Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61848" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-12-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Taking to its throne between the pretty Georgian terraces and the rustic pebbled beach, <a href="https://eastbeachcafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Beach Café</a> reigns over Littlehampton. It opened in 2007 to much acclaim bringing some well-needed culinary elitism to the area, offering creative takes on classic seaside dishes but with affordable prices and in a relaxed, yet beautiful, setting. </p>



<p>Since then, it hasn’t stopped delivering on the views and most importantly, on the food. The building &#8211; designed by award-winning architect Thomas Heatherwick &#8211; is a showstopper, created to resemble a piece of driftwood (or, maybe oyster shell?) it’s impressive, with floor-to-ceiling- windows framing the views of the sea.<br><br>New for this year, the café has a smoker on site with plans to start selling smoked salmon, and there&#8217;s a new menu just launched. Shall we eat? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61843" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/9-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Stop stereotyping about a seaside cafe in Littlehampton, (we know you are), because East Beach Café will surprise you in the right way. We went on a very wet weekend, the wind was howling, the sky a depressing grey, but we felt warm and relaxed as soon as we got in the door. The movement against the bright white walls makes it you feel as if you’re seeking shelter in a cosy cave, but the huge windows running the length the building give lots of light and a fresh feel.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61844" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/1-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><br>Inside there’s a nautical theme of navy and white while the tables &#8211; with room for 45 &#8211; are spread out with plenty of space so there’s atmosphere and buzz without losing out on intimacy at your own table. It feels as if it’s a place for everyone, there are families of three generations, crayons and games for the kids, a petite but punchy wine list and blankets for days the weather is playing ball and you want to eat outside. But whatever the sunshine decides to do, it has a busy brasserie vibe.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff"><strong>SCOFF AND QUAFF</strong></h2>



<p>Fish features heavily on the menu but there are plenty of options for all tastebuds from squid to mussels, cured salmon to fish and chips and from Ox cheek burger to chicken supreme and mac and cheese to chicken live pate, as well as vegetarian options.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61845" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/2-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>On the day we visited, specials included line-caught haddock filet, chicken burger and roasted duck breast. But the first matter was which aperitif we were ordering, mine was a no-brainer, Winston East sparkling Brut, my (jealous) pregnant plus one had a raspberry and elderflower crush &#8211; which to be fair, was also rather yum.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61846" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/3-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61849" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/4-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><br>We followed this with some confit garlic focaccia and oils with a side of gossip, before the salt and pepper squid with hoisin mayo and chilli oil arrived. It smelt delicious and I wrongly thought there was coconut from the sweet scent, but this was the hoisin which was more like a cream than a mayonnaise and I couldn&#8217;t stop dipping into it. The batter on the squid was gluten free &#8211; apparently after so many requests for this they made it so &#8211; but it makes the starter light, which I loved.</p>



<p>My plus one opted for the special which was haddock served with tenderstem broccoli, crushed potatoes, black pudding, celeriac puree, it usually comes with a mussel and prawn sauce but it was no hassle for the chef to create a shellfish-free alternative. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61851" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/6-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I did experience a little food envy when I witnessed the fish and chips arrive at another table the batter looked golden and crunchy! But I’m confident other people were eyeing up my curried coconut mussels served with toasted bread, I opted for the small portion and gobbled it all up, but was just the right size for me to squeeze in dessert.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/7-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Speaking of, this is where they come into their own, raspberry croissant bread and butter pudding, apple and caramel cheesecake, ice cream and a dessert wine list to boot. Between us we shared the chocolate brownie with ice cream and a sticky toffee pudding with extra sauce, because you can never have enough.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1.jpg" alt="East Beach Cafe" class="wp-image-61850" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/11-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>To complete things, I went a little off piste, there are digestifs and nightcaps on offer so they kindly did an amaretto coffee for me to satisfy all my sweet cravings. Delicious.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1.jpg" alt="East Beach guesthouse" class="wp-image-61854" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/11/Untitled-design-13-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There is nowhere better locally to lay you head, and change into an elasticised waistband, than <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/east-beach-guest-house-littlehampton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Beach Guesthouse</a> just a few minutes walk from <a href="https://www.eastbeachhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Beach Café</a>. A traditional, elegant guesthouse with incredible hospitality and is dog-friendly too. Each room has been lovingly restored in stunning shades with en-suites with pristine fittings. One room has a private outdoor terrace, a sofa and separate kitchen &#8211; ideal for longer stays. A continental breakfast is served to your room the following morning or you can enjoy it in the stunning lounge area with beautiful sea views and velvet sofas and chairs in jewel tones that you can also collapse into later with a glass of wine.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly"><strong>DOG-FRIENDLY</strong></h2>



<p>No dogs allowed inside the café, but they are on the decking area outside.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about"><strong>OUT AND ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="381" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/ArundelCastle_SkyImage-720x381.jpg" alt="Arundel Castle" class="wp-image-26487" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/ArundelCastle_SkyImage-720x381.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/ArundelCastle_SkyImage-300x159.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/ArundelCastle_SkyImage-768x406.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/07/ArundelCastle_SkyImage.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>The pretty town of Arundel is just a 10 minute drive away, the highlight of which is without question the medieval castle (though you&#8217;ll have to wait until 1 April 2023 to visit it &#8211; sorry!). There&#8217;s a grand French Gothic style Victorian Cathedral, and plenty of family-friendly offerings including the Swanbourne Lake, a wetland centre, walks and cycle routes along the South Downs Way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR: </strong>Relaxed gatherings, families very welcome (great for grandparents too) and fussy eaters will be sure to find something they enjoy. Smart wine list too.<strong><br><br>NOT FOR: </strong>Anyone looking for fining dining &#8211; the food is high quality but it is a café, don’t expect silver service.<br><br><strong>THE DAMAGE: </strong>Starters to share are around £5-8, lighter lunch options around £9-11, mains £10-£20 and desserts £5-£8.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://eastbeachcafe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Beach Cafe</a>, Sea Rd, Littlehampton BN17 5GB, <a href="tel:01903731903">01903 731903</a>.</em></p>


Review: East Beach Café, Littlehampton

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