Christchurch

It may be a grey, wintry day, but there is nothing to cheer the soul like a sea view, with scudding clouds, and wading birds floating above a reflective sea… Even better then, if you can take-in that view from within a warm, bright and glass wrapped haven.

The Jetty appears to float above Christchurch Harbour – all weathered wood, sparkling glass and steel – it’s perched like a launching boat, next to the grey waters. It is run by by Alex Aitken, who has cooked in the New Forest for over twenty-five years. At le Poussin he held a Michelin star, and he moved to The Jetty in 2010.

There were five of us for lunch and we’d all been meaning to try it for some time. We were impressed by the breadth and scope of the menu – there are rarely menus where I really feel torn between dishes – but there is plenty to tempt here. The following will give you a good idea of their style and talents. A word of caution, book early in the summer months, because I guarantee everyone else will!