The Larder in Lymington boosts opening hours after struggling to keep up with demand

A LYMINGTON deli which transforms into an Ibiza-style courtyard tapas restaurant over the summer months is set to increase its opening hours after struggling to keep up with demand.

The Larder café and deli in Earley Court has been serving up an array of authentic Spanish-style tapas dishes on Thursday and Friday evenings since 2022, but with wannabe dinners regularly exceeding the courtyard’s capacity, the vibrant eatery is now set to expand to Saturday evening opening.

A popular café and coffee shop by day, the Larder’s covered courtyard garden features beautiful olive trees, twinkling lights, patio heaters and Bohemian straw lampshades to create an Ibiza-style vibe.

Run by husband-and-wife team Karl and Esther-Kate Cheshire, the Larder creates authentic dishes using ingredients that are imported from Spain.

The evening tapas menu features boqueron (giant anchovies’), fried maroma almonds with rosemary, Spanish pickles called banderillas, spider crab and saffron croquettes, Spanish omelette, and jamon iberico on toasted sourdough served with mandarin oil.

There are also sharing platters, special dishes, and Spanish stews created by Karl using deli ingredients.

Esther-Kate said: “We are often finding that the courtyard and restaurant area is completely full and we have customers turning up looking for tables. Because of the casual relaxed dining style people often just turn up hoping to grab a few sharing dishes and a glass of wine.

“Opening Saturdays will give us the chance to accommodate all the bookings, and we are also looking at offering private dining on other evenings in the week.”

Karl added: “Our vibe is friendly and welcoming; we want to create a laid back atmosphere where friends catch up cover a glass of wine and a selection of sharing tapas dishes.”

The Larder opens as a café and deli between 9am and 4pm, and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday tapas are served from 6pm to 9pm.

To book call 01590 619606 or visit www.thelarder-lymington.co.uk