Weymouth, not if your under 10mts

billyfish

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Following my trip "down west" after a bit of a lumpy ride back from the Dart, I was dreaming of a couple of pints at the red lion behind the cove only to be told they were full. Now sure it's bank Holiday I get that, but on the way west I was in there and where there was room for about 10 small boats at the cove now only 2 births for visitors before rafting out, only 2. The rest of the births are now stinky fishing charter boats. Unless of course you are a swanky 50 footer , then they find room. I was told the council need to make money but don't 2 8mt boats equal 1 16mt boat but with twice the crew. A lot of the 50 footers only have 2 crew or are they not thinking of the pubs and shops. On the plus side, we went to Portland marina, something I havn't done for years and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of decent amenities. Very good ,cheaper then weymouth, fish shop. Excellent bakery, the best one in weymouth folded years ago. So thanks weymouth council for steering me away. Come on Portland. Oh and the mooring was cheaper with free lecy better showers and bogs. I have quite often anchored in the bay on the other side but saw some boats anchored not far from the marina entrance 🤔 food for thought.
 
It has a handy Lidl but the on-site eatery is dire last time I tried. Someone at boatfolk outsource all the cafes to a crapita type operator. Sanity has returned at Haslar but I don’t know if Portland has likewise been leased back to an owner operator . Last time I saw it was closed down though but I guess with a refurb it now offers fine dining to match berthingfees
 
I confirm, I had a bowl of mussels 21. She had fish chips 20. A few quid but very good. Gone are the days of cheap eat outs. I usually eat on board but after a tiresome day .....well you know. The pub up the road we went to first was rammed and much the same price.
 
The Salt restaurant at Portland seems to be trying to be a destination eatery rather than a marina amenity but failed for us last night. Might be OK if you want fish, but not a lot for those of us that don't!

£24 for a burger is too much so we went back on board to eat. We went to The Cove Inn today and had a great lunch for £30 for 2!
 
A taxi to Weymouth (or bus for a scenic tour) and a visit to Rockfish seems to be the likely choice - there are a few reasonable eateries in Weymouth at least. Seems like the Salt has become overpriced for burgers at least . Must look up the Cove.
 
The Salt restaurant at Portland seems to be trying to be a destination eatery rather than a marina amenity but failed for us last night. Might be OK if you want fish, but not a lot for those of us that don't!

£24 for a burger is too much so we went back on board to eat. We went to The Cove Inn today and had a great lunch for £30 for 2!
Where is The Cove Inn ?

Edit. Think I've found it on the west side of Portland nearly on the beach.
 
A taxi to Weymouth (or bus for a scenic tour) and a visit to Rockfish seems to be the likely choice - there are a few reasonable eateries in Weymouth at least. Seems like the Salt has become overpriced for burgers at least . Must look up the Cove
Salt only opened at the start of this year I think… still finding its feet in my opinion but agree it’s on the pricey side. There are a few other options all within walking distance…
The Beehive Bakery - coffees sandwiches toasties focaccia etc
Portland Pizza co. Next to the heli pad with Riptide Espresso and Records upstairs..
Quiddles - sea food lunches. At the end of the chesil sea wall along from the cove pub.
Billy Winters… walk towards Weymouth and find it at the end of the causeway on the harbour side beach.
Crab House cafe… other side on the edge of the fleet lagoon..

In Weymouth I think Sea Beats on the sea front is better than RockFish..
And if you’re stuck you can get your fish and chips in Bennett’s on the harbour and eat them in the Kings Arms next door as long as you buy a drink and take out your rubbish..
 
The Cove on a hot summer's night is an overpriced hell hole rammed with sqawking pissed up yobs. £35 to be rafted five out no electric and a long hike to the showers is poor value. I chose Portland on my way back to Ipswich and a much more pleasant experience for a passage stop.
 
If only you could still get a birth. That was my point the council have done away with them. It was usually nice but I agree you had to pick your time ,Fridays Saturday was a no no .
 
The Cove at 0740 this morning. Effectively deserted, during the week after the August Bank Holiday. Like the Folly (upstream from Cowes) this is another destination where the berthing policies and prices are ruining once great destinations.


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