Olivia C.
Google
If you’re a well-travelled food lover, this restaurant is unlikely to impress. Aside from the stunning views over Poole Harbour, both the setting and the food felt underwhelming. The atmosphere lacked warmth, character, and flavour.
On arrival, there was no welcoming greeting—just a blunt “have you booked?” To make matters worse, the restaurant allows pets inside. Watching dogs drool on tables while being fed by their owners is far from acceptable, and we certainly did not appreciate having to look at a dog’s backside for the duration of our meal. Guests should at least be asked if they’re comfortable sitting near pets, especially given that allergies are common. As someone with a dog allergy, I was shocked to be seated between two dogs with no consideration. If restaurants ask about food allergies, why not pet allergies too?
When we raised a concern about the skate wings—which were left unfinished because they didn’t seem properly cooked—the waitress merely replied, “hopefully dessert will be better,” which hardly inspires confidence. At nearly £200 for two, the experience felt disappointing and overpriced. Even the oysters, though nicely presented, were so small they resembled cockles rather than the delicacy you’d expect.
Overall, the restaurant feels overrated and overpriced, and I would not recommend it. There are plenty of restaurants in and around Swanage offering far more flavoursome food, better value, and a much more enjoyable dining experience. 👎👎👎👎👎
