a person cutting a piece of food on a plate

Our Story

Our Story

About Us

Welcome to The Podgy Spaniel, a family-run restaurant born from a lifelong passion for great food, warm hospitality, and bringing people together. What started as a simple idea, to create a place where quality food and genuine service come first, has grown into a space we’re incredibly proud to share with our community.

About Us

Welcome to The Podgy Spaniel, a family-run restaurant born from a lifelong passion for great food, warm hospitality, and bringing people together. What started as a simple idea, to create a place where quality food and genuine service come first, has grown into a space we’re incredibly proud to share with our community.

grilled meat on white ceramic plate

Our Story

We’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s made with intention. At The Podgy Spaniel, we keep things simple, honest, and full of flavour. From day one, our focus has been on using the best locally sourced produce, partnering with trusted farmers, butchers, and fisheries who care as much about quality as we do. Every ingredient has a story, and we make sure that story shines on the plate.

grilled meat on white ceramic plate

Our Story

We’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s made with intention. At The Podgy Spaniel, we keep things simple, honest, and full of flavour. From day one, our focus has been on using the best locally sourced produce, partnering with trusted farmers, butchers, and fisheries who care as much about quality as we do. Every ingredient has a story, and we make sure that story shines on the plate.

sliced vegetables on black plate

Steak & Fish

Specialising in premium steaks and fresh fish, our menu reflects the landscapes and coastlines around us. From hand-cut steaks aged to perfection, to fresh seafood delivered daily, every dish is crafted with care and served with pride.

sliced vegetables on black plate

Steak & Fish

Specialising in premium steaks and fresh fish, our menu reflects the landscapes and coastlines around us. From hand-cut steaks aged to perfection, to fresh seafood delivered daily, every dish is crafted with care and served with pride.

a close up of a bird on a rocky beach

Rooted in the Local Community

The Podgy Spaniel isn’t just a restaurant, it’s part of the local fabric. We love where we’re from, and we’re committed to celebrating it in everything we do. Whether it’s seasonal vegetables from nearby farms, freshly caught fish from local waters, or artisanal suppliers who take real pride in their craft, supporting our community is at the heart of our kitchen.

a close up of a bird on a rocky beach

Rooted in the Local Community

The Podgy Spaniel isn’t just a restaurant, it’s part of the local fabric. We love where we’re from, and we’re committed to celebrating it in everything we do. Whether it’s seasonal vegetables from nearby farms, freshly caught fish from local waters, or artisanal suppliers who take real pride in their craft, supporting our community is at the heart of our kitchen.

empty table and chairs inside building
empty table and chairs inside building

our steak and fish house

our steak and fish house

Premium Cuts & Fresh Fish

Only the highest quality steak cuts and freshly sourced fish, expertly prepared.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

We partner with regional farmers and fisheries to ensure freshness and sustainability.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

We partner with regional farmers and fisheries to ensure freshness and sustainability.

Family-Run, Passion-Driven

Every dish is created with care, tradition, and pride – the way we’d serve it at home.

Unmatched Experience

Warm hospitality, comforting atmosphere, and food crafted to be remembered.

Unmatched Experience

Warm hospitality, comforting atmosphere, and food crafted to be remembered.

Meet the Team

Behind every plate, every greeting, and every detail is a passionate team that truly care about what they do.


As a family-run business, we treat this place like home, and we want you to feel the same the moment you walk through the door.

man in black t-shirt holding stainless steel bowl

Alistair Robertson

Owner & Head Chef

Alistair began his career in hospitality, working in country pubs where he developed a love for classic British cooking and quality local produce. After retraining and running a successful air conditioning business, he found himself drawn back to the kitchen. Living in East Preston, Alistair decided to pursue his lifelong dream: creating honest, seasonal food for his local community.

woman in white t-shirt sitting on stairs

Emma Birch

Hospitality Manager

Emma is a familiar and friendly face around East Preston, known for her warm welcome and genuine care for others. With a natural talent for hospitality, she helps create an atmosphere where guests feel relaxed and at home. Always happy to lend a hand, Emma ensures every visit is welcoming, comfortable, and personal from start to finish.

person in white shirt slicing vegetable

Rhiannon Robertson

Marketing & Hospitality

Rhiannon works across marketing and hospitality, supporting the restaurant both behind the scenes and front of house. With a background in writing and branding, she brings creativity and clarity to communications, alongside a friendly, hands-on presence with guests when she’s front-of-house.

Make a reservation

a person cutting a piece of food on a plate

An evening of exquisite taste.

Monday to Friday

11:00AM -11:00PM

Saturday and Sunday

12:00PM -10:00PM

Address

East Preston, Address TBC

a person cutting a piece of food on a plate

An evening of exquisite taste.

Monday to Friday

11:00AM -11:00PM

Saturday and Sunday

12:00PM -10:00PM

Address

East Preston, Address TBC

a person cutting a piece of food on a plate

An evening of exquisite taste.

Monday to Friday

11:00AM -11:00PM

Saturday and Sunday

12:00PM -10:00PM

Address

East Preston, Address TBC