Whether you are looking for some ideas of where to take a loved one this Valentines Day, you are seeking out somewhere famed for a particular cuisine, or you simply want to find somewhere new, retirement communities UK, such as Burnham Waters, has put together some of the best local restaurants in Burnham on Crouch (in our opinion!).

The Oyster Smack Inn

We have featured it before, but we feel this local treasure deserves another mention! Having frequented this eatery many times ourselves, we have always been impressed by the staff and the food on offer here.  

The Oyster Smack Inn is an independent restaurant (and hotel), renowned for serving locally sourced, home cooked, seasonal food accompanied by a warm, friendly service.

On Wednesday 14th February, they are offering a three-course set menu for £40 per head. Find out more about their Valentine’s Menu from The Oyster Smack Inn website.  

The Swallowtail Restaurant

Situated within the picturesque Burnham Yacht Harbour, this restaurant offers the ideal spot whether you are looking for a romantic Valentines Day meal for two, or you are planning a stroll down from your vibrant new retirement community for a leisurely meal with friends. Its large balcony can’t fail to impress, offering stunning views over the Marina and the River Crouch.

The Swallowtail Restaurant restaurant always offers a warm welcome and is popular with local residents as well as travelling sailors alike.  

On Tuesday 14th February, between 6pm and 9pm, they are offering  a two-course set menu for £29.95 or a three-course set menu for £34.95. Take a look at The Swallowtail Restaurant Facebook page for more info.  

Bella’s Bistro

The beauty of this local gem is in its simplicity. Bella's Bistro is located in Burnham on Crouch on the high street, not far from our luxury retirement community at Burnham Waters. It boasts a vast array of positive customer reviews and offers an extensive, Italian themed menu. There is everything from traditional pasta dishes to slow cooked rolled pork belly and a fillet of English beef.

While there is no Valentines set menu currently being offered, the standard set menu offers two courses from £26.95 and three-courses from £32.95.

Read customer reviews and find out more via the Bella’s Bistro Facebook page.  

The Ship Inn  

This is a regular hot spot for us and we have always found it to deliver good food and good service.  

A local pub in the heart of Burnham on Crouch, The Ship Inn team is passionate about sourcing the finest, freshest and most sustainable ingredients. The pub and dining room has a reputation for seasonally inspired menus where everything is homemade and its unique approach makes it a special place to visit.

They offer a varied menu with everything from sharing platers and traditional fish and chips to burgers and steaks, making it the ideal spot if you are looking for a more relaxed setting.  

If you are planning to push the boat out for a romantic Valentines meal in Burnham on Crouch, there is a very enticing chateaubriand for two on the menu, priced at £68. Take a look at The Ship Inn menu.

Ye Olde White Harte

First opened in the 1650, Ye Olde White Harte is a popular hotel and eatery is steeped in history. Its bar area is divided into three distinct areas:

The main bar area: this looks out over the quay and is full of character with exposed beams and a big open fire place.  

The snug: located at the rear of the building, this is typically where the regulars like to gather! It has a real flame gas fire and a cozy atmosphere.

A separate room off the main bar has a gas fire and is perfect for families to enjoy.  

Food is available throughout the whole building including in The Chartroom, which has tables decorated with old charts mainly of the Essex coast.  This area boasts a large hearth with gas fire, exposed beams and brass ornaments.  

As well as a daily specials board, it offers a traditional menu, with options such as pie of the day,  pork chops and smoked haddock – perfect for a casual Valentines day meal for two, or a relaxed catch up with friends.

You can view the full menu on the Ye Olde White Harte website.

Parlour Café

Located close to our luxury, vibrant new retirement community at Burnham Waters, the Parlour Café is more suited to a relaxed lunch with friends but…if you are planning a Valentines day meal with a twist, there are some very tempting breakfast options, as well as a tasty lunch menu and some incredible smoothies and milkshakes. They even have a dog-friendly menu if you have a pampered pooch, who you think deserves a treat!!

Find out more on the Parlour Café website.

New restaurants in Maldon

If you are looking to try somewhere new, then why not consider a couple of the new restaurants in Maldon, which have recently opened their doors.

Plates

Plates is a new restaurant, established by experienced chef Mick Binnington. Mick has more than 20 years of experience and previously worked in a head chef role with the Gordon Ramsay Group in London. His new restaurant Plates in Maldon opened its doors on 7th February, in what used to be Bloomsbury’s Art Cafe and Bookshop in Mill Road.  

Plates aims to deliver a small plates casual dining concept in a shabby chic, quirky, laid back environment providing a unique dining experience like no other.

Find out more on the Plates Facebook page.

Salero Lounge

If you are looking for a bit of a livelier scene, you might want to try the recently opened Salero Lounge. Part of the Lounges franchise, Salero Lounge opened at the end of 2023 in the former Post Office in Maldon High Street.

With all-day food menus, there is something for everyone to enjoy – from breakfast through to an evening meal. The interiors of each lounge are designed to bring out the soul of every site, with sympathetic design and murals that celebrate the history and spirit of each local community.

Visit the Salero Lounge website for more.

Retirement communities UK: Find out more about Burnham Waters

If you are looking for a retirement communities UK, and are planning your retirement in Essex, we’d love you to get in touch! Our spacious new build retirement bungalows are nestled in the Essex countryside and offer a wide range of amenities and social opportunities to enjoy.  

For more information, simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or contact our sales team on 01621 861559.