THERE really is no need for conversation. With the characterful cottages of Appledore to your left, the sandy Burrows to your right and the blue Atlantic in the distance...what more do you want for entertainment?

If you are looking for a restaurant that almost sits on the beach, the Boathouse at Instow is definitely one to investigate.

Restaurant views don't come much better than this. If you go on a summer's evening, you might find yourself basking in the rays of the setting sun as it slowly slides over the horizon.

During the day you can watch families and dogs digging and burying things in some of the most easy-to-get-to sands in North Devon. And, at times, you might discover that it's you who has become the entertainment — okay if I were sitting on the bus and it pulled up outside a seaside eatery, I'd take a sneaky peek in the restaurant windows, too.

Certainly there's no need for conversation. No need; yet today I'm lunching with an old friend so there's gossip to be had. Soon we are savouring a succulent combination of seafood and scandal.

On a Sunday these revelations might have been made over a roast, yet the specials board, with its many offerings of fishy dishes, sounds too tempting. After all, this is a restaurant which boasts a good proportion of its seafood being landed on the beach in front of the restaurant.

I am not sure which is juicier the gossip or my John Dory yet both turn out to be highly delicious. The latter is beautifully fresh and presented on a bed of sweet luscious peppers. Combined with new potatoes and veg, it's marvellous in its simplicity. Just the way I like my fish. Gossip girl is also very pleased with her plaice, served with mushrooms and prawns.

A rush of sugar provides the finisher with a chocolate fudge cake.

Throughout our meal the restaurant has been full of voices, laughter and cries of "No, really?" "He never did!"

I guess as we were the only two people sitting at those rustic wooden tables we must have been responsible. Strange really, because when I'd dropped in a couple of weeks earlier the whole place was heaving and I couldn't get seats in either the restaurant or the bar. The latter being a popular meeting place for families and friends and equally popular as an eatery.

So the boathouse restaurant. Perfect for girly gossip. Perfect for silent contemplation. Either way the fish is recommended.

Where: The Boathouse, Marine Parade, Instow, EX39 4JJ.

Cost: The above meal for two plus drinks came to £41.40.

Bookings: 01271 861292.