Review: Little Pebbles, Barton on Sea
BOHO beach charm meets with fine dining standards at the recently refurbished Little Pebbles bar and café in Barton.
Sharing a kitchen with Pebble Beach Restaurant, the new look coastal eatery has been transformed into a stunning 20 seater café offering a delicious array of pizzas, pastas, burgers and small plates.
Originally set up during the pandemic to offer high quality takeaway food, Little Pebbles has recently undergone a full renovation to create a comfortable and welcoming space offering everything from ice cream and hot chocolates to light bites and evening meals.
Stepping in from the cold on a mid-December evening we were met with a warm and inviting space featuring a soft beige colour scheme married with lush green ferns and a beautiful floral window mural. Comfortable bench setting makes maximum use of wall space, while stylish rattan chairs and lightwood tables add to the relaxed coastal-inspired vibe.
After enjoying a glass of prosecco on arrival, we turned to the drinks menu which featured a selection of wines and champagnes that were available to purchase by the glass or bottle. I enjoyed a glass of Italian La Riva Pinot Grigio Blush, which was deliciously light and dry. My husband opted for a glass of Caoba Malbec, which definitely hit the mark with well-rounded notes of bramble and spice.
Boasting a number of menus that feature everything from cakes and breakfasts, to brunches, light bites and evening dishes, Little Pebbles offers a slightly more casual outlook, with food prepared by the same team creating fine dining cuisine for Pebble Beach.
Ideal for sharing or grazing, the menu features an array of small plate choices such as garlic chilli prawns and lamb meatballs in homemade tomato sauce. However, it was the honey and chilli halloumi bites that jumped out at me.
Beautifully presented on a wooden board and accompanied by a small side salad, the halloumi was cooked to golden brown perfection. The combination of salty warm cheese and a sweet honey drizzle was absolutely exquisite, while the subtle hint of chilli further elevated this moreish dish.
My husband was equally delighted with his choice of tender salt and pepper calamari bites served with a spicy mayo dip. He commented that the melt-in-the-mouth calamari was the best he’d had in a long time – crispy outside and soft inside, in a perfectly seasoned batter.
Turning to the main courses, we discovered a range of burgers, pizzas, pasta dishes and chip shop specials, as well as lunch time paninis and a selection of children’s meals. Seasonal specials were also featured, including a roast turkey burger and a festive pizza featuring pigs in blankets, turkey and stuffing!
My main, chicken alfredo tagliatelle, featured succulent chicken breast combined with tender pasta, bathed in a rich, creamy white wine sauce. The wonderful sauce had a great balance of subtle sweetness of white wine abd the comforting richness of cream. The generous topping of Parmesan shavings provided a salty, nutty counterpoint, creating a luxurious and truly satisfying dish.
For his main course my husband opted for the wagyu beef American Patriot burger. Served in a warm buttery pretzel bun, he said the tender wagyu and the smoky beef brisket combined to give the burger a wonderful depth of flavour. The addition of crispy bacon, creamy Monterey cheese, fresh salad leaves and onion bites added a further symphony of textures and flavours – resulting in an irresistibly delicious dish.
Despite an array of wonderful dessert options, including raspberry and pistachio semifreddo and a British cheese board, after two delicious courses neither of us could manage a dessert.
However, as it was my husband’s birthday, so the staff surprised him with a beautiful birthday plate featuring a warm fruity Panettone topped with almonds, marking a perfect ending to a beautiful meal.
Combining delicious dishes with its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, Little Pebbles is the perfect place for coffee and cake or a more substantial meal. The space is family friendly, and also available for private hire, with four legged friends even able to enjoy a doggy ice cream!
To find out more, visit www.littlepebbles-uk.com
• We’ve teamed up with Little Pebbles to offer one lucky reader a two-course meal for two with a bottle of wine. To be in with a chance to win, pick up your copy of the latest A&T, on newsstands now.
