Henry’s Burgers
Burgers are burgers, right? Wrong. This is Henry’s Burgers. Based on the bend between The Broadway and Old Leigh Road, this is perhaps the place for the more, let us say, younger age group.
The interior is trendy, bright and on the right days full of buzz. The food is consistently good and no surprise, it mainly means a burger. However, these burgers are different. They are mighty, filled with fresh ingredients and sauces. Served with a choice of sides. The one thing one must consider is their size, The Smoke House (my favourite) is a whopping 155g of beef, now that’s a mighty burger for a small mouth!
Although not a unique offering Henry’s Burgers can add even more fun with their food by offering up to 24 different cocktails to compliment.
This is a special place for the casual diner that appreciates good food and a social atmosphere. You may not need to dress to impress to eat here, but on particular nights the trendy do come here and for some its all about being noticed, outshining the cocktails.
Henrys Burgers, far more than fast food more a social event.
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The Estuary
Once considered in the lower divisions of culinary adventure, British food has now risen to new heights and classics with a new twist are now firm favourites. The Estuary, in the heart of the Broadway offers such classics, but with so much more.
The Estuary is a cosy, homely restaurant, softly lit with a modern warm natural interior. The staff know their stuff and the combination of food with a well-stocked bar makes this both a friendly place for both families and friends to meet. If you wish, just go for a drink, the Estuary has an extensive gin range and cocktails to make anyone feel better.
As for the food, its nice to be able to see cauliflower-based dishes and old-fashioned returnees such as Bubble and Squeak! For the meat lover, try the venison, it is delicious. If you want a bit of a French feel, mussels are also available, but combine them with the leek and potato soup, wonderful.
Personally, I go for the Sticky toffee pudding, well if you need something really British and special, why not?
The Estuary is a restaurant for the casual diner, but one with genuine taste.
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Barboush
Okay, for those who know their streets, technically, this restaurant is between Leigh and Westcliff, but for today, I am claiming it, I am sure you will forgive me.
Barboush, Bar and Grill is possibly the most lavish of restaurants in the area. Before you even enter, the exterior shouts luxury and opulence and upon entering one is not disappointed. Mirrors are everywhere and those mirrors reflect the indulgent use of gold and warm shades of blacks and browns. Chandeliers add to that feel that you are eating somewhere special, and you are.
Baboush is a Turkish restaurant, and I am sure that the rich interior was carefully designed to match the richness of the food served. However, despite the indulgent interior, the atmosphere is refreshingly casual, and the experience is to be enjoyed as such.
Imagine King prawns with chilli and garlic sauce, or a melt in the mouth Lamb Sis. The food definitely lives up to expectations and the menu has a lot of fantastic regional delights. My favourite? Kofte Chicken, simply yum.
Baboush is a serious restaurant and you need to realise that opulence and service at this level costs more than most, but I you can afford it, it’s a must, only if its to see your refection, dressed up sipping a cocktail in a gilt framed mirror.