Sheldrakes

Sat on the banks of the River Dee in rustic Lower Heswall, Sheldrakes was a sailing club until the river silted up in the early 1980s and is now a popular spot for award-winning food and spectacular sunsets and panoramic views across the Dee Estuary to the Welsh mountains.

Perfect during the summer with its large terrace, the “shack on the beach”, as it was once fondly called, Sheldrakes (named after the migrating birds visiting the nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest) has been restored over the last few years and now boasts a £1 million viewing gallery on the first floor for private dining and functions whatever the weather. Locals flock to Sheldrakes for al fresco afternoon tea and the traditional Sunday lunch, including roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, seasonal veg and duck fat-roasted potatoes. The a la carte menu, meanwhile, features the likes of Welsh mussels and fresh clams in the linguine vongole, plus steaks, salads, sandwiches and sharing platters. Thanks to the influence of Greek Cypriot owner Helen Demetrios, Mediterranean tapas and classic Greek mezze are available, along with a selection of authentic Greek kebabs, all served with dips, Greek salad, pilau rice and warmed flatbread.

And if you just fancy a drink, that’s fine too. Sheldrakes offers specialist wines, an extensive range of beers, local cask ales, and signature and classic cocktails.

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news, tips, articles, guides and updates from Confidential Guides? Sign up here.