The Shed
6 Llanrhian Rd, Porthgain, Haverfordwest. 01348 831518 / www.theshedporthgain.co.uk
Food **** Atmosphere *****
Nestled in Porthgain, a tiny port village along the Pembrokeshire coast, The Shed is certainly a spectacular place to put a restaurant. With views of the cliffs either side and the old quarry opening out onto the ocean, the mix of old industrial leftover and natural beauty makes for a beautiful location. Inside, the décor is smart and cosy without trying too hard. The temperamental weather on the day we visited made The Shed a welcoming space, helped by the friendliness and charm of the staff.
As for the menu, it’s a mix of seasonal a la carte and a more familiar fish-and-chips choice, although overall it is a bit more pricey than your standard chippy – starters average £7, mains £17 or so, and a standard cod‘n’chips takes £13.75 from your wallet – but the quality of produce more than makes up for it. Our shared starters of mussels in tomato sauce were juicy, sweet and exceptionally fresh. My partner was not too hungry, so opted for another starter rather than a main, but the tiger prawns she chose were, again, fresh and succulent.
The only downside was my choice of lemon sole, which, though it came with a refreshing salad and beautifully cut chips, was quite bland beyond the taste afforded by those two side dishes, even though sole is not regarded as being the most naturally tasty fish. Nevertheless, the mixture of natural beauty and fresh ingredients combine to make The Shed a must-eat location for anyone journeying to the Pembrokeshire coast. FEDOR TOT