FIRST time visitors to Winterton may be surprised to see colourful African round houses on the skyline overlooking the dunes.

Built decades ago after a previous owner returned from a visit to Hermanus Bay in South Africa, the pretty huts with their thatched roofs are part of the Hermanus Holidays complex.

The site also houses the Highwayman Restaurant, which is open to non-guests. Recently refurbished, it offers lunch and evening menus through the week and a carvery on Sunday.

When we decided to go for a meal last week we were a late walk-in at 8.30pm, but the staff were welcoming and took our order as we had an aperitif in the bar with it’s beautiful view over the dunes.

Seated a short while later at a table with the same great view, we shared a starter of nachos with cheese, chilli and freshly made, wonderfully light guacamole.

It’s a good job we shared. We discovered with the main course that the portions are very generous.

Vegetarian dishes were available but two of us opted for the pork belly, which was pronounced both succulent and tasty. The third went for the Highwayman burger with bacon and cheese. It had good texture, was juicy and full of flavour.

At that point we were pretty full, but thought we ought to sample the dessert menu in the interests of thorough research. One beautifully moist portion of chocolate fudge cake, one indulgent ice cream sundae and one light and flavoursome slice of cheesecake later, we were ready to roll, so full were we. 

The restaurant, which was given a five star hygiene rating last year, is set in the main leisure building of the holiday complex, only a short walk from the centre of the village.

During the summer it is open from noon-3pm and 5-9pm, Mondays to Saturdays. In the low season it opens on Fridays and Saturdays between 5pm and 9pm. The Sunday carvery is available through the year from noon to 4pm and later in the summer season.

Booking is recommended in the evening. Email enquiries@hermanusholidays.com or call 01493 393216.