We sampled tapas in Teignmouth
16:00, 08 Feb 2025Updated 09:54, 10 Feb 2025
Lobster Lounge(Image: DevonLive)
When in Teignmouth eat like the Portuguese do. The Lobster Lounge is a taste of Iberia with all the trappings of an authentic tapas bar that just happens to be located on the Devon seaside.
On entering the contrast with the cold, grey day outside is striking. There’s a warming fire glowing around some leather chairs and the whole place is enveloped in maroon and terracotta colours.
The Buena Vista Social Club is warbling away in the background, fishing pots and authentic-looking ceramics adorn the shelves. If it wasn’t for the two extremely strong Brummie accents drifting from one of the tables I could be in Barcelona.
The business has been here a while but I’m told that the owner recently pivoted towards modern Mediterranean food after enjoying a holiday on some sunlight costa and was so inspired decided it was just what was needed on Northumberland Place, just down the road from the King William pub.
Chiperones at the Lobster Lounge in Teignmouth(Image: DevonLive)
I take a seat at a rustic looking table and for the next hour forget the damp day outside. Teignmouth is a great seaside town, full of interesting people and with a rich maritime heritage. The Lobster Lounge is a brave and intriguing addition to it’s eating culture.
Scanning the menu my first thought is that I have absolutely no idea how to do this. I’m no stranger to eating abroad and can shout ‘sausage egg and chips’ with the best of Brits but tapas has an extra level of sophistication. Something my wife says has always been beyond me.
Thankfully the single member of staff working on this quiet weekday is an expert. Tapas is best enjoyed with a group, a working man’s pick n mix of small plates. Chatting and sharing being part of the joy.
Chicken in romesco sauce at the Lobster Lounge in Teignmouth(Image: DevonLive)
Unfortunately I’m Billy-no-mates today. Thankfully she takes me through the menu. It’s divided in Classico and Creativo (words which even my powers of translation can grasp). There’s also a Wood Fired Oven section which includes a huge 1.2kg porterhouse steak with a huge £80 price and a whole Teignmouth lobster (£75).
I opt for an eclectic mix of dishes that includes lemon and thyme roast chicken in romesco sauce with salsa verde and almonds from the Classico selection (£12). I also fancy some cod croquettes in chilli jam from the chef’s specials board.
I’m tempted by the octopus but steer clear as I’ve always considered it a noble beast of the deep. I have no qualms with squid though, even infant ones, and choose Chiperones (fried baby squid with aioli, smoked paprika, squid ink) from the Creativo range.
The Lobster Lounge in Teignmouth(Image: DevonLive)
The dishes arrive staggered a few minutes apart. As they appear I indulge in a coconut and pineapple mocktail. It’s a pimped-up smoothie with lots of ice that looks and tastes glorious but takes about cinco seconds to consume.
There’s a lovely, relaxed vibe about the Lobster Lounge. Under the bar is a mini-aquarium in which an enormous albino fish wafts in and out of view. I’m so relaxed, what with the acoustic music and gentle Brummie-burr from across the room, the helpful staff member has no trouble upselling me some roasted almonds as I wait for the main courses.
The website says: “Our main focus here at the Lobster Lounge is on the ingredient, served simply with our modern touch, delivered by our passionate team here in Teignmouth. From classic dishes to signature plates, we bring you the best we can to showcase Mediterranean food and drink, plus cocktail.”
Creme Catalan at the Lobster Lounge in Teignmouth(Image: DevonLive)
The chicken breast is soft and the sauce zippy with tomato-richness and a nice peppery undertone. The croquettes have a pleasant battered shell and soft centre.
Chiperones are more tender than the familiar calamari. They seem a bit under seasoned for my taste but no doubt that is to bring out the natural sweetness and tenderness of the young cephalopods.
There’s a nice range to the menu with classics like patatas bravas and Iberico ham. There’s attractive chorizo, pasta and mushroom selections too among the dishes.
Bar seating at The Lobster Lounge in Teignmouth(Image: DevonLive)
Creme Catalan is a Spanish version of the classic French brulee. It arrives at the table with a touch of theatre – its caramelized topping is still aflame as it reaches me. There a velvety richness to the orange and cinnamon cream. A great to adios the meal.
The prices are a little top heavy at the Lobster Lounge, my bill comes in at £50, but it has a unique atmosphere, self-consciously shabby, and at least feels authentically Iberian.
If you don’t have any friends then get some before entering. To enjoy the full tapas experience you really need to be with other guests. You might have to suspend belief a little, Teignmouth has the sea but not always the sun, but I’d recommend it for a celebratory meal and to explore some interesting European flavours.