The New Inn, Church Knowle

Over the years this has been one of our favourite pubs in summer because the views over the Purbecks are wonderful and we can take our dogs in the garden, and it's right next door to the delightful Margaret Green Animal Sanctuary. As it was a birthday celebration we went again today. I can't comment on the beer, cos I didn't have any. I enjoyed the calamaries and salad, and Keith's crab salad was also pronounced excellent. It was our desserts that proved disappointing. Keith's custard was watery thin with his lemon pud, and I was amazed to receive my dish of HOT CHERRIES with brandy and ice-cream with the STALKS STILL ON THE CHERRIES!! - these proved very messy to pull out, and smacked of sheer laziness on the part of the kitchen staff. Keith also thought we were over-charged by 60p, but felt it wasn't worth making a fuss about. Our young waiter, just starting his gap year, was delightful though and very helpful. So like the curate's egg - good and bad in parts.

25 Jul 2010 00:57

The King Charles Inn, Poole

Paul came to my rescue last year, re-assuring me I could use a function room as an alternative venue for my jazz + food birthday party IF the boat trip got rained off at the last moment. In the event I didn't need it. In the event, 100 of my guests met up at The King Charles beforehand, all received excellent and speedy service (including tea/coffee for some of the wrinklies) and it set the tone for a really delightful evening and got my 70th birthday boat party off with a bang. I'll always be grateful to Paul and the King Charles. He didn't even want to take any money for it!

10 May 2010 19:04