Books in my Handbag Tour
Fifteen miles from nowhere, we saw a faded sign for ‘Fish Shack’. We followed a road to the middle of the beach desert until we reached a decaying old boat that was almost as big as a whale. Yes, and the B52’s track was playing in my head…
Parking the car on the uneven tarmac, we hobbled over the pebbles to the shack. Luckily, I found a table overlooking abandoned boats and Dungeness Power Station. Optimistic that my husband had reserved a love shack to celebrate two decades of marriage, I congratulated him on this romantic setting. Alas, always thinking of his stomach, the Fish Shack was the destination.
Expecting greasy fish and chips, I was handed plaice and salad with a large cup of builder’s tea. The food was absolutely delicious! The plaice, caught only hours earlier, was cooked in olive oil on a hot plate. The fresh salad had an olive oil and lemon dressing. It was served in a small cardboard box, but they will probably steal this idea on the Great British Menu. And builder’s tea could be the new Pinot Noir. I must confess that I declined the bread roll, but understood that it was a nod to the fishermen who eat this food.
Seizing the moment, we decided to go for a walk on the beach. We were told it was fine to walk on the beach if we didn’t touch the ‘fishing tackle’!! Forget visiting a maritime museum, there were artefacts on the beach such as rusty anchors and abandoned nets. These savvy people are obviously protecting the objects d’art to prevent art galleries and Michelin starred restaurants from displaying them in their gaffs. The food and the setting were perfect: The Fish Shack is indeed a funky little shack. Get yourselves off to the food getaway!
Who knows? Maybe this place will become either the Dungeness Modern Art Gallery or even the Derek Jarman Modern. An art gallery and restaurant without walls could be the new concept of the 21st century. Visit now as in the future you may need a credit card without a limit.
Funky Fact
Derek Jarman, the artist and filmmaker, lived in Prospect Cottage, Dungeness.
Please see all my travels and adventures at Handbag Adventures.
Knew i recognised it! My new novel is set down there. Love it
Where we used to live, on the borders of Suffolk and Essex, we went for special occasions to “The Company Shed”. Very basic, take your own alcohol, bread and butter (if you fancied!), salad. They provide a formica-topped table, cutlery, new friends to sit next to and – the most amazing fresh fish, oysters etc. that you could hope for. You can’t book and it is very popular. So, be prepared to queue. It’s on Mersea Island, which can get cut off at high tide. So pleased these eccentric places exist. There are too many chain restaurants, all serving samey food, imho. ” I love your blogs, Jessie.
Angela Petch