The Spyglass and Kettle, Southbourne

As a someone one who once worked in the kitchen when I was a teenager a decade back, I have seen all sides of the Spyglass, and so I offer you my unique opinion. The Spyglass is a little out of the way for a restaurant pub, but is perfectly situated for the summer trade, only 30 seconds walk from the cliff edge. The drinks served are fairly standard for Dorset, although the inclusion of Ringwood brewery places it above many in Bournemouth, personally I have always prefered Ringwood 49er, which is the best local ale. The kitchen is small, but has a proper grill, and the steaks have always been nicely well-done. As its an East Southbourne pub, the staff are unfailingly polite, the regulars come from retirees or middle-class families, the standards are solid, everything is clean and neat and no-smoking. It seems most people have forgotten to mention the large windows, which can make dining in the summer very pleasant. Consensus among my friends is its a solid above average, no-one has had a bad meal, and while the food is not exquisite, it is not expensive. For comparisons, think of a Carvery, or a Harvester without the salad bar and the chavs.

23 Mar 2010 18:24