please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
It says dogs are welcome - well we passed a couple of "dogs" smoking just outside the entrance.
If that isn't enough to put you off then the beer surely will.
Greedy King IPA, Abbot and Old Speckled Shite.
Inside could do with some TLC.....nothing a bomb couldn't sort out.
I'm off to try the Spyglass and Kettle just down the road.
No idea what it is like - can't be any worse - can it?
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This pub has been slowly but surely stripped of everything that made it a magical public house. A complete lack of atmosphere and homely touches, the arrival of dogs and Sky TV: a lack of care about clientelle and the allowing of loud and anti-social smokers on the front step when there is a designated smoking area elsewherel. Not the place it used to bee and a missed opportunity to enhance it's reputation rather than destroy it, especially as it stands in such a unique position in the area. Poor show.
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what a truly aweful pub.The fod is terrible and we have tried it 3 times now.The bar staff were very frindly and helpful but the whole place is tired worn and a bit sad.
heggy - 25 May 2012 15:07 |
also........ why no pump clips on the Ales?
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I am sure Greene King could afford to purchase some curtains.
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Nice pub. Friendy locals. Decent accommodation. Jolly good food. Enthusiastic staff. Regular Greene King beers in splendid condition. Well done.
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Thank You to all reviewers on the BITE Website. My name is Chris Francis General Manager of this establishment since 2nd June 2011.
A number of improvments have been made since this time, and i do hope the majority of you have seen them. We also have more new furniture arriving this month on top off a full re decoration inside and outside.
We have also improved our food quality and Food Hygiene practises giving us a prestigous Kitchen Of Excellence Award 2011 and we have recieved our Cask Marquee certificate for 2011 as well.
I hope to see you all soon and i wish you a very Happy New Year
Regards
Chris Francis
General Manager - The Commodore
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In the process of complete re-decoration,They are doing a great job
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Reference, comment posted on the 5 Jun.
I should of made my comments much earlier in the year as I have been informed that the useless person I was referring to has now left And a new manager has been appointed, and I wish him well.
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Further to my commemt,s on Sunday,I have just found out that the manager has Gone,and is replacement is very Pleasant
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Totally agree with Spiritofcognac.The landlord/manager is bone IDLE,Place is filthy.Only good point,s the majority of the bar staff are freindly,Also it is dog freindly,
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I have lived in Southbourne all my life I've seen Pubs and landlords
come and go, I've seen them built and demolished I've seen them in their heyday and I've seen them in their diminishing twilight, so will the Commodord be here in say ten years? not a hope in Hell, if it is run as it is now! and those clever top nobs at Greene king will have no choice but to pull the plug's because they think they have no choice!! wrong this Pub should be the most profitable Pub in there fleet given its location it's the only pub and hotel with a sea view on the east cliffs of Bournemouth so what on earth is going wrong with this place? it's simple, put a manager in who is capable off doing the job properly. As for the current manager he is simply and clearly not fit for purpose as he has an extremely bad attitude to all things related to this place, we call our local,
he can't keep the place clean how basic is that, as for the food hygiene seems to pop up in my mind.
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I live near and like the commodore.Nice position and good feel about the place.Friendly staff and good,not to expensive food.
My only problem is that i cant remember when it was last refurbished.
The decor is stale and smelly and the seating threadbare.
Please,please smarten it up.It should be the best pub on the cliff top and deserves better.
Trying to be helpfull,regards Bill
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Doesn't have the maritime theme or legendary landlord of old, but it's not terrible. Admittedly, it is rather cramped inside on busy evenings, and you should never order their expensive boil-in-the-bag meals. Could do with more beers to chose from (choice has always been more limited here than in the Skyglass & Kettle and Grange Hotel) and a friendlier atmosphere.
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As dirty as ever. The ladies toilets will soon surpass the appalling standards of the Old Albion in Crantock. Get a grip Greene King.
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Nice relaxed atmosphere with a decent real ale and food. Well worth a visit!
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The other reviews seem to be generally pretty negative. Personally I have no complaints. The staff were friendly and attentive and the beer was fine. A damn sight better than the "Spyglass & Kettle" (or whatever it's called) just down the road.
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Found this to a very comfortable pub to spend a sunny afternoon in and I've got no real complaints (ceiling was a bit nicotiney though - could do with a lick and polish).
We had food and it was delicious - though I did have the gammon which as the previous reviewers have mentioned was possibly a wise choice (not micro friendly).
Found the locals to be very welcoming and the staff very friendly.
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Grubby
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I've stayed at several Old English Inns and have to say this this is one of the better ones. The hotel part is clean and comfortable though we did find the En-suite rather claustrophobic. In fact it was so small that the basin had to be fitted in the bedroom!! Drinkwise? Well it is Greene King and I'm afraid Abbot (their so called premium ale) doesn't stand up to most other breweries session bitters. As for the food - the sight of two catering supply trucks delivering rather gave the game away but I think the trick is to order something that can't be microed or boil in bag. For example my duck breast was excellent whereas my wife's risotto was distinctly 'packety'. If you really can't face it then Salvatores half a mile up the road will see you all right.
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we had a Christmas dinner party which we had booked earlier in the year which was a total disaster, the management did not know who had ordered what,! can't he read?? as forl the meal the starter was ok, you don't need a microwave to make a prawn cocktaila, as for the rest of the meal it was absolute rubbish!!!
why do we have to put up with microwave and boil in a bag meals,
which is an insult to those of us who can cook!! and then there was the sweet, who ever heard off a 1 inch slice of cheesecake! and all this for just �15
on top of all that the manager did not inquire how the meal was
which is probably just as well.
message to Green King; that evening we all had whipp round for a drinks pot which was about �160 which was going to be spent in your Bar,but because off the experience and the atmosphere we took it elsewhere.
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The best host in this pub is the chef - it's good to see him serving the customers with food and drink.
I believe he has better 'innkeeping qualities' than those of his bosses - who always seem to boozing at the bar when I visit -not a pretty sight!
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We have used this pub for 6 years and I have never been welcomed by any landlord or even been given a farewell. What are the breweries doing to the great british pub - "Mine Host" has disappeared. The beer is generally very good and that is the best I can say for this pub. There very rarely seems to be anyone in charge - whilst the (minimum wage) staff do a good job they need the support of a manager. Greene King are typical of the national chain pub companies - maximum profit and give only an average experience to the customer. In the remote mediterranean islands the customer offer is far superior. Come on lets have the great british pub back - the place for children is not in the pub - food should be freshly prepared and cooked not just delivered frozen and microwaved.
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I agree that huge pushchairs are a nightmare in a pub and out of control children charging around far worse,but isn't The Commodore supposed to be a hotel rather than a pub?
I think that due to the fact they advertise family rooms and family packages it would be a little unrealistic to expect not to see children in the bar.
With regard to the food,aside from a truly appalling Confit Duck quite a few weeks ago I have enjoyed everything else I have eaten there.It might help speed up drink service sometimes though if the Landlord didn't seem quite so loathe to dragging himself round the bar and serving when the girls are faced with growing queues.
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I really don't know what all the fuss is about with this issue about pushchairs. From a purely business point of view, this Landlord has quite a limited trading space and outdoor space, and is having to maximise its use. Unfortunately, I have been into pubs on many occasions where pushchairs have been allowed in (have you seen the size of some of them?!) and have had to dodge children who are out of control. I've also watched bar staff emerge from kitchens with plates of hot food and dodge the children too, what would happen if a plate of hot food was dropped on a child?. In these days of 'due diligence' perhaps the landlord is avoiding an accident waiting to happen. Some people like going to a pub for a quiet drink and something to eat, so a pub like the Commodore without children running around is just what they want. After all, some pubs don't allow dogs and dog owners just go to one that does, and don't make a fuss about it and go to the local paper. Why not just vote with your feet?
I agree with the previous posting that the food isn't very exciting and pricey and I think the housekeeping lacks a woman's touch.
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I totally agree with southbournebabes comments.Took my baby down there a few weeks ago in his buggy and was given filthy looks by the barstaff even though around the corner and out of the way.Horrible experience,never going there again.Go now to the pub a few yards further down, where they welcome young families.I am glad this problem has come to light in the Echo, as felt like complaining myself at the time.
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Oh Dear - the local press have been alerted to the new policy of no pushchairs unless folded and in doing so have highlighted the fact that there is STILL no disabled access!
Tut Tut Greene King - BIG mistake.
Personally I have never been a great fan of toddlers in a public house environment but with the no smoking ban I can see why eating out in pubs would become more popular for young families. With this in mind I would much rather have said children safely strapped into a pushchair than running around everyones feet.
The excuse of serving hot food across prams had been used - children under feet are far more of a hazzard!
Pubs have to encourage any paying business in today's market - especially with the recent huge hike in The Commodore's menu prices (and subsequent drop in quality I might add) and an all round credit crunch for customers.
I am sure this will have a very negative effect on this pub which is a real shame.
I believe the saying 'all publicity is good publicity' will not be the case in this instance.
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This has been our local for years. It's pleasant enough but desperately needs a refurb as it's shabby and grubby and in the time we've frequented it nothing has been updated apart from the toilets.
The old landlord used to keep it running to high standards and although he came across as a bit miserable, knew what he was doing. The new landlord seems to treat the place as his personal bar and is often seen drinking with his mates. I've only ever seen him serve behind the bar twice in the months he's been there. The other bar staff are friendly and are quick to serve.
The food used to be good but now is too expensive for what you get, probably now aiming at the tourists that keep the place going during the summer months.
As with so many places along the cliff top, are Greene King just waiting for an offer to turn it into flats?
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This pub has been my local for years. I do however agree that after a period of uncertainty it is about time that the bar area was totally refurbed - if only to give the new landlord Mick a chance to make his mark.
I'm glad to see disabled toilets 'at last' and intrigued to find out what they will finally do for disabled access (long story) but the outside smoking issue leaves a lot to be desired. Despite a shelter to the rear there are often groups hanging around on the front steps and believe me this is very off-putting for both regulars and visitors alike. If its anything like last summer I suspect that hotel vistior numbers will suffer. Nobobody wants to arrive to find they cannot even use the handrail as stubborn regulars refuse to move aside for people carrying cases. Local residents must also find the situation anything but pleasing.
The general interior is now very drab and outdated - especially as it's nearest rival is currently undergoing a substantial refit. I would ask that Green King 'put their money where their mouth is' and invest in the public areas of this lovely local pub as soon as possible - you will rue the day if you don't!
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Running late getting home the other evening so we dropped in for a meal,has to be said the food seemed nicer than on previous visits.As mentioned in other reviews the beer range is limited and I thought the "Old Trip" was pretty grim.Although it was fairly busy the new couple behind the bar were friendly,chatty and welcoming,not words you could always heve used in conjunction with "Landlord" and "The Commodore" in the past,and service was good.Both came over at various stages during the meal to check everything was ok.
Money does need to be spent on the interior,some of the furnishings and decor look old,shabby and tired.At least it hasn't turned into another block of "Luxury Clifftop Apartments" yet like every other building within spitting distance,although with the lack of expenditure on the part of the brewery and the tourist season not that many weeks away,you do wonder if that isn't what the long term gameplan is.
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The condition of the Ales has worsened since Ron left - the variety on offer is dull - 'Old Trip' has been available as a guest for months now - is it drinkable still?
Greene King need to invest in this site, there is lots of wasted space. The relief manager is keen and decent but this operation needs a mature couple with no young children in tow.
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Young temp landlord as the old one left. Quiz no longer any good. Less people in. Real shame.
6bh96 - 21 Dec 2007 17:27 |
Thought it would improve with a new manager,But if any thing It,s worst,The staff are surly,Warm beer glasses,Kids running around,Gone down-hill
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Sort of a hotel bar on top of the cliff but a good atmosphere, well kept Ringwood bitter and excellent quiz nights on a Thursday and Sunday. Nice patio overlooking the bay for those warm summer evenings. I think the landlord is excellent, like his style.
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Something wonderful has happened - 250ml WINE GLASSES.
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I enjoy the landlord's charisma. I thought I detected a "flicker" of a smile the other day when he served me. He's a good man. His Abbot is good. Thankyou.
Greene King should invest more in this pub - a beer garden, and knock the wall through and utilise the breakfast room. I'll be back.
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Agree with reviews as It,s one of my locals,my rating
would be 9 except for landlord reducing it.But Jill
the barmaid makes up it,Good quiz night though,
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Lovely pub set on the cliffs at Southbourne with excellent views of the purbecks.Can get full with holiday makers in the summer
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A well sited summer pub. There should be more outside seating - the car park should be grassed over and some more benches purchased (they can afford it!).
Wines should be offered in 250ml as well as the present 175ml only. Greene King ales are sold as well as Ringwood Best - Ringwood Old Thumper would be a nice change and variation.
Was that a Dartford Warbler I saw perched on an adjacent Gorse Bush?
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I agree with all the above points, there is however one thing left out and thats the govenor? One of the most miserable and rude publicans I have ever met.
Shame as it is a nice place and has a no smoking section and his staff are nice.
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Nice View. Great in the winter, no tourists! Nice to have as your local.
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It's an okay place, but just could be better. It doesn't really utilise it's great location.. And it is a shame there is a toilet block the other side of the road, which doesn't totally ruin the view, but you are aware of it. The beer is fine though. Just one other thing is that the Landlord is the cheeriest character in the camp.
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Good real ales available. Quiz nights twice a week. Friendly atmosphere.
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Good pint of Ringwood ale available. Great views and comfortable surroundings. More needs to be done with the vast potential outside; suggest raised wooden decking, summer BBQs, flame throwers etc. Sunday night pub quiz is a must - if not only to see the good looking people turn out on table 7....
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Its a great place for a sundowner.
the car park should be replaced with a patio.
sokdraw - 6 Jul 2004 12:41 |
I have some more thoughts about this particular place - and this is because I go there every Friday. The old maritime theme has now gone - and that was since the recent refurbishment, which now has horrible blue lights on the outside. The new design however is very comfortable inside. There must be firms that do this sort of thing to pubs - but they often destroy the old. Anyway! this place is good - but only in the winter. In the summer it is full of those damn "grockles" - and we locals cannot get to the bar.
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The Commodore, has one of the greatest sea views on the south coast. Since the refurbishment however, the Commodore has lost most of it maritime theme. At night on the outside, it now has a horrible blue low. Also the old sign has now gone which showed an old commodore. On the inside, the manager does tend to love piped music. This can ruin some good conversation. They also love to turn the lights out on you at closing time. Anyway, it is a good place to visit - but only out of season. In the summer it is packed full with grockles, and locals do not get a look in.
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