BITE user comments - dixon75
Comments by dixon75
St Peters Finger, Lytchett Minster
Will not be eating here again. The dining area is very cramped, and the food is overpriced and of the microwave variety. Not very impressed. I had the bangers and mash, which was possibly the most bland and tastless meal I can remember eating.
The most shocking of all from a Dorset pub was the 'Dorset Apple Cake' advertised on the deserts menu. I was expecting this to be the jewel in the crown to perk up my rather uninspiring meal. Surely a Dorset pub can make a decent Dorset apple cake... even I can make one!
No, no, no! - Apparently a Dorset pub can fail at such a simple dessert. I should have realised it would be bad, when it turned up in a sundae glass!
The 'chef' had bought a dry madeira cake, and cut it into large cubes, these were tossed in the bottom of the glass, then to form the focal part of the dessert, the crux if you will.... the chef had sliced an apple (skin included) and thrown them on top of the odd cake cubes. This was topped off with a blast of squirty cream and delivered to our table. I don't tend to eat food which comes from an aerosol can, and I certainly dont pay for food which has been ill advertised! - VERY POOR, and dissapointing.
14 Aug 2009 12:50
The Broadstone Hotel, Broadstone
Now named 'The Goods Yard'. Harking back the the day of the old broadstone railway.
The interior has been very well thought out, it's theme echos railway stations of old, and fits rather well with the name. Its high ceilings and railway memorabilia on the walls add to the charm, while the large bar area is dotted with comfy chairs tables.
There are a good choice of beers and lagers on tap, some which i've not seen on sale in other bars including Peroni, and more.
The staff are all usually very friendly and welcoming and more often than not will hang around for a chat over the bar,
I've only eaten here once, which was on a Sunday lunchtime, the food was generally good, but I wasnt wowed by it.
Its certainly near the top of my list of favorite pubs.
15 Oct 2008 15:26
Calling into this pub one chilly october evening to find the bar staff all wearing roll neck jumpers. Because it was extremely cold in the bar. There was what I can only describe as a 'peculiar and unpleasant' smell in the air too. The draught lager was average, but the ale was better kept.
Overall, i'm again very unimpressed with this pub, it just doesnt appear to be very welcoming.....
15 Oct 2008 15:02
A recent visit to The Bear Cross to celebrate my wifes promotion with a party of 6 was a great sucess. Some of my guests hadn't eaten here before so I was keen demonstrate my execellent choice in Pub/Restaurant.
The Landlady was again very attentive all evening, personally taking our ordered and serving our drinks with a friendly smile and polite conversation.
I can think of no other local Pub or Restaurant which serves HOT food like the Bear Cross. The Home made Bangers and Mash with vegetables (from the specials board were simply superb, My wife is a vegetarian and even she was impressed!), as was the Steak and Ale Pie, and the Cajun Chicken.
The Bear cross has risen quickly to the top of my favorite restaurants list. Unlike the reviewer below me, I'll refrain from drawing direct comparisons to other pubs (you really ought not do that here), All I can say is everytime I've visited I've been simply astounded by the service and the quality of the food.
I wouldn't hesistate to book this pub for another family event or celebration in future.
I have frequently found that reservations for an evening meal need to be made in advance, but it's worth calling in for some of the excellent Beers and wines on the off chance.
22 Sep 2008 08:52
I too feel the need to review this pub again. following a visit on the 1st August 2008, my party of 6 were shown to our table, but waited over an hour for our main course. The food was average, and the menu is half what it used to be.
Since my last post in sept 2007, I've had poor meals here but put them down to being duffs, but this really has put the nail in the coffin for the Angel.
I concur with born2bongo that the Bear Cross is a better pub which serves food like the Angel used to, but you'll probably need to book in advance.
18 Aug 2008 09:46
Firstly I'd like to thank the young blonde waitress who served us on the night when Bohemian Joe was playing his first gig. I didnt catch her name but she was truely excellent in her efficiency, professionalism and her manner, she made the evening a little more memorable.
The food was good too, It was hot, well presented, and tasty to boot.
However, the live music act situated in the eating area of the pub seemed to be quite poorly thought out.
I can understand having a music/vocal act in a drinking pub, or at best in the drinking area of a restaurant, but to have it in the middle of the dining guests just wasnt appropriate.
The live act was rather good, but if you want a quite meal, I'd suggets calling ahead.
Overall a nice drinking pub, and good for a quick bite to eat, but dont bet on it being quiet enough to have a conversation
18 Aug 2008 09:29
I feel the need to review this pub again.
Since my last review I have dined here, and things don't look quiet as good.
The staff seem very impatient, when ordering food or drinks. The food it's self was plain, tasteless and generally unpleasant. My pet peeve in pubs is being made to wait for the bill, despite asking 3 times, it took over 15 minutes to arrive.
Not impressed and wont be returning
22 Jul 2008 14:38
Now an 'Ember Inn'. which seems to be part of the Mitchells and Butlers group.
The newly refurbished pub is quite agreeable, with tables not too close together, lots of pale colours and a variety of tables to sit at with some tall and some regular height.
The drinks selection is good, and they promote a 'We'll gladly top up your pint' policy which seems like a good idea.
The food is very reasonably priced, in fact I could probably say it's cheap. I think a skeak was about �7 or �8. The quality of the steak wasn't the best I've ever had, but then these prices truely are terrific. the rest of the meal was plentiful and hot, to boot.
I dont recal seeing any children here either which is nice.
It seems like a good all rounder, if your in this neck of the woods.
16 Feb 2008 10:23
Now called The Slug and Lettuce. This pub has a kind of 'airport hotel bar' feel to it. Theres lots of glass and coloured lighting. But a good range of beers, wines and bitters.
Service is good too. As an example, my wife ordered one of the three Rose wines, but didn't like it. When I returned it to the bar to buy a replacement, the barman gave me the more expensive Rose with no extra cost, despite my offering to pay for it. - very impressed.
31 Dec 2007 10:28
Still a very nice pub, which shares its menu with the Lambs Green in Corfe Mullen and the Bakers Arms.
We have dined here recently on two occasions for Sunday lunch. - I'd advise anyone to arrive before 12pm unless you dont mind waiting for a table, as this pub was packed full just minutes after 12 on both ocasions. The food is tasty and promptly served, however two of our party had to send the food back as it was not hot enough. To our suprise a NEW plate of food was sent out, rather than heating up the existing food.
The food is plentiful and the prices are reasonable.
I cant fault the service here either, all the staff are very welcoming and friendly.
28 Dec 2007 11:53
now changed hands to a 'Table Table' bar/restaurant. The decor is very nice inside and the menu seems varied enought for most guests. The drinks are well kept and the service was very good. - i would certainly visit here again now.
28 Dec 2007 11:47
A nice traditional pub, which i've only visited twice.
The 'Pub' experience is a big part of going for a drink in my opinion. There are few pre-requisits to a good evening, but they are essential......
1.Glasses made from Glass
2.A friendly atmosphere
3.and being made to feel welcome.
Sadly my expectations were not met, while regular customers were offered glasses, my party and I were offered the plastic equivalent. The land lord appeared to glare as though we were intruding when we took the large table in the window, as if we had sat at a table designated for someone else. He then proceeded to collect near empty plastic glasses from the table before we had finished.
Sadly the poole arms will only be rated a 4 out of 10 from me, and most of that is contributed by this beautiful and historic building.
6 Dec 2007 09:50
If I didnt know I'd pulled into a pub on a roundabout, opposite a kwick-Fit depot, I'd never have guessed it once inside.
The pub itself was nice and quiet for a Friday night, as soon as i walked in the door with my 2 guests, the landlady/bar manager approached me and said hello to us all. She offered me a table in the restaurant area, and asked if i'd like drinks in the bar before our meal or for a waitress to come and take our drinks order from the table. I accepted the latter of her offers, and were directed to our table. The dining area is a slightly raised section with about 10 - 15 tables away from the main bar area. Although food is permitted to be eaten in the bar area as well.
The Waitress's were all consistantly professional and polite, taking our food order and subsequent drinks orders.
The food was presented very well on new white crockery. The main courses were delivered on square plate with side orders and accompaniments arriving in individual dishes or plates.
Portions were good sizes and all meals looked and tasted great.
Many tables were reserved, which I take as a sign of good quality and good service.
The pub/bar area is nice too with a flickering fire to one end, and plenty of seating.
Attention to detail springs to mind when I think of this pub, I shall be returning again soon!
12 Nov 2007 17:32
I am very impressed with this pub. nice warm glow as you enter, all tables with a 'church' candle burning. Proper English food as well as more adventurous choices. Ham Egg and Chips for �6:50 is a bargain in my eyes, and there was plenty on the plate. deserts were individually made and well presented. Service was excellent, and a good choice of beer and wine available.
The carpark is large which is justified as it became very busy as the evening wore on.
21 Sep 2007 16:08
I want to like this pub i really do, I've driven past many times but finally ventured inside on Saturday night (15/09/2007)first impressions were good, I like the heated outdoor area, but once I got inside, there was no atmosphere.
My guests and I were not made to feel welcome and whilst the restaurant area was busy, there just weren't enough staff to cover the bar.
Ordering a drink seemed like an inconvienience to the bar staff, especially ordering a glass of Kumala Red, because there were no bottles open, so the bar maid dissapeared for a good while before returning with an open bottle.
I asked to see a menu, purely to look at the type of food served, but because I didnt have a table booked i was refused to even view a menu. Needless to say I took one from an empty table, and to be fair the food selection was good, and the portion sizes seemed generous.
Over all it seems like it has the makings of a nice pub, but sadly the impression projected by the bar staff is one of poor management, being made welcome and comfortable is a big part of the 'pub experience' for me.
Could they arrange a drinking contest in a brewery? - i wouldn't hold my breath.....
I'd prefer to spend my time in the Olive Branch in Wimborne
18 Sep 2007 09:48
I met a man who seemed about 30 years old, he was very drunk and managed to fall over, at the same time his false teeth fell out onto the floor.
If you fancy this kind of alcocol fueled drinking for your evening, then dive right in, i'm sure you'll love it.
4 Jul 2007 16:44
very smokey and very busy but it was the last day before the England Smoking legislation kicked in.
We didn't even stay here as it was over crowded.
I'm sure thats a sign of good food and drink, but noisy pubs arent my cup of tea.
3 Jul 2007 11:16
I'd heard a lot about this pub from clients of the near by Burial ground, so on that premis, i took the inlaws there for a drink last friday.
I have to say, it felt like a proper pub when we walked into the lounge bar. Very homely and had a warm 'pubby' smell about it.
A nice pint of HB Premium, and some VERY nice Rose wine, were available
The barmaid/land lady was a little frosty but did the job and a nice time was had by all, We didnt eat here, but the food looked plentiful and seemed to go down a treat with those who were dining.
3 Jul 2007 11:14
Lets get one thing straight, when this was a Brewers Fayre, you knew what to expect. simple, standard, Child friendly pub/dining.
This place now is simply DREADFUL, the decoration is VERY dull, from the outside to the inside, its draped in a shade of 'camo' green.
The menu is very expensive, to the point where we decided not to dine. A Burger and Chips is about the most 'normal' dish on the menu(i mean the dishes which customers will be used to) and it costs �10!
There is no Child menu and the inside of the pub is very dark and opressive.
Im not really sure what they were thinking, as it seems unlikeley they will capture the trade from all the families who cycle or walk along the Broadstone cycle path in the summer.
The drinks are reasonable, I think a round (2 beers and 2 cokes) was just under �8.
BUT. the prize for madness goes to.... a packet of crisps... which cost a stagering 90 pence!
3 Jul 2007 10:48
This pub used to be very nice, until the refurb. The plastic chain pub signage outside looks awful, The food has also suffered
21 Jun 2007 10:00
am i the only one who thinks the name is dire?
'Bar Me' as in 'I would like to be Barred'
This is another dreadful Bournemouth bar full of louts and bottle drinks.
21 Jun 2007 09:56
Horrible pub with very rough door staff. Sadly when wrongfully ejecting my friend they failed to realise he was a police officer....tut tut.
19 Jun 2007 16:12
GOOD LORD - i've never been in a pub so smokey! Not normaly one to complain about this, as smoke in a pub is in line with my expectations, but this was dreadful.
Nice old pub though, and seemed to get served quickly.
19 Jun 2007 16:09
Another dreadful weatherspoons chain pub.
I ordered two breakfasts here one morning, which came to over �10 including coffee and Orange juice plus an extra charge for TOAST!!!.
Sausages seemed to be of the low quality catering variety, and the egg was undercooked.
I wouldn't venture back here again.
19 Jun 2007 15:48
Recently tried to have lunch here but were told that that the chef was out, and to try the pub across the road! - not even attempted to offer us a sandwich or a drink. Absolutely disgusting customer service (in my opion).
Which is a shame as I enjoyed a very good night here in the late 1998!
19 Jun 2007 15:43
Not a bad pub in a small town, kind of what you'd expect really. Took a friend of mine in there who's 6'8" tall and the locals (of the short toothless variety) seemed to think it was the most funny thing they had ever seen.
It was very smokey, but again this is line with expectations and not necessarily a bad thing although I cant imagine anyone bringing children here.
Some VERY good ales though which were worth putting up with the jibes from the locals.
19 Jun 2007 15:39
Now a Toby Carvery. The first couple of times I dined been here the food was good, but unfortunately has gone down hill rapidly since 2007. The food is often over cooked due to being under heat lamps, and quickly goes cold.
There is however a good selection of Beers, Lagers, wines and those girly bottle drinks.
The staff are consistantly unatentive, which i believe is unacceptable for what is basically a self service restaurant.
Without fail, everytime i've been here i've not even been greeted by a member of staff while standing in the entrace waiting to be seated. On one occasion I was told that they could not accomodate my party of 8 guests, even though we could all see a large round empty table clearly in view over the waitresses shoulder. She eventually allowed us to sit there and dine.
Also on more than one occasion they have been all out of IPA Bitter.
19 Jun 2007 14:07
The Cooper Dean Hotel, Bournemouth
I would not eat or drink here again, food is very greasy, and after witnessing the way a member of staff spoke to a couple about the location of their childs high chair, I will certainly avoid this pub in future.
19 Jun 2007 13:36
I have been very impressed with the sunday lunch at this pub, and on a separate occasion we stopped in for a sarnie, I ordered Ham with a bowl of chips and my wife ordered Cheese with a side of Chips, Both Sandwiches were literal Door Stops with shredded Ham and cheese respecively, made a very interesting snack.
very good pub!
19 Jun 2007 12:09
Another Cheap weatherspoons, Except at night this one is FULL of youngsters all drinking for the sole purpose of getting drunk. Would not recomend this pub in the evenings
19 Jun 2007 12:05
A beautiful pub just off the 'pub crawl route' in Wimborne, a great range of HB lagers, as well as other beers and wines. A great thing about this pub is the availability of 'nuts by the bowl', they are a little expensive, but the portion is generous and the cashews taste great. Keep your eye on them though if eating at the bar as other customers sometime mistake them as freebee's for all to enjoy!.
The large outdoor area is a HUGE bonus for The Olive Branch, with huge umbrellas and incorporated heat lamps we often sit outside come rain or shine. I just hope the Smoker brigade dont occupy all of this come July 2007!
19 Jun 2007 11:34
A beautiful little pub, with the exception of the car park, sadly I dont trust other drivers not to damage my car in the 'toast rack' style car park, so have to get a space on the end!
Its a great pub to visit in the winter months and grab the seats by the open fire, sadly the food is a little expensive. I.e. a portion of Chips is well over �1, for what amounts to an ash tray barely full of chips.
The waitresses are always friendly, although on my last visit the bar man seemed more interested in discussing with his colleagues his night out in bournmouth when his shift ended. - not all that professional really...
19 Jun 2007 11:28
The Holme Bush Inn, Corfe Mullen
A good and proper Country pub, nice and quiet most of the time except the nights at the weekend when live music is played!
Good food and good beer too, nice friendly landlady.
19 Jun 2007 11:21
A lovely pub, recently refurbished and no longer a Brewers Fayer. Overall a vast improvement on it's previous form, including the menu!
The first time I visited, was the Evening before my wedding and I was impressed with the standard of food and selection from the menu.
Upon returning last night (18/6/07)the menu choice appeared to be different a little different, I ordered the 'Award Winning Three Shire Sausage' which came approximately 10 minutes later, it appear that it was pre prepared, and whilst I cant confirm this, the Onion gravy was rather jelly like in its consitancy. Over all though it was hot and tasty. the Gem of the evening though was the Baked Alaska with Rasberry sauce, a truely great dessert!
The atmosphere in the pub is great too, with no children and with some gentle piano music playing quietly, provided great ambiance.
19 Jun 2007 11:17
The Kings Arms, Ferndown
OUTSTANDING!
This pub is now the only pub in the local area where i KNOW i'm going to have a first class experience.
The quality of food surpasses all other pubs in the area, and more importantly its hot when its delivered to the table. I dont mean that in terms of 'microwave hot' either.
My wife is a fussy eater and the chefs have personally catered for her needs, and on occasions created dishes which arent even on the menu (within reason!)
The service is always outstanding.
I even broke a cardinal rule of mine not to eat Indian food anywhere other than an indian restaurant, but I saw someone else having the Indian dish at the Kings Arms and had to try it myself. It was absolutely brilliant.
Try the fishcakes as a starter too, they are out of this world.
I cant recommend this pub highly enough! 10/10
27 Aug 2010 10:39