How often do you have a restaurant meal but not really remember what you’ve eaten or much about your night out?

I find it’s very rarely that hubby and I feel 100% happy with our dining experience (years in the hospitality and events business do that to you!) but when we do, we are blown away and tell everyone which is why I wanted to write to you about this fantastic fish restaurant we stumbled upon earlier this year.

OK, it’s not wedding-related at all but it’s about service and attention to detail and that is wedding-related and I like to think I can spot it a mile off!  Of course Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant  is also an ideal spot for any kind of special celebration or proposal so there is a vague link.  

So what was so special?

The team – the owner team greet you from the initial booking to the final “coats-on and wave off” – Stacey is front of house and David heads up the kitchen and you see both of them in action – they are attentive to the last, friendly with time for chat, highly knowledgeable and just all round inspirational people.

The decor – simple, clean lines and plenty of natural light from the floor to ceiling glass windows and skylights.  More than a few clever hints of blue which of course works well with its waterside setting in the lovely Milford-on-Sea, and a very effective “wave” lighting effect on the central wall.

The details – Menus – hubby had a black menu card, I had white and with napkins we were reversed (a nice touch), water glasses were a lovely strong blue, bread and butter presented on slate platters, just before departure we were presented with a cute pair of mini milk bottles with straws filled with a deliciously alcoholic chocolate milkshake!

The food  – well I confess I actually don’t really love fish so for me it had to be special to get my attention – I loved the way that you could choose your fish of the day but with 4 different garnishes to suit – from a French twist with Provencale, some Indian spice from Bombay,  an Italian injection with Reggiano to a more simple classic Grill. Starters and desserts were equally inspirational and delicious.  Make your own mind up by having a peak at the menu here

Seafood and eat it of course!

The wines – I like a good wine but do get annoyed with the outrageous mark-up sometimes. I was delighted to see some sensibly priced options including a great New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (went down very well), some lovely rosé (didn’t get to try that!)  and great to see good Prosecco on the list as a more than acceptable alternative to champagne.

And the clever thing is that this restaurant also doubles up as a fishmongers so visitors can have their fish and cook it. Shame we don’t live closer or we would most definitely be regular visitors.  I do love to see a new business really going for it, setting standards and delivering genuinely excellent service at a fair price and long may it continue for Stacey, David and the team.

The restaurant is based in Milford-on-Sea on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire.