The best restaurants in Gillingham Town North Dorset South West

Decided to try this as it’s under new ownership and within walking distance. I booked ahead for Sunday lunch at 1pm thinking it may be busy but the main bar was was completely empty. The staff greeted us warmly and were offered drinks which we decided to have at the table in the the restaurant away from the loud music. Obviously the staff were playing what they wanted rather than something suitable for the clientele. The restaurant only had one other couple dining, it was completely empty apart from us. The waitresses were very young, sweet and polite. After a considerable wait we were served our food. What a disappointment! The lamb wellington consisted of 3 slices of lamb with a thin layer of pastry around the outside, my Mothers 3 slices of pork looked nice and I have 2 slices of overcooked roast beef. The vegetables looked ok but were barely warm and and roast potatoes were yesterday’s and had chewy skins. Very disappointing which we pointed out to the waitress when she asked how our meal was when she cleared the table. I could hear the same comments from the other couple when they were asked the same question. We decided that we’d go home for our pudding rather than chance a repeat reheat of yesterday’s. Such a shame, we weren’t offered any explanation, but one only had to look around to see why the place was empty. My husband who doesn’t cook could have produced a better meal. It cost us £56 in total. We shan’t be returning and I don’t suppose the other diners will either. I took the meat home and there were no complaints from the dogs!

I popped in for a coffee and was pleasantly surprised by the service and great coffee. Would definitely go back.

Having avoided Chan's for almost two years since moving here after listening to other people, we decided to give it a try. I can not fault it. Ordered online and walked down to collect as we don't live far, the food was ready as I walked in. Very generous potion sizes, we ended up having too much food. The prawn crackers are the best I've ever had and one bag contained enough for three people. All of the food was well cooked and the flavours were lovely. I can't believe I left it this long to try but I will certainly be a regular customer there from now on.

I visited here on a quiet Saturday, looking for a decent cup of coffee. The stench of old grease in the small ordering area was overwhelming (even with the front door open) and stayed on my clothes after I left. The staff member was extremely friendly and efficient (hence why it was 2 stars not 1). I ordered a flat white which was served to me in a 12 oz cup so clearly they don't understand what a flat white is. Poorly extracted espresso and milk not well textured. Maybe the food is better than the coffee, but I wouldn't have high hopes......

Sunday roast was good ie.good selection of vegetables (blue cabbage and cauliflower were tasty, vegetables were not overcooked), generous portions of meat (I had beef which was a bit overcooked for me but it’s just me being a bit picky about beef. It was seasoned very well).Really enjoyed sticky toffee pudding. Good value for money - there was 2for1 deal for Sunday roast. Friendly and helpful service. Nice atmosphere and decor. Will definitely come back to check out the rest of the menu.

Good portion sizes and the food is nice but service is ridiculously slow. It's shocking on a Friday evening they have nothing ready to go and you have to wait 20 mins!

Great local pub with very friendly barmaid

Only used this cafe once. The food was good, but I ordered a sandwich with no mushrooms, only to find that there were mushrooms in it. I was given a another sandwich, with " you could have taken them off, they won't kill you!". IF I WANTED MUSHROOMS I WOLKD HAVE ASKED FOR IT... COSTOMER SERVICES, LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED!

Lovely food but no full English. Just lighter breakfast options. But lovely pastries. Went on a Sunday morning. Very short staffed.

Poppins is now called the Rose Cafe the food i hot plentiful and they are accommodating for swaps i love cold baked beans.

'Mediterranean vegefable wrap' contained no Mediterranean vegetables, but rather some of the same salad that was already on the plate. Short of time, so we didn't complain. Food and service here are hit and miss at best, which is a shame as it's very conveniently positioned halfway along our route to North Devon. Will be looking for an alternative