WHAT a very long time it seems since we first heard that down-at-heel Boscombe was literally going to surf into a brand new future.

After years of negative headlines generally revolving around unemployment, deprivation, drugs, alcohol and crime, plans for regeneration and a Boscombe Spa Village were unveiled including Europe's first artificial surf reef.

The effect seemed instantaneous. Developers appeared like pigeons at a picnic, money poured in and everyone talked about the bright new future.

That was nearly three years ago. Speculators seem to have been bobbing around in the choppy waters of uncertainty ever since.

Then last month it was finally announced that, after long delays, the reef had actually got the go ahead and should be up and running by next Autumn.

Credit crunch and teetering economy notwithstanding things look very good indeed and some of those who have stuck it out for years look like finally finding themselves at the centre of one of the South Coast's trendiest hotspots.

This includes chef Paul Reed whose Pier Point restaurant, just 100 yards from the surf action, has been waiting patiently for the tide of fortune to turn while honing a quietly spectacular menu.

Pier Point is a stylish but relaxed glass-fronted eatery offering dishes designed around a modern European theme and based on a commitment to use the best seasonal and local produce.

From the decked area outside there are views down to the seafront and it is surrounded by the smart new and refurbished apartments that have helped push Boscombe's property prices to dizzy heights.

Word has it that just up the road award-winning designer Wayne Hemingway is working on creating a selection of stunning beach huts.

Pier Point should fit into this thrilling new environment with considerable ease. Reed, who paid his dues working with Anthony Worrall Thompson and also spent time at the plush Chewton Glen Hotel at New Milton, certainly knows what he's doing in the kitchen. He also has an eye for easy comfort.

Pier Point is a nice restaurant that serves excellent food at reasonable prices in pleasant surroundings. It tasted good, devoid of pretension.

What more could you ask for?

We popped in for lunch recently and took advantage of the special weekday lunchtime deal of two courses for £7. 95 or three for £10.75.

After a delicious starter of chicken and duck liver parfait studded with cranberries served with a kumquat glaze I moved on to the house chilli with rice and cumin yoghurt. Gorgeous!

My wife chose a wonderfully creamy parsnip soup followed by a superb linguini with char-grilled Mediterranean vegetables and spicy tomato sauce topped with crumbled feta.

I finished with apple pie and cream while she chose creme brulee with red currants.

It was impressive stuff, scoring high on both flavour and presentation.

Our meal, together with a large bottle of sparkling mineral water, came to just £24.50.