Oh I do like to be beside the seaside....

London in this weather is an absolute nightmare! The humidity gets to even the strongest of Londoners and the only salvation is the parks (thank god for green space) and the air conditioning that chills you instantly when you step inside a shop. Fortunately enough however I managed to escape the London heat trap and go to West Mersea (Essex) for a lovely day by the seaside! Just a 2 hour drive out of London, this small town, with its long lovely beaches (when the tide is out) and fantastically fresh sea food is definitely worth visiting. The average age of the people visiting West Mersea was around 70 (saga heaven). As I like peace and calm its a perfect destination for me! 

The lovely long beach, but avoid going during the high tide as the beach does slowly start to disappear! 

 Like all foodies the highlight of any trip is always where you end up eating. So for me the promise of a seafood platter was enough to have me sold on the place! West Mersea is known for its Colchester oysters, thus there are many an opportunity to taste those slimy salty delights. Where we ended up eating however did a variety of different fishy meals, including the classic fish and chips (yum yum) and grilled lobster if you fancied treating yourself. We decided on the mixed seafood platter which you can get for any number of people (great food for sharing) which included chilli prawns, crayfish (my favourite and sustainable), mussels, cockles, dressed crab, smoked mackerel, sardines, smoked salmon and sweet cured herrings. Safe to say there was something for everyone, if you like fish that is. The restaurant, 'West Mersea Oyster Bar', is very unassuming and has a relaxing non fuss vibe. The restaurant looks like a glorified shed with canteen like seating inside, but the real diamond feature is the outside seating (good for those dog walking), right on the sea front looking over the anchored boats, its just the place to enjoy the fresh fish. 

What was left (with help from Elvis, our dog)! 

and Elvis begging for more.... 

 Once lunch was over a long walk on the beach was needed! With Elvis loving the cooling sea.  

 

To end the day perfectly we decided to stuff ourselves further by purchasing an ice cream. My frozen delight of choice was elderflower and lime, which was possibly the best flavour combination I have ever eaten! 

And finely some wise words.....