Oh we do like to be beside the seaside…. Especially when we’re staying at Mark Hix’s new gaff in Dorset! Hix Townhouse, which recently opened in Lyme Regis, is a boutique hotel set in a beautiful old townhouse just off the seafront. The rooms are fairly compact, as you’d expect from a property like this but each one has plenty of character, with individual design themes, big comfy beds and en suite bathrooms. Ours had rich dark red walls, adorned with vintage mirrors, antlers, hats – lots of hats and a chandelier.
Downstairs there’s a communal kitchen where you can grab water, coffees and freshly baked muffins, throughout the day. There’s also a small outdoor terrace where you can look out over at the sea with a glass of wine in the evening and wellington boots for all to use. In the morning, there’s no need to even struggle out of bed for breakfast as Hix will deliver a deluxe hamper right to your door containing all manner of treats including egg and bacon pastries, yoghurt, fresh fruit and warm raspberry muffins – WINNING.
For dinner, you’ll definitely want to head to Hix Oyster and Fish House, a 5 minute walk away from the Townhouse. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but inside you’ll find a cosy little dining room with views out over the bay.
As the name suggests, this place is all about the fruits of the sea and we loved the oyster threesome (one fried, one jellied and one natural), and butter soft cod cheeks with chanterelle mushrooms. For a main we had an epic selection of freshly caught fish including bream, brill and monkfish, served with salsa verde and hollandaise.
If you’re looking for a classy seaside escape away from the hordes of Brighton then this is a great place to check out. It’s a little more effort to get to, but well worth it once you’re there.
1 Pound Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3HZ