IT’S easy to be a little sceptical of the Cove House Inn because its prime Chesil Cove location seems to guarantee people through the door.

But how hard have staff worked to keep the locals returning?

I visited on a blustery Tuesday evening on which we saw more seagulls than holidaymakers.

My friends and I were impressed by this cosy pub’s specials board, which stepped things up a gear from a formulaic menu.

We were all drawn to the same thing on the specials board.

We had to have the scallops – served with chorizo and chilli, white wine and bacon or chilli and garlic, this is seafood at its finest.

The succulent scallops themselves are perfectly cooked and taste as though they have just been plucked from Weymouth Bay.

I shared a seafood tapas for my main course.

We asked if it would be enough for two and were told that some people opt for one each.

I was glad that I kept hold of my inner glutton though and ordered a side of chips for us to share with one portion of tapas.

Consisting of whitebait, filo pastry prawns, shell-on prawns, butterfly prawns, smoked salmon, crab, olives, salad and two dips, it is quite the feast.

I felt that the pickled vegetables were a bit of a strange addition to the dish, but couldn’t fault anything else.

The crab should get a special mention because it was so fresh and meaty and obviously sourced locally.

Our friends went for the paella (another special) and the Cove House Fisherman’s pie – a selection of smoked haddock and salmon in a white wine and lemon sauce, topped with creamed potatoes.

It didn’t take long for plates to be cleared – with the fisherman’s pie being a real hit.

The pub’s intimate atmosphere means that a meal with friends almost feels like a private dinner party.

Staff are very friendly and were extremely attentive when we arrived, ensuring that we had a table large enough for our party.

Their attention waned a little after our main courses, but we had been there so long it was close to closing time anyway.

If the specials board keeps dazzling me with these local delights, I’ll be sure to keep returning.

The Cove House Inn, 91 Chiswell, Portland. (01305) 820895. See thecovehouseinn.co.uk