Lyme Regis named in Which? list of best seaside towns

The picturesque West Dorset resort is known for its affiliation with famed fossil hunter Mary Anning, as well as drawing masses of crowds to the iconic Cobb harbour wall.

Now it has been commended as an "excellent" food and drink hotspot by consumer watchdog Which?

Almost 5,000 Which? members gave their views on the best and worst seaside towns in a recent survey. The results have shown that a total of 21 seaside towns got four star ratings for food and drink. 

Lyme Regis was among these towns, which were ranked based on their overall destination score. The town came in ninth position with a score of 77 per cent. 

Tom Robinson is the patron chef and owner at Tom’s Lyme Regis, which recently scooped up a prestigious Trencherman's award earlier this year.

READ MORE: Two Lyme Regis restaurants win at Trencherman's Awards

He said he is delighted at the news and praised the varied offerings, local produce and rich heritage the town offers. 

Mr Robinson said: "We have a very healthy competition in the area with stylish restaurants and varied offerings. It does make it a desirable place to eat. For myself I’m honouring and celebrating local produce, trying to help keep it local and sustainable.

Roger Moretto (centre left) and Tom Robinson (centre right) from Tom's Lyme Regis (Image: Trencherman's Awards)

“I think Lyme Regis is great all year when the sun is out on the seafront or on the Cobb. It’s an iconic setting - it’s like you’ve entered into a painting. It’s ideal for al fresco dining. There’s a big draw to sitting out in the sunshine with the sea in front of you.

“We value independence in Lyme Regis. If you look at the shops, retail and restaurants, local residents and tourists alike champion the independent trader. It’s got a quirky quality about it and it’s all about independent traders."

Gary Valentine, manager of the Cobb Arms, has also shared his delight at seeing Lyme Regis featured in the national list. 

"It gives us a sense of pride doing our best to provide good food and service. 

"We have lot of fresh fish coming in directly into the harbour so we can have nicer, fresher and better ingredients. 

Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis (Image: Google Maps)

"Without a doubt Lyme Regis is very much a tourist destination and as soon as the sun comes out we have masses of people come in to enjoy what the area has to offer."

St Andrews in Fife, Scotland was named the best seaside town in the UK for food and drink with an overall destination score of 82 per cent. 

Which? named Dartmouth in South Devon as the the best place to go for a meal in South West, with a score of 79 per cent.