Beachside Grill, Saunton

Nothing captures the essence of the seaside like a giant beach hut sporting dazzling Atlantic views and a menu of smoked thrills reminiscent of lazy summer barbecues, writes Rosanna Rothery, on her visit to Beachside Grill

Lunch on the sunkissed terrace is heavenly but, by night, watching the sun dip over the beach with a chilled glass of wine takes some beating.

VISIT this sister cafe to Saunton Sands Hotel for gorgeous fresh-from-the-grill meat, fish, burgers and veg. A new season family-friendly menu showcases smoky seaside succulence with meat slowly smoked over hickory wood before being grilled on open flames.

Alongside small plates and salads for lighter appetites are robust delights to help conquer that fresh-from-the-surf famished feeling. Try the Bradley’s Brisket Burger: a pretzel bun stuffed with juicy steak and burnt brisket ends, oozing with black garlic mayo.

DON’T VISIT for formality and frills. You’ll be grateful for this laid-back vibe when you’ve a tribe of excitable kids in tow and you’re rocking beachside naturalism – sans makeup, tousled hair and sandy toes.

WE LIKED simple beachside food, cooked well and tailored to different scoffing styles: flavoursome steaks for the meat freaks, chickpea falafel and halloumi burgers for those voting to go veggie, scrumptious seafood dishes for fish fanatics, and a colour-in kids’ menu of classics for mini foodies.