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.

I eat here a lot I love the place it’s just a chip shop being a chip shop not expensive and good food the owners are lovely

The food is delicious and filling, the cakes look ridiculously nice but I am trying not to eat them all, it's clean tidy really good vibe to the place. Service is phenomenal. Spoke to Malc today as I waited for my huge breakfast sandwich and he stopped to listen. Don't get that too often these days . Thanks Malc see you soon.

Lovely local pub with a warm welcome.

Please bring back cuos and saucers not smalll V shaped mugs. Don't go the way of American style. Coffee is Italian. You wouldn't have a coffee i n Italy in a mug. Jon Lewis is traditionally English, let't keep standards. I don't take coffee in your cafe. There's a place you can choose your owh friedly thick chunky mug. I realise where we are going with this but believe in the brand, you are not trying to compete with Starbucks. Is that coffee anyway? Your coffee is good. Go back to the white cup and saucer and keep the style. If people want vases of coffee they can order 2 servings.

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

Although the garden centre is lovely, the café is another story; the service is slow, the staff are unfriendly, the cups smell and the produce is very expensive. Nonetheless, the coffee was good.