Mary-Lou Sturridge and Tony Mackintosh (late of London’s Groucho Club) run their ‘laid-back but sophisticated’ restaurant-with-rooms within sound of the waves. Fronted by a terrace with tables and chairs, the white-painted edifice stands above Lyme Bay and its beach – ‘a wonderful location’, writes a reader this year after an ‘enjoyable stay’. Interiors are pared-down chic and ‘in good taste’ – pale walls, bare floorboards (‘tread softly!’). In the ‘elegant, unfussy’ bedrooms overlooking Jurassic coast or gentle countryside, find books, a Roberts radio, a TV on request. ‘Our room was spacious and airy, with a comfortable bed and a nicely kitted-out bathroom.’ Dine on modern dishes rich in West Country produce in the sea-facing dining room – home-cured beef fillet, celeriac remoulade, perhaps, or hake fillet, smoked mussels, rainbow chard. On a balmy day, French doors are thrown open to the watery vista. ‘It’s not a cheap meal, but it’s entirely pleasing, and served by friendly staff.’ After breakfast the next day, ask for a greaseproof paper–wrapped crab sandwich, then follow the path to the beach. (Fiona Clifton, and others)