Based on 229 opinions finded in 1 websites
Based on 229 opinions finded in 1 websites
Nº 103 in 217 in East Dorset
Nº 25 of 68 British in East Dorset
Opinions
Great food and entertainment. At around £50 for 2 with a bottle of wine and drinks included it is worth paying a little bit more than you would in a pub.
DavenMoWood . 2014-08-30
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I had given my son a list of various local restaurants for him to choose a venue for his 21st birthday meal with our family. He suggested Bentleys as he thought there would be something for all tastes on the menu, and that it would be a lovely place for his birthday celebration. We received a warm and friendly greeting from all staff, and had time to look at the menu with a drink in the bar before being seated at our table, which had a fantastic view of the golf course. The service by all staff during the evening was excellent, and the food was very good. We enjoyed listening to the pianist, and the lovely lady singing was very entertaining and good fun. It was also made very special when she sang happy birthday to my son, accompanied by the pianist. Everyone enjoyed the evening very much, and called me the next day to say what a lovely evening it had been. Thank you so much to all staff for helping to make it a special evening.
antandjulieb . 2014-08-16
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This was my first visit, and I am already looking to see when I can go again. A lovely welcome and a great start to sit down in the comfortable bar and have a pre dinner drink. The staff were very friendly and extremely efficient. The menu was great with a lot of choices for each course. A great deal 3 courses and a bottle of wine for 2 persons £40.Also the food is fantastic, there was nothing you could fault. The Pianist also was absolutely great and played a great selection of songs without drowning conversations. Then when you think the whole evening is already perfect, Mary is introduced. I was spellbound by this amazing Lady who sang a wonderful selection of songs in her own unique way, absolutely wonderful. I wish Mary had gone on for hours.However, thank you to a most wonderful team who ensured we had the most fantastic evening.
paulb9919 . 2014-08-14
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Went their on Wednesday 30th July, ordered our food in the seated area by the bar. After about 20 minutes we were shown to our table thinking our starters were going to be served. Had to wait another 30 mins for those, in between times we were given cold rolls which were rock hard.Starter arrived, two of us had mussels, I had no source consequently they were very dry & the other bowl, first six shells were empty! Who is checking on the pass. Waitresses were very unfriendly, I had the sirloin beef, which was well presented then this older waitresses with a serious attitude pushed between us and plonked the veg directly on top of my meat. Done the same with all our plates.Had to ask for a wine list twice, no water for the table was offered & as for the singing, I have been here 3 times now, on the other two times the gentleman at the piano was ok, but the lady has taken over doing 80% now! she is very intrusive when trying to eat! made us all feel awkward.Will not be going back anytime soon, they need a head waiter to oversee the issues arising pretty quickly before it goes to the dogs!!!
209wayneh . 2014-08-03
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Never done a bad review yet. reason? I refuse to go to places like this, but was forced to for a birthday celebration.This was our second visit. The first visit, I'll pass on making comments. Any restaurant can have a bad day and it wouldn't be fair to judge on one visit.My second visit was with a party of 12. Mixed bunch, various ages and all pretty good natured individuals.Great setting inside the golf grounds, staff are what you'd expect at a golf club. It's not a Ramsay or the Dorchester so my expectations were not lofty.The girls who served us were very good and everything was delivered in good time.I'll now take you through the events of the food.My wife and two others ordered the chicken. The chicken was undercooked and red in the middle. Everyone sent their dish back.The vegi dish was honestly indescribable. Again, both were left uneaten and a complaint made.Two others having the beef, this was the most disappointing of all. Sirloin Steak, cooked as a joint and told unless you have the middle it, it will be well done. I managed to get the middle bit and it was tough and overcooked. One of our party had the beef nor from the middle. I believe she is still in the restaurant chewing and trying to put a brave face on it. You seriously get what you pay for in restaurants and in life in general. It's prices are very reasonable and the menu selection is a fair mix to suit most pallets. However, this was the worst food I have come across in years, and I take no pleasure in saying any of this. It ruined the birthday celebration of our friend and she was beside herself and could see the standard of food was extremely poor. The women decided to complain to the young girls who served us. The really couldn't do anything and I wouldn't expect them to either.I decided to pen an email to the general manager. I got no reply after 5 days. I sent another email saying why was my list of complaints not being addressed. I got a reply saying it would be dealt with personally by the general manager. 4 days later, nothing.I then got a reply from the general manager saying the following:Firstly I would like to thank you for your email dated 9 July 2014, the contents of which have been duly noted. Here at Dudsbury Golf Club we welcome all constructive feedback and I have taken your feedback extremely seriously. I have now given copies of your email to our Executive Chef and the Restaurant Manager and I am conducting a full investigation as to why this situation occurred. Unfortunately, there has been a delay as due to the time of year there have been staff absences for holiday and training. I will however, be speaking to all my team involved over the next week and will contact you again within seven days. I am sorry that you felt your visit with us was not up to our normal high standard and I will be taking steps to rectify this situation once my investigations are complete.Assuring you of my best attention.Yours sincerelyPaul PalmerGeneral ManagerOver a month on, I'm not to sure what an investigation would uncover. The Captain of our golf society has booked us in late November (about 60 of us) for a prvate function. He asked me my honest opinion, which I gave.Safe to say we won't be going back I'm afraid.
Steve P . 2014-07-24
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We often go here and love the food, we have never had a bad meal, its great value for money, and we keep coming back.
greyash33 . 2014-05-29
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We went to Bentleys with a party of over 100 for an organised event. Food was all pre-ordered - the choices offered were very good. Everyone attending thought the food and service excellent. Despite having so many people to serve the staff coped well.
Janodorset . 2014-05-28
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We took a party of 15 including 2 children here for Sunday Lunch to celebrate a special birthday.Starters and sweets are served at the table and were delicious. The main course is a carvery and you go and get it yourself - not a problem. I like it because it has linen tablecloths & napkins and has comfortable chairs. The staff were first class and very helpful and friendly - well done. The children were catered for as well. Excellant pianist playing (even "happy birthday") we had a great time - the ambiance was superb. Very glas that we chose to take our friends and family here for a meal
nobby79 . 2014-05-20
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This restaurant is a frequent haunt for my family and I, as the food is outstanding, the service excellent and it's only £20 a head for a three course meal at top end standards (excluding drinks).We've visited as a family multiple times and as a large party of about twenty four once. Even though our party was very large and we could be a little raucous at times, the staff were very accommodating, friendly and just fantastic!Overall, excellent quality of food, excellent value, excellent staff and just, Well...excellent!
SLD362 . 2014-04-11
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Six of us went to Bentleys for a "family catch up" Sunday lunch. The service from the start was attentive but not intrusive. There was a good choice of starters, which we followed with the carvery. There was a good choice of meat all cooked to perfection, and a wide range of freshly cooked vegetables including crisp cabbage, cauliflower cheese, roast parsnips and perfect crisp roast potatoes. The desserts were delicious and again a good range to choose from. The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxing and the pianist in the background completes a pleasurable experience. The best Sunday lunch out we've had for a long time
ETJT . 2014-03-29
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We visited with friends on a Thursday evening. The chandelier-lit dining room is elegantly decorated and we had a table by the window that would have afforded a fine view of the golf course, had it been the day-time. We dined off the '3-courses for £20' menu and I started with tempura tiger prawns. These were excellent - a very light batter with the three large prawns cooked exactly the right amount and still hot. The accompanying sauce was Thai-style, quite spicey. One of our party started with the mussels, which were served in a tin pot. They were somewhat small, with no residual sauce, but were tasty enough. For the main course, I chose beef medallions in brandy and red peppercorn sauce. We had been asked if we were happy to have this dish served pink (we were) but it was not actually served pink. The meat was tasty but cut into thin slices rather than the normally thicker medallion-cut. The accompanying sauce was delicious, a highlight of the dish. The vegetables were pleasantly al dente and tasted good.Another member of our party was very happy with the seafood (sea bass, salmon, scallops and tiger prawns) in martini sauce. We ended with a berry meringue with Chantilly cream. This was a very good three-course meal for the price, made even more reasonable with a 4-for-3 voucher off the internet. There was live music throughout, with a singer accompanying himself on a keyboard. All in all, it was an attractive place to spend an evening and we were more than happy with the quality of what we had been served.
BroLucius . 2014-01-13
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12 of us spent a wonderful time seeing in the New Year at this restaurant. The champagne cocktails and canapes were a great start and the fillet steak was cooked to perfection ( not easy for a large room full of people) Excellent music rounded off a great evening.
mickeyb186338 . 2014-01-06
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Ten of us booked for their Xmas party 3 course menu. The food was delicious and all meals were served hot and together. It all went like clockwork. Having dined here previously the standard was just as good for a large party. Highly recommend it.
aliwoollacott . 2013-12-19
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Contained within the hotel part of the golf club this is a very pleasant restaurant looking out across Dudsbury golf course and with prices starting at £20per head for a three course meal cant be beatenI have been there on several occassions and have always found the Service to be very good
JamesD977 . 2013-11-08
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Bentley’s is within walking distance from us so we use it quite frequently mainly for special occasions. During the week a three course meal is just under £20 and with a excellent selection on the menu its great value for money.The restaurant and adjoining bar are always nicely presented with some very nice touches. Live music is played usually by a guy playing and singing but not overload and at time Mary will sing at the tables. You can also dance if you wish all in a very relaxed atmosphere. Views are great over the Golf Course down to river Stour and at night the lights of Bournemouth are in the distances. Not the youngest of cliental at times but that fits in the situation well its worth a visit. Staff are great too. Its almost unique in this location Good food, Reasonable price, music dancing and pleasant staff.
Ralph W . 2013-10-31
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Lovely romantic atmosphere with an excellent menu and good food and wine at very good value especially when you use their 4 for 3 web site offerMary makes sure that all runs smoothly and also sings beautifully with the piano player while you can dance between coursesInhabited by nice mature people who know how to behave and have a very nice evening with friends or as a coupleThoroughly recommended
Johnandshirleyjones . 2013-06-07
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It was my 70th birthday, so my wife decided to eat at Bentleys. We have enjoyed the food in the past and we also enjoy the ambiance. The pianist plays our kind of music which makes the whole experience very enjoyable. Unfortunately on this occasion the service was not upto the usual standard. The wine was late arriving, towards the end of our main meal, after reminding them. We didn't even have water. When the wine eventually arrived, it was plonked on our table with the screw top intact and the waiter walked off. This has never happened to me before, in all my years. I have dined in all parts of the world, in top restaurants to street food stalls. I think the management of Bentley's need to address this problem, because it tarnishes what should be a most enjoyable experience. Stuart E
StuartE645 . 2013-05-14
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We went for my birthday lunch and chose the 2.30 sitting. We were greeted by friendly staff and sat and had a glass of white while we waited a very short time to be seated.I hadn't been to Bentley's before and was shocked at how huge the dining room was and how full it was. I've no idea of the number but the place was jam packed and I don't really like huge restaurants, preferring cosy places.No complaints about the food or service. We had starters and the roast carvery which was delicious I must say. I enjoyed having the pianist there too which broke up the sound of so many conversations all around us!I would say that it's great for families or older people who like a busy atmosphere but it's not romantic or cosy. Great if you get a window table as we did, wouldn't like it at all if stuck further inside. I wish they'd divide it into smaller, more intimate spaces, less Butlins-like.
Exploreasap . 2013-05-08
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A group of ten of us went to Bentley's Wednesday 1st May and have to say we were very disappointed. The menu was not ambitious, the Restaurant was less than half full and this was an offer night [four for the price of three] and being so empty there was no atmosphere. The pianist was very loud and conversation was difficult, the service was disappointing. Mary was singing as usual and although she has a pleasant voice the music was overpowering. The waitress/waiter comprised two young girls and one young man, one of the girls forgot the milk and cream for the coffee and then forgot the sugar. One of the dishes chosen by our group was mussels, these came with two small bowls, one full of chips and the other with a green salad and sliced red onion, not exactly a classic presentation. Would we come again, do not think so until the menu changes dramatically and the pianist is quietened down.
Howard J . 2013-05-07
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With a party of 20 we had Sunday lunch. Lovely surroundings and view the food was also very good with plenty of choice on the carvery. Both starters and dessert were excellent. The only downside was that the restaurant was packed (normally a good sign) but the service was slow. Cost reasonable £17.95 for three courses.
Mike M . 2013-04-30
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Had an enjoyable meal here last Saturday. I must admit personally that the portions might have been larger. I was sad to learn later that the Mussels my wife ate did not stay with her very long, in fact only about 15 minutes. She eats Mussel regularly and never experienced this problem before. Apart from that, the meal was good in a pleasant relaxed setting.
Johnnyfastgun . 2013-02-18
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Enjoyed a well presented meal at Bentley's restaurant here in a pleasant ambient setting this weekend. I must admit the portions could have been larger. I thought the food was very good, but was disappointed to learn that the Mussels starter that my wife ate didn't stay with her very long. She regularly eats mussels and never had this reaction before. Shame really as this spoilt what was an otherwise an enjoyable evening.
Johnnyfastgun . 2013-02-18
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What a wonderful experience. Bentley's restaurant has a great menu. The food was delicious and well cooked. Visited as a party of four in the evening and had a very relaxing time with the piano playing and lovely atmosphere. The service was very good and I would not hesitate to visit Bentley's again.
JaneLiz . 2013-02-08
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Having been to Bentley's in the past and found it be an excellent restaurant, we had no hesitation in making it our choice for a recent birthday meal. We were not disappointed as both the quality of the food and the service were both excellent and, being a musician myself, I feel the pianist deserves a special mention as he provides an excellent but un-obtrusive accompaniment to the occasion with his tasteful rendiotions of many favourite pieces and is always willing to play any special requests. We hope to visit Bentley's again in the near future as find the whole experience extremely satisfying
EnglandButterfly . 2013-02-05
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This restaurant provides a relaxed dining experience and lovely food, with the choice of some lovely wines. I have had several lovely lunches here and one special birthday and all have been lovely. The service is cheerful and attentive and the restaurant overlooks the golf course and some beautiful scenery. Definitely worth a visit.
TOWNEATER . 2013-01-27
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Very friendly restaurant overlooking lovely views of the River Stour and panaramic views of Bournemouth. Lovely first class food at an affordable price. Have visited this restaurant many times and being it is so good we have the family in for our Christmas lunch.
Jeff C . 2012-12-11
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Visited this restaurant for a meal with friends and have been very impressed by the decor, service and value for money on offer. A nice choice of tempting options on the table d'hote menu which offers three courses for a very reasonable fixed price. The service was very good from start to last and the evening was busy with obviously regular satisfied customers. Too dark for us to enjoy the views over the golf course so we will have to leave that for a return visit in the summer months!
IanHBournemouthUK . 2012-11-13
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We want here a while ago for a birthday and it was like a very good holiday camp!!!!!! The food was ok but not special
Steve M . 2012-11-09
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we have dined here on quite a few occaisions and have enjoyed the food every time, good quality food in nice surroundings and lovely views over the golf course. and a place where you can dress up a bit. Sunday lunch is great too.
Diane S . 2012-09-09
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We were married here in April 2010. Wonderful day and meal afterwards in fantastic setting. We have been back several times and have never been disappointed with anything. The food is excellent and the restaurante beautifully presented.
Judi90 . 2012-08-26
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We were invited to a 60th Birthday celebration at Bentley's which is the restaurant situated in the hotel on the Dudsbury Golf Course. It is a very nice up market venue with a comfortable bar area for pre dinner drinks. On Saturday night there is a three course menu at £18.95 which is good value and there was plenty to choose from. The food was well cooked and presented.Service was slick, efficient and friendly.One of the guests was disabled and the staff were really helpful in showing the way to the lift as the bar and restaurant are upstairs. The restaurant is nicely decorated and has a pleasant atmosphere. There was live music and later an opportunity to dance.We will definitely be going back and you don't have to be a member of the golf club to use the facility.
MrsBear49 . 2011-10-14
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168 Opinions
Absolutely awful service. Booked a table for 9.am. typing this review at 10.05am and still no breakfast! No drinks were offered until 9.35am, ordered moccha got hot chocolate. Most of which was on the table as it was badly carried to the table. 9.50 am finally asked for our orders, I said how as no menu provided. Waitress said it was because we weren't sat at a "breakfast table"!! The table we were told to sit at ? 9.55am, cutlery bought to us but no food, not even toast. 10.10am 1 glass of apple juice placed on table but no pineapple juice or 2 x lattes we ordered 20 mins ago!! Tables that were seated after us were asked their orders first. Such a shame as our first stay was amazing. Last nights dinner service & quality of food was amazing. Breakfast ends/ended 10 am. Checkout is 11.am !! Extremely disappointing experience. STILL NO FOOD at 10 15am and I'm on the verge of just leaving without now.
229 Opinions
When we moved to the area in early 2020, one of our neighbours told us that Bentleys was his favourite places for a Sunday carvery. Then came Covid and lockdowns, so that we have only now been able to try it out, since its reopening last month. We were very much looking forward to it and, whilst it was OK, it was a little disappointing. Firstly the complimentary hors d’oeuvres. One small rectangular plate was presented to us, but whilst the quantity of what was on there was fine for two, the actual components on it were one chicken skewer, one spring roll and two small, but different, tarts, meaning that, other than the olives and feta, everything had to be cut in half to enable us each to sample everything! The carvery itself was neither the best that I have ever had, but nor was it the worst. I was impressed that the beef was cooked as beef should be, and not cremated, and commented as much to the chef. As this was unusual for a carvery both my wife and I went for it plus some turkey. I have to say that the turkey was very nice, but the beef was rather chewy. Vegetables were OK; I thought that the roast potatoes could have been a bit crispier and the Yorkshire was pretty rock solid. For dessert, my wife chose the lemon meringue which, I think was a good choice, because I went for rhubarb crumble and custard and found the crumble topping to be almost as solid as a pie crust. I'm afraid that it is unlikely that we will be rushing back.
530 Opinions
Did not need to book, although it got busy later on. Staff shortage was very evident (Only Barman & Chef). The service was very friendly and Good ambience. Orders taken, drinks got we sat down and waited. The food was delivered by Chef and it was plentiful, and tasted very nice, i still have Choc Fudge Cake and custard stuck to the roof of my mouth:) We did overhear from next table that some of the menu advertised was not available and a table of 10 did seem to wait a while for their courses. I'm sure once some decent waiting staff are engaged service time will improve and overall experience will be fine. Would we go again, definitely, but suggest that until more staff are on board Don't Plan your visit on Timings, Theses could go well over..
2879 Opinions
We came here for a family dinner on Saturday evening. The pub has free parking' and a large garden area great in the summer. But the atmosphere from the bar man and our waitress was hostile. One for asking if we all could be reseated somewhere else due to being by the entrance door ! And it was almost too much to serve us, and all 4 of us were made to feel uncomfortable. There was a younger female waitress, who was very polite. Our waitress realised she had been rude and gone to far' so she made an effort to turn a negative into a positive. But we were offended by the her reaction which made an ever lasting impression. It was ashame that the Barman didn't follow suit ' he seemed very unhappy when we previous ask him for no ice polity' but he was very put out' that he had to empty the glasses as he forgot after taking our orders. We understand it was busy, but the customer service is just as important as the food, which food we couldn't fault. Unfortunately we won't ever come back or our parents who made the trip here. Very disappointed as this was a special occasion .
912 Opinions
Quite a busy Sunday but saw immediately. Had a lovely roast with a fresh ale. Excellent service from the bar and the chef asked me how my meal was. 5 stars