I loved the chilled out vibe of the Spars. Just up from the cove, it is a traditional pub but post surf place to hangout.
They have a reputation for their own microbrewery, but also stock local labels such as Korev lager and Rattler cider. there is also a decent wine list and a medium sized glass of wine is around £4-£5 depending on what you get.
It is popular - the sunday lunch sold out when we were there as it is available between 12-2.30pm but fear not, the excellent Lewsey Lou's is positioned opposite and staff there will call out your receipt number so you can squeeze in a quick pint between ordering and getting your food.
I had lunch there one day mid-week. Standard pub food but a good value portion and staff are aware of dietary needs so I had no issues being gluten free. Tasty, well cooked burger (minus bun) and chips and salad on the side was a decent portion that I din't finish it all. My friend had a sausage sandwich was was rated as very tasty and as it was the special was only £5.95 - sausage in ciabatta with onion relish with chips and salad, so again another big portion. Also on the sunday, left over roasties, veggies and meat were on the bar - not enough for complete portions and I would say on the basis of my limited sampling (beef, bit of parsnip and a roastie, that the Sunday lunch would be well worth a booking!).
So, I'm not a local and it'll probably be a year before I go back, but I'll be definitely heading back to try more of the menu and just hangout there after a day of boarding :-) read more