Knoll House The Restaurant in Purbeck

I tried to order tea and scones at Knoll House restaurant today but there was no one who seemed to want to serve us. We asked at reception after waiting for ages at the bar for someone and was told to ring the bell. We eventually found the bell which was a door bell and not easy to see and after waiting again for an age, no one came. We rung the bell for a second time and stood waiting discussing what we should do when a very harassed waitress arrived carrying a full tray. When I asked if we could order she was unapologetic and unpleasant and told us she was unsure if we could have scones because they had been busy with a table of 22. I asked her to check to see and while standing there still waiting I felt the whole experience was now so awful that I didn’t want to stay and spend my money here. This was supposed to be a special treat for a friend and I that don’t see each other often and instead it felt like we were a massive inconvenience and completely unwelcome. I know staffing is difficult and expensive these days but treating people that have come in wanting to spend there money with you like that is appalling. We decided to leave and as we left we told the member of staff on reception that we were leaving because the waitress was rude and we couldn’t get served and even then no apology was given, no attempt to retain us as customers and seemly no concern that two paying customers were leaving and taking there money elsewhere. We had a lovely visit in a very fine cafe in Swanage and will not return to Knoll House and judging by the truly awful service we had today, no doubt this feedback will be ignored.

It was great. We used to visit for birthdays when I was a child so thought it was time for a return visit. Lovely lunch - delicious sandwiches and great service. It's a bit quirky but fun.

We went to the restaurant for a family lunch. The restaurant wasn’t busy but it took ages to be served. The food was expensive for what we received. We had three courses and needed it as portions were small. Service wasn’t professional at all. The people were pleasant, so it’s more down to training or the lack of it than anything personal. The hotel and restaurant look like they’re about to go bust. It’s beyond faded glory. It’s now in managed neglect. Hygiene left a lot to be desired and it’s such a pity because the location is outstanding. The place needs about £3m thrown at it and some owners that actually care.

Ate at the hotel restaurant as the weather was awful and we didn’t want to go out! Had a very nice meal - so glad we stayed.

We paid for a package through travel zoo to eat on the sat night the staff didn’t honour it and nobody would compromise shambolic ! The Hotel Director avoided my calls Mr Donovan Van Shaden and I would say avoid this place , very dated with staff who look like they don’t want to be there ….very disappointed

Great, friendly service. We both had 3 courses and all were delicious. Lamb lovely and tender. We relaxed in the lounge after with a drink. Would definitely recommend if staying here or visiting for a meal.

So disappointed … we have been here several times and had lovely food but not this time . Very poor standard of food , Small portion sizes and greatly overpriced . Such a shame .

Buffet breakfasts in the restaurant were absolutely amazing. Well done to the breakfast chef! Unfortunately, however, the dinners, although the food was tasty, were extremely over-priced with the set menu giving very little choice, with no meat dish to choose from. A great shame since the staff and waiters were very friendly and helpful and of course the venue, with a view of the sea, wonderful.

We stayed for two nights, the first was fine but the second night there was a very loud party in a function room directly under our room. Music was done by 10, talking and shouting from guests went on until 12.30am. Couldn’t sleep. Phoned reception at 11.45pm, told there was nothing they could do - ‘you know what parties are like’. Complained in the morning, also told there was nothing they could do. No gesture or understanding, staff both dismissive.

Lovely welcome on arrival, we sat at a window table so great views of garden and across to the beach. We all had a delicious 3 course meal. A good selection on the menu to choose from and great service throughout. I definitely recommend and will be returning.

This is the third time my partner and I have visited Knoll House. We were once again not disappointed by the relaxed atmosphere of this hotel. Lovely friendly clientele with or without their dogs enjoying chilling on large sofas feet up and feeling the warmth of the log fire and indeed the place. We love the quirky touches around the place and heard several people say ‘please don’t refurbish this place as we love it just the way it is’ I never want to leave. The walks close by are fabulous with breath taking scenery. At the end of the day one can relax and take a sauna and a dip. The spa is small and tired looking but when you are the only two there who cares. Just love it. Will be visiting again soon.

We stayed at knoll House on a dbnb package and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Our double room was nicely refurbished. Underfloor heating in the ensuite and simple, tasteful decoration in the bedroom ( courtyard room). The roaring fire in the lounge/ entrance hall was much appreciated after a long walk on the coast path then into the restaurant for dinner. Crisp white tablecloths, warm bread rolls and a delicious menu. I had the salmon and my husband had the chicken. Both were very well cooked with delightful extras. Deserts were also delicious and a proper size. Service was also good.

We took friends for an afternoon cream tea as we’d been before and enjoyed the experience. The first time as a couple, we sat in the restaurent. Very enjoyable. This time, and at a member of staff’s suggestion, we sat in a lounge area as apparently, it had a fire. It did not, so no benefit sitting there. The fire place was in the entrance hall. Still, it was warm enough so we sat in the lounge with views across to the sea, although two ladies had taken up the entire space & table in front of the window whereas we would have had an uninterrupted view in the restaurent. However, what we were not told, was that if you sit anywhere other than the restaurent, you are not given the vintage crockery and teapots. We got told this paying the bill !! The experience is not the same with catering steel pots with tea bags (our first one had tea leaves), and horrible chunky white utility cups and saucers and plates. Together with poor service (we were ignored the entire time and had to ask for for extra milk etc) I was very disappointed. Given the compulsory (and I quote) 10% service charge, I feel quite cross about the whole experience. Whilst I wouldn’t say don’t go, the sandwiches, scones and cakes are top notch, stick to the restaurent, as service will be much better, the views are great, and you will receive lovely tea in vintage tea pots and vintage crockery. Due to a sloppy 2nd visit, I’m afraid there will not be a third.

Enjoyed the food very much, Wine was disgusting and overpriced, ordered the Laungedoc sauvignon and got a cheap £3.99 bottle of something called Le Lande vin de table for £24 disgusting

Went for a birthday lunch today and the food, atmosphere and service were dreadful. The food is overpriced and terrible, they forgot my son’s meal then charged us twice for it and had the audacity to charge 10% gratuity despite me ordering drinks and then food at the bar, collecting my own cutlery and condiments and waiting 15 minutes for the missing meal. Meals are around £20 for a substandard burger so very overpriced. Such a shame as the view is stunning. Service was terrible, no apology for the missing meal and the staff seemed a bit clueless although not rude. Ruined what should have been a lovely family occasion. We will definitely not go back. We did not stay at the hotel so cannot comment on the rooms but the decor is dated and scruffy in the reception area and restaurant.

Fab situ with great views of Studland Bay, lovely staff, room across the courtyard was excellent, food great, very good value. Sadly only 3 star due to upgrading of decoration needed.

The dining room is pleasant and a time warp to the 1930s. We had three courses and all were very good. Prices were reasonable and service was attentive but not overbearing. A pleasant surprise and worth a visit if you are passing through.

This was the first time to Studland for us and we took advantage of a Travelzoo offer for a night and grub at The Knoll House. We read a fair (perhaps the wrong word) few reviews which, having booked already, didn't do anything to heighten our expectation level. The deal itself was superb value so thought that we'd give it a go, after all, it was only one night. It's fair to say that the hotel has perhaps seen better days and could do with a wash & brush-up but all said and done we found no major issues at all. We had a fairly standard double room and having paid a couple of quid extra, had a sea view. The sea view was not only excellent but it also came with a huge decked private balcony over-looking Sandbanks and Bournemouth beyond. The room itself was a little tired but again and with crisp fresh bedclothes, it was absolutely fine. The bathroom was a little tight if you wanted to swing a cat, but if that is your penchant then find a different kitty litter maybe! The evening meal was excellent on it's own let alone being enhanced by the offer provided and, for us, the service was acceptable. It was a busy evening service (probably the offer) but there was as far as we could see only one couple that experience a major service (getting served) issue. To be fair, they should have made a bigger fuss, but perhaps they were just too nice.....(and hungry). Breakfast next day was as I'd hoped and perfectly fine. All in all, from our, albeit short experience I'd say that the plethora of less than positive reviews offers a skewed view of reality. But then, maybe we were the lucky ones. Would we go again? Probably not since we've been there and done that. Would we recommend someone else to try the venue, then, subject to the caveats above, yes it would be a resounding YES, give it a go.

I had breakfast here as a non resident. The ‘dining room’ is large with decor and furnishings from a devious era. The breakfast menu is very traditional - a few cold items and your selection from the full English list which included fried bread. A rare (and welcome) find in 2021. The sausage was good but the black pudding, beans and scrambled eggs were over cooked. Coffee was OK. Service was friendly but a bit slow

We sat outside in the front garden overlooking Studland Bay. It was a beautiful location. Food and drinks were served to us. We just had coffee and a snack but it was very enjoyable. Pricey but worth it for the location and good quality food.

The quality of the food is very good, and enough choice for most people. The service was sometimes a little slow, due to the shortage of staff.

It's a big room, views over the sea if you choose the right table. And surprisingly busy for a Monday evening. Mostly residents, I thinkFritto misto to start. Seafood Italian style. Very delicate, delicious.Then a looong wait for the main course. Did something terrible happen in the kitchen? Hey, I've worked in a commercial kitchen, these things sometimes happen. They might be short staffed, I'm told that is a big issue in kitchens this yearPan fried fillet of bream arrived, with new potato salad which was very nice. Supposed to have had fennel. I didn't notice any, maybe they were out hunting for fennel and couldn't find any. Plaice, garlicky green beans, very good. We didn't stay for a sweet. But it looked good. Next day, rillettes of duck, and I didn't dither over my choice this time. It was very good, but not as good as the fritto misto. Then slow cooked feathered beef. I've never heard of feathered beef. It's braised steak. Came with pureed parsnips and jus, which used to be called gravy when I was a lad. Bacon jam! What can that possibly be? But it was yummyVery good cheeseboard. Possibly the best cheddar ever. Stilton, a semi hard goats cheese, one other which I couldn't identify. Grapes, a variety of biccies, walnuts, a little bowl of chutney, and celery (which I can't abide, and left)Service friendly and efficient, but for that wait on the first night. A glitch. Pay it no mind.

Lovely varied menu for breakfast and evening meal. All freshly cooked and delicious. Good choice of seasonal and local produce.

I have been emailing the Knoll Hotel for several months and have received no response. We booked through secret escapes and our booking was cancelled due to lockdown. Secret escapes have emailed to say that they have paid the Knoll for our trip so we need to be dealing with the Knoll Hotel direct. The Knoll Hotel seem to have no customer service. I realise it is a difficult time for the hospitality business but ignoring a customer when the customer has paid in full is not the best way forward. I am starting to think that they have no intention of honouring the booking or paying a refund. So be very careful when booking a break with the Knoll Hotel.

Nice food and friendly staff. Could be better socially distanced but overall nice restaurant. It is quite expensive

Stayed two nights on DBB deal 20/21 Dec 2020. This is an individual hotel that is ‘of an era’ but we found it charming, clean, quirky and felt covid safe with their measures in place. Our good sized room was in the main house first floor with a balcony (54) and was clean and comfortable, and we both slept well. The bathroom was clean and modern and had a handy storage ledge above the sink. A step up as you enter the bathroom which we forgot a couple of times! Towels very new and fluffy. The location of the hotel is fantastic for walking, local towns and attractions like Corfe Castle. We walked out to Old Harry Rocks which was a pleasant walk despite the weather.We thoroughly enjoyed our meals but due to lack of people in the large restaurant it did lack atmosphere although we liked our table overlooking the gardens at the front of the hotel and towards the sea. It was all table service for obvious reasons and all the staff were excellent - friendly, beautiful manners and pleasant, professional service. Nothing too much trouble and we thank them for making our short stay so good. Bar and reception staff also excellent.We would love to stay again and hope to return perhaps in the SpringThank you

food and service are exceptional in this sunny restaurant breakfast is a real treat as the east sun pours in

The food was lovely and we were spoilt for choice, the staff serving the food was very helpfull and the bottles of wine were a very reasonable price

High Standard of food. Recommend either slow cooked beef or Welsh lamb chops. Avoid risotto. For breakfast avoid full English but go for scrambled eggs and mushrooms (fab)

We had dinner as guest at the hotel. The restaurant was ok but very over priced - £18.50 per main, £8.50 for starters/desert. Minimum of £25 for bottle of house wine, so you're looking at well over £100 for a three course meal with wine for two people (including 'optional' 10% service) The food was fine - good selection including for vegetarians, but nothing special.

The three course meal was fantastic, staff attentive to every detail, nothing was too much bother. All of the tables were spaced to make it as safe as possible in these Covid 19 times.

We visited Knoll House for lunch and were first met by Adam at the bar. He was so welcoming and nothing seemed too much. He was happy to answer any questions we had about the hotel and even went out of his way to show us the swimming pool. We sat in the garden for lunch which was so relaxing and picturesque. The staff that served us for lunch were fabulous and again nothing seemed too much. Lunch was absolutely lovely! I had the best day visiting and exploring Knoll House. I can’t wait to stay overnight one day.

Hotel was excellent room beautiful greeted by mary lovley lady.fantastic long walks in the heath and forest and beautiful beach in front if the hotel.Breakfast was superb glad to see tracey is still at the hotel rooms were spotless and clean seen loads of deers at night from our windows which was brilliant all in all fantastic relaxing stay 5 stars from us

Visited on Tuesday for a family lunch to celebrate the mother in laws birthday.For a family to visit this place is perfect, I can honestly say it’s got everything to keep the kids entertained and therefore let the parents relax.The food is fantastic, myself and my 2 boys had fish and chips which quite frankly was the best we’ve ever had.We were that impressed we returned on Tuesday for afternoon tea which was delightful.Some may say the hotel is a little tired around the edges, I would disagree and say it’s absolutely charming in an old worldly way. It’s got something that nowhere else has. The best place around to cater for families bar none. We will definitely be returning. I honestly can’t praise this place enough.

We stayed at the Hotel in these times of Corona and so things were a little different with longer times for dinner and breakfasts to spread out diners.We had the most delicious 3 course meal, we each picked a different option so 6 meals were made for us and each one amazing in terms of presentation and taste and service.Breakfast as always was delicious.Highly recommend a visit to Knoll House and the food is even better than my previous stay's dining experience.

Knoll House Hotel overlooks Studland Bay with stunning views. We have just got out of lockdown and hotels are back in business, I do not know all the rules that apply I can only write about our experience. This hotel must, at one time, have been a fantastic venue, not so now. It needs an awful lot of money spent on it to restore it to its former glory. Peeling paint, grubby windows, unwelcoming reception, old-fashioned rooms, no flat screen t.v. only a rather small one perched on a chest of drawers. in fact, our room and the bathroom were nothing like the ones that feature on the website. We couldn't understand this as the hotel was not full and we booked last year, if you are going to un-furlough your cleaning staff then get them to clean the best rooms in the hotel with the decent bathrooms and flat screen televisions to make up for all the facilities that were no longer included, but were paid for. It appears that everyone is trying to do their best in these very trying conditions, but unfortunately this hotel does need to try a lot, lot harder. The Staff in the restaurant are, on the whole, good - some are exceptional - others need re-training. Orders had to be constantly repeated, were forgotten or in some cases didn't materialise. So, so disappointed. The restaurant is drab, the rules are that you are handed the cutlery but you have to lay the table yourself. Some fresh flowers on the table would have been nice, not just a tea light. The food was ok, bit hit and miss but the menu was the same every night with a few add-ons for the starters and desserts. The grilled fish being the best. We would not have liked to have been staying for a whole week. Breakfast was adequate, but more reminiscent of a buffet breakfast. Why can't we do decent tea and coffee in this country? The grounds were seriously neglected with regards to colour. Pots were empty, no hanging baskets to brighten the gardens - why? Garden centres have been opened a few weeks now. Were the groundsmen still furloughed? The swimming pools were not available (rules). The rooms were not serviced (rules) how I missed not going back to a room with the beds made, fresh towels in the bathroom, bins emptied and carpets hoovered, especially after a day on the beach. Only found out about this through asking, would have been nice to have been told. After three months in lockdown we wanted a bit of luxury and at £350 a night for two we expected it. Sorry Knoll House it's a big thumbs down from us, despite the difficult times you do need to up your game and make this the splendid hotel it looks on the website.

Great ambience and good service, the meal was also very good and left us totally full, breakfast is 110%

friendly, helpful team who have a great menu mastered. Breakfast, lunch or dinner are always great value and while the restaurant is a throwback to 1970s hotel dining it is great fun there.

The best scollops ever followed by a full beef roast. The breakfast is a buffet, but as the hotel tends to have a lot of guests it has to be replenished regularly so remains hot and fresh.

Very quiet, poor weather and time of year. Only complaint was the awful piano jazz music on a loop. The food was lovely, good choice. To be fair some of the meal and pudding was not as hot as it could have been. The service was quick and very polite.

I went with a lovely group of friends for an overnight stay. We wined and dined in this beautiful old hotel. We realised it needed a bit of TLC but were so glad we had the opportunity to experience it before next year when it will be modernised. The staff and food were wonderful.

Friendly staff. Dogs welcome in outdoor eating area. Lovely food. Excellent fish and chips. Scampi. And pasta dishes.

Another happy family break at this trusty hotel which has so many fun facilities and lovely staff I still highly recommend it. The kids are a little older now loved the golf, tennis courts, outdoor & indoor pools. The food is very good and the desert option mind blowing! Well done team and thank you once again.

We were looking forward to this after the disappointment in January...we were given a complementary afternoon tea which we booked for 2 pm after speaking to Jo who was really helpful ..We arrived & spoke to the chef explaining we wanted gluten free bread & vegetarian option ...We arrived back @ 2pm to be told we needed to wait half an hour as it was extremely busy it was a total shambles we had tea ( but my husband did explain we wanted it with the sandwiches) they kept bringing out tea then the sandwiches arrived I could not believe what they served us cheese on bread no mayo salad pickle just dry I asked to speak to the general manager who came out & said this is not acceptable he agreed I explained to him this is the 2nd time we have been here & it’s not better than the first visit he then went spoke to the manager of the restaurant who then cane back with freshly made sandwiches which were better & he apologises for the shambles & explained he did not know as he was not told about the revisit & said if he did it would have been different ...this was over a hour from our original booking @ 2 pm the cake was stale along with 2 of the scones ...I was so upset & did think as it was a revisit it would have gone better & we would have been looked after ...I personally think they depend on passing trade as it was the 2nd time we were there & it was a shambles....We won’t be going back even tho they did apologise it’s a shame as it is a beautiful place ....

A choice of 5 or so starters, 6-7 main courses and half a dozen desserts means there is something for everyone. £35.50 for three courses of excellent local food is well wort it. The waiting staff are helpful and attentive but not intrusive at all.

A very good reception from friendly staff who took the time to make you feel at home. The food as good and waiting staff attentive. A special area is set aside for those dog lovers who want their dogs to be with them at mealtimes.

Sadly we ate here on our first nights stay, I wished we hadn’t! All food was cold, lukewarm at best, including Chicken Satay - a new experience for us - almost straight from the fridge! Food was all quite tasteless and bland certainly not worth the in excess of £35 per head for three courses. Like others I’d say hygiene is an issue particularly dirty plates, cutlery etc. Sadly my husband suffered with V&D; only 4 hours after eating here.

My husband and I stayed for one night only and wish it had been longer. We were very impressed with the very comfortable lounges and the relaxed atmosphere. Food was very good too.

Knoll House offers decent food and pretty good customer service at a mid-range price In an old school hotel restaurant setting! Based on our experience and the quality offered we would definitely eat at Knoll House again!

Visited this hotel last Saturday to Sunday for one evening to meet friends. Stayed in the garden room which was comfortable ,clean and warm.

Head waiter was attentive and clearly trained his staff well we ate all three main meals there over five days,

curtious staff, varied menu which was plentiful and good quality in lovely relaxed dinning room, with lovely views

The staff in the hotel cannot do enough for you. They are efficient courteous and helpful. We had an excellent dinner in the restaurant. Food and service extremely good. We really enjoyed it