Set sail for Harbour Lights

Barbara Young samples the delights of Harbour Lights’ contemporary British and International menu while enjoying the views over Burton Waters Marina.

With breath-taking views of Lincolnshire’s premier marina complex at Burton Waters, Harbour Lights Bar & Kitchen is ideally positioned to offer an elegant, tranquil and romantic modern dining experience.

We visited at lunchtime and although quite busy with local regulars, celebrating couples and visiting family groups, the soft booth seating and warm wood interior – with contemporary lighting and soothing colours reflecting the surrounding waters and bobbing boats – proved a relaxed and stylish backdrop, where you never feel rushed or under pressure.

Open for lunch, brunch, dinner and drinks (including a collection of classy cocktails, more than 80 gins and an inspired waterfront wine list), this sophisticated setting and warm ambience is reflected in the presentation and quality of the seasonal menu, which features plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options too.

We began our lunch with Harbour Lights Bruschetta (£6.50), an attractive chilled starter with red onions, tomatoes, garlic, dressed rocket and balsamic dressing which was light and refreshing. The house favourite Famous Scotch Egg (£8.50) featuring a beautifully prepared softly boiled egg surrounded by perfectly seasoned quality sausage meat and served with dressed salad and port and red onion chutney more than lived up to its rave reviews.

This was followed by succulent Pan Fried Lamb Rump (£22.50), cooked and served pink, accompanied by delicately sliced, soft dauphinoise potatoes, buttered asparagus, with a redcurrant reduction and vibrant green salsa verde, which pulled the whole dish together perfectly.

As a second main dish, we selected the intriguing sounding Rump Steak, Stilton and Walnut Salad (£18.50), which didn’t disappoint – featuring perfectly grilled melt in the mouth rump steak, with pieces of ripe Stilton and a scattering of walnuts served with mixed leaf salad, peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, garlic croutons and balsamic glaze.

Both red meats, supplied by Wards Butchers, the well established family business in Ruskington, were outstanding, while the top quality fresh vegetables are delivered daily from Fresh From the Fields in Lincoln.

And so on to the choice of “die for” desserts. We were delighted with our choice of Apple and Cinnamon Tarte Tatin (£7), featuring crispy wafer thin pastry and served with Chantilly cream, and the classic favourite, a delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding (£7) served with vanilla ice cream and a smooth salted caramel sauce, which lifted the overall flavours to a new level.

Idyllic setting
Suspended on stilts above the tranquil waters and made predominantly of glass, this individual venue is truly idyllic and it would be easy to while away time here.

The attentive, welcoming service is first class too, and we were impressed by restaurant supervisor Josefa’s pride and passion for her job and attention to every small detail to ensure customers enjoy the best time.

Harbour Lights is also a popular venue for weddings and is available to hire by arrangement.

Whether you’re looking for a cosy space for 30 guests, or a romantic and glamorous gathering for 80 guests and 120 ‘dancing’ evening guests, they can cater for all budgets and requirements.

There is also an outdoor wrap-around balcony over the water providing a special space for a drinks

If you’re looking for a special place to switch off, indulge in delicious food and escape the hustle and bustle, Harbour Lights is a true oasis of tranquillity. Here you can sit back and take in the soothing sounds of lapping water, while admiring the impressive parade of yachts lined up alongside passing families of contented ducks and geese – who certainly seem to have the right idea about how to make the most of quality downtime!

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