Smugglers Haunt Beefeater in East Dorset

Great to see Kevin working here this evening. As always, fantastic customer service from him. As Arnie said "I'll be back"

June greeted me so kindly having had a bit of a cold shoulder from the premier inn as I was very early having travelled across country to arrive for a bereavement. She was extremely kind, helpful and led me to the breakfast and much needed coffee Also suggested going to Sainsbury’s to while away some of the time I had in hand. A very sensible suggestion as I had some items I needed All in all a refreshingly good experience

Lovely breakfast, cooked was hot and freshly cooked.

Had medium sirloin steak which was very good. Unfortunately no peppercorn sauce available. Excellent service by Kevin

A regular stop on the way home at weekends. Staff always bright,happy and polite. The roast is a must .

Lovely meal and dessert, great value and lovely attentive staff!

We visited for my 9 year olds birthday and it was absolutely brilliant! The food was absolutely delicious no complaints at all! The staff went over and beyond to make it special for my little girl, Kevin was great and made us feel like nothing was too much! They even gave my daughter a card and present which was brilliant! We will definitely be returning thank you so much!

Fab service and amazing food. Thank you Kevin 😊

Have been several times. Always have a table available. Food lovely. Staff lovely.

Food was lovely and the staff were welcoming and extremely helpful. Had a thoroughly lovely experience

Lovely meal good portion size, Ruby the waitress was helpful and friendly, would definitely return

Nice place to eat whilst away for a few days. Good food, good service, as it should be.

Was not happy with quality of food, not worth the money.

Great food and amazing staff very welcoming and polite will definitely return here again

This 5 star review is just for the lovely lady who does the breakfast in the morning Been here several times and she is always so pleasant and a credit to the place

Very enjoyable meal, fast friendly service. We will be returning.

I have had the sirloin steak here and it's normally so dry so I thought I would pay £18.99 and go for the rib eye steak which in my experience you can't go wrong with due to the marbling of fat.But I was wrong!The cm thick piece of meat was like shoe leather.I asked for medium to well done even though one part was marginally better the majority was just dry and powdery so thin but so hard to cut with a steak knife and the charring was quite bad but it had been turned over to show the 'better' side.At one point the charring almost went all the way through!It left a really bitter taste in my mouth.One section of the meat was almost like I know rib eye to be so wasn't too bad but on the whole this was pretty dry and too much charcoal and the thickness of a minute steak for almost £19!The rest of the food on the plate was good and the staff are really good.Before we left I popped to the toilets.The seat you sit down on was broken.I tried to straighten it but it went back to its orignal almost half off position.The door on the cubicle had to be forcibly shut as wasn't closing.Just glad I got out OK!The toilet door is definitely in need of repainting as was in a right state and the pub as a whole could do with a refurb.

A lovely Beefeater restaurant, staff were attentive and knew about allergies as one member of our party has an allergie. Food was excellent. Would highly recommend to all.

We had a lovely breakfast this morning, staff and food were top notch. The place it’s self could do with a little TLC though hence only 4 out of 5

It's part of the PI next door. Staff are great but building is a little tired. Better than many PI eateries and beers quite cheap even if range is small for real ales

Attended for an unlimited breakfast which has been hard to find. We were greeted and served by June who was so friendly, caring and helpful. The food was 5* best breakfast I've had for a long time. Will definitely be back. Thank you

Went for breakfast and was welcomed very promptly and politely. The place its self is extremely nice and pleasant inside, the food was good and the hot breakfast was amazing came very quickly and very fresh and hot. Jane our server was very helpful and made us feel extremely welcoming. Thank you Jane

We have now visited the Smugglers Haunt a few times. We love it. The food is good quality and freshly prepared. The prices re on par with other less quality establishments and they often have really good money off deals. The staff are absolutely lovely - friendly, attentive and helpful every single time. We highly recommend.

Been to the place three times in the last month the latest I've been there is 10:00 because they don't serve after that Christmas Eve they stop serving at 9:30 decided to give it another go tonight 10:00 they said they've called last orders in time even though we were sitting 6 ft away from the bar we never heard a thing the place is a disgrace and the website says it's open till 11 what a joke

Went here for a family birthday meal, service was rubbish, food was rubbish, so glad we had a discount voucher, would not have paid full price. Been here a few times before and it was really good, will not be returning after this experience. 1 hour to get starters, another hour to get mains, the children in our party were left hungry, a staff member blamed the wait on a large table of 11, if your kitchen cannot handle large tables don’t allow them to book. Slow to get drinks and always having to ask for refills. Would not recommend anything on the menu, the lukewarm warm burger arrived with half a portion of fries and warm coleslaw, my wife’s chicken tasted odd and the runs were luke warm and tasteless. Went in at 6.30pm and finally got out of the place at 9pm.

Staying at the Premier Inn with work and myself and my colleague went here for dinner after a very long day. We got our table and ordered 2 drinks, 1 diet 1 ordinary, which were brought incorrectly. We then placed our order with the waiter which were starters and mains. After waiting for a short while, the waiter appeared with our main courses and no starters. We asked where our starters that we ordered were and got a vacant look from him and an "oh i must have forgotten to put them through" no apology, no offer to get them made. One of the main courses had items on it that we had asked not to be put on the plate and had to go back to the kitchen. Food was also undercooked and very fatty. Spoke with the manager who gave us something off the bill, but honestly wont be back here again.

Lovely, enjoyable, good range for breakfast & Jane was absolutely lovely

2 days breakfast here, great service, friendly staff on both mornings and the chef can actually poach an egg perfectly which was a first 😂

Ive been here for breakfast for 8 days in a row and June has made it an absolute pleasure!!

Went here Christmas eve for my birthday and all staff were very friendly and gave me a card and chocolates. Would recommend 👌

Many food items unavailable, and then the portion sizes and quality versus price was truly shocking. £18 for some meals. BBQ Ribs has literally a tiny amount of bbq sauce on it was laughable. 9 chips on the plate. £18 haha! What a joke. Went to McDonald’s in the end, food wasn’t much better there but at least I didn’t feel mugged off.

Love it here!!! What a fabulous place this is my new favourite place to go. Staff are incredible , lovely and caring really chatty. Amazingly fast service and very efficient when ordering. It was my mums birthday and they gave her a card aswell as a box of chocolates. If you want a nice warm environment and plenty of food for a good price, this is the place.

We had roast dinner. My wife beef was mainly fat. The rest had been left to sit under hot lights so was all a bit dry. We won't be back ,

Attended for a team Christmas party. Table was inviting and well prepared for easy access of service. Caz solely looked after us all for the night and did an amazing job. All very organised 🙂. Our 2nd time coming for a team get together, and well definitely be back again.

We were incredibly well looked after by Caz for our Xmas meal! She was brilliant and deserves recognition by management for this. It was a lovely atmosphere and we had. Nice private area for our party! Good came out in good time even though there was 25 of us!

The chicken goujons were over cooked as was the steak which was also chewy and gristly. Unfortunately this is the second meal we have had here recently which hasn’t been so good as the usual standard. Maybe the chef has changed?

Nice food and very good service by Caz.

Always a great experience. Danuelle really helpful

Had our work Christmas meal here. Lovely food and service was amazing from Caz who made sure we had everything we needed and was very friendly.

I came for a Christmas meal with work. Caz served us all by herself and did an amazing job. The food came quickly and tasted great. I'd definitely come again!

I was here for a Christmas Party, we were a large group which can sometimes be problematic. This was handled with ease and Caz our waitress was very attentive making sure all our needs were meet. The food was delicious especially the chocolate brownie. Definitely recommend, the team were brilliant and a credit to Beefeater

Great value Christmas Meal and our party were well looked after by Caz.

Caz was so friendly and helpful, I felt really looked after and the food is the best I’ve ever had in a beefeater

Always good beer and food at a good price..... can't go wrong 👌

Booked a table for a big birthday on 1 December 2024 we had a small dog with us. We have dined here before and although the furnishing and carpets are old and worn we were happy with the food and being able to dine with our dog was a bonus. It took some ten minutes for us to be noticed waiting to be seated. The staff member was just staring at a computer screen which was evidently more important than customers. We were told that we had to dine in the bar as we had a dog with us. This hadn't been the case before but we went with it. We walked through and found a table with an empty glass on it and spilled beer. We had been told we would have to go to the bar and order our food. Not ideal for a special birthday but we went along. Husband went to the bar through groups of customers who evidently had been drinking for a while. The language was a little ripe but again we're in a bar so we went along. He got to the bar and the second member of staff was again staring at the computer screen and ignoring four customers waiting to order drinks. He ascertained that they had been waiting for 20 minutes to be served. This was enough. He said we should go elsewhere. We were expected to put up with the complete disinterest from the staff; a lack of information if perhaps there was a problem with the computer system. The fact that dog owners pay the same but are expected to order their own food and have to ask for a table to be cleaned and cleared so we could sit. Also it was chilly and the fire door was being opened so that smokers could go in and out. No. Not good enough. We ended up in Miller and Carter who had a £33 three course Sunday menu including steaks. Treated with respect and care and looked after well. The downside we had to take our small dog home and leave her which wasn't great. However much better than being taken for a ride by this Beefeater in Ferndown. Beefeater this is not acceptable. We may try another one in case this is a one off poor manager, but you've got one more chance. Smarten this place up and put a rocket up the staff.

Xmas dinner has put my dad off Xmas, hot dog was small and very dry, prawns were like rubber, steak was over cooked. The four chicken wings looked like they came off a pigeon and the rest of the starters were ok. The only highlight was the staff were very nice. Xmas 2023, forgot to post it...

Went for breakfast it was excellent wasn't that keen on the lady serving us but we did arrive late

Good food but the Place needs a refit. Well shabby

I have been coming to the Beefeater Grill Restaurants for meals for many years, although the food was good, The manager was very helpful with food choices, and told me I could get a replacement loyalty email card as my card doesn't always accept the points, but after communicating with the company I have been informed that they have permanently cancelled my card because of lack of use which is not true and with no communication that they were going to do this. I have also been told that I can not use any points that are still on or add more onto the card as they will be deleted, this is very disappointing, We visited again today 16/11/24 for my Adult Son's Birthday, the staff were lovely and gave my Son a birthday card and some chocolates which was a lovely gesture.

Had breakfast here in Thursday morning as a family. Great food great price and great service from June🙏😃

Was served by June, very friendly and the food was great

June our server was fantastic couldn't of been any more helpful. Kitchen staff catered for my specific. Chris was brilliant, very helpful.

June was very helpful, excellent service!

Had a drink here. Really warm/cosy and enviting. Friendly staff. Fair prices too. 👌🏽

Booked a time online but didnt realise that they use a 24hour clock. Booked 6.45 and I wasnt the only person that day who had got the wrong time as we were looking for 6.45 pm. Apparently it happens a lot. Can I suggest that this is made very clear on the website that they use a 24 hour clock. We did have a lovely meal even though we had to order at the bar.

Nice place to eat, good quality food and plenty of parking on a weekday.

What a lovely pub and great staff. We booked a table for 8 and then had to change it last minute to 5. The staff were accommodating and made space or our pram as well. The food for dinner and breakfast was great. Would eat here happily again.

Great service for breakfast - June was great

Had breakfast here as I was staying in the Premier Inn for work. The food is pretty standard with lots of choice but my waitress June was so friendly and welcoming, and they were playing funky music too, which created a nice vibe and a nice start to the day

Turned up at 5pm on a Wednesday, asked for a table for Two to be told they were fully booked. OK, so there was a table of Six and a few people sitting in the bar area, but we wernt even asked or offered a time, so I believe that they were not fully booked but under staffed. Maybe I'm wrong, but there were plenty of empty tables and really how long does it take for Two to eat Chicken n Chips.

Loved June and her warmth to greet and serve people. Absolute star. Made our experience better.

We have been many times before. This time, I think our meals were probably first off the grill. Danielle, as always, was very welcoming and a credit to the company. The food was cooked to perfection 👌. Recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

We stopped for lunch at midday today and enjoyed a delicious mixed grill and sirloin steak, both with three times cooked chips. The food was tasty, well cooked and piping hot. Service was very good too.

Food was ok. Morning staff have bad attitudes towards customers, kitchen is very slow, bar is very slow. Plates and cups were dirty at breakfast. We cancelled next weeks stay at the hotel due to this restaurant

What happened to the original steak portions and chips quality. Downsizing for profit doesn't paid off. Just lost a customer. It was not worth it even for 40% discount. Most of the British chains are going down the hill now.

Booked breakfast for 10 at 10 a.m. If you are booking for more than 8, book x tables individually and ask them to join them up in the booking notes. Great choice, unlimited continental, or the ultimate, which is unlimited continental plus an unlimited full English. The place was very busy, so although we arrived at 9.45, we didn't get our 4 cooked breakfasts until 10.55, and there was no bacon on any of them. They had stood on the hotplate, and some of the staff were clearing the Continental breakfast away, rather than bringing out ours and other tables cooked breakfasts, despite a bell announcing they were ready. The staff were run ragged, and the lady deserves an award, as she appeared to be the only person taking customer orders. Breakfast served on a Sunday from 7 a.m., so when we go again, I'd definitely go earlier, as 10.00 was clearly their rush hour. We had one lactose intolerant member of our party, and the lady checked allergies and intolerance and provided laminated information on all the products used. Even provided soya milk. Well done Beefeater, very impressed. The only comment is that you need more staff.

Great food and experience, June our waitress was extremely welcoming,friendly and helpful which was so lovely considering I'd just driven for 3 hours and was tired . June is a major asset to the company .

June was lovely skippy the chef done a amazing breakfast and we will be coming back

Super tasty breakfast cooked by Skippy and served by June. Extremely quick service and very efficient. Would definitely come back again.

I have had breakfast at the Smuggkers Haunt Beefeater at Trickets Cross in Dorest. The service from June was professional and friendly. The food was cooked fresh and was delicious. Excellent value for money will definitely come again.

"Smothered" chicken, not so smothered as lightly covered, chunky chips looked cheap and oily, "house" coleslaw gave the impression it would at least look homemade rather than house of Lidl. Banquette seating cheap looking leather/plastic that has not stood the test of time split, cracked and tired. Sticky toffee pudding was the only delicious thing, toffee sauce was real toffee tasting, mean portion of ice-cream. Expensive for the end result.

The beer was good along with the service. Food was expensive and poor, the chips were like cardboard, taste and dry. Chicken burger was missing the burger sauce and dry.

Had breakfast twice over a long weekend, June's service on both occasions was excellent, very friendly and relaxing environment. Chris cooked breakfast to order, didn't have to wait long and was cooked perfectly. Just what you need to set you up for a long day ahead. Would definitely come back again.

June served us as she has for many years! Lovely lady very professional

Customer service was great and June our waitress was better

Excellent service... thankyou June

Went in on Thursday 03/10/24 around 6pm, with just two of us for some dinner, told they couldn't serve us as they were too busy, despite loads of tables clearly being free and all of them being free outside . Car park was about 1/3 full

Visited late Saturday pm, quiet time and fitted in for a table straight away. Team were pleasant enough and food was bog standard beefeater menu. Presented well and hot! Would visit again if in the area

Best breakfast ever served by June please visit here it will make your day

Lovely breakfast and a special mention to June who was a very accommodating host, great service!

Lovely food. Brilliant service, from June.

June was lovely and fois was great

June served us,polite friendly great food

We just had a great Sunday roast here, it was pretty perfect. Thanks to all the staff for looking after us

We have been into the Smugglers Haunt many times over the years but tonight was really good, food was perfect and staff friendly and polite. We also meet the manager who was brilliant and funny someone you could have a joke and a laugh with. Even brought out a birthday card and some chocolates from my Mum and we didn't even say it was her birthday but he had heard us talking. Customer service was top notch. We will be back

June was a lovely member of staff with fantastic food

Enjoyed breakfast service from June was brilliant

Lovely place I come regularly. Thank you June !

Thanks for the great service June!

We had a great breakfast and was served by June who was first class. Would certainly return for breakfast again.

Very pleasant greeting from June, breakfast was great will be back again.

Good was great and June was great at serving us.

Good food cooked by jay and good service by the little hottie June😘

Great breakfast from jay the chef who is quiet fit and the food served by june was amazing x

Very nice breakfast waitress was lovely-June

Great breakfast served by June and cooked by jay

Asked for table for two was met by ‘ don’t have a table ! Don’t have the staff to cook for you !’ By a member of staff who didn’t seem to care !!!

I am appalled at my visit today. I have been to this branch many times, but I left upset with my experience and embarrassed with how I was spoke to. I ordered a medium rare fillet steak. Our food arrived promptly but as I cut into the steak it was very clearly blue rare/raw not medium rare. I asked for it to be sent back and cooked more and when it returned, after my partner had finished his meal, it appears they seared the section that was cut off and the main steak had not been cooked anymore. When I spoke to a waiter (who I presumed was the manager), he patronised me and told me I should’ve asked how thick the steak was and ask for it butterflied so the chef can cook it medium rare. This suggested that clearly there is a high level of incompetence as the chef can’t cook a steak unless it’s cut in half? He proceeded to man-splain how to cook a steak, which I found very condescending. For the final cherry on top, he proceeded to offer me free desserts which I declined as I had lost my appetite and offered for me to use the 40% off voucher that I had which was the reason we attended today. To summarise I’m extremely frustrated and disappointed with the service we received. On paying we were presented with an alternative waiter (who was lovely, and had not been an issue) and the waiter (manager?) we presented our complaint to was no where to be seen. To add there was not a single apology made to us.

Place was dirty, all round skirting boards and really sticky table. Was going to eat here but was put off. Hygiene in the ladies toilet was no better, inches of thick dust on all the woodwork, dirty peeling paint on doors and toilet roll missing.we were told we could sit anywhere on the right when entering. Pealing pvc sofa and sticky grubby table. Our dogs deserve cleaner surroundings too. Would not be visiting again.

Went for a celebration meal.The food was tasty and the staff were friendly and attentive. Lovely evening. Thanks