The best restaurants serving British food in West Highcliffe Christchurch South West

Ok booked here for an anniversary meal. On entrance no greeting from boy staff. Never asked for our reservation and just sat us down. The place was empty with droll music playing from the 1920’s unfortunately unless I was in my 90s I already hated it. The waiters who were very young and experience were nice enough but needed an older head to guide them. Ordered a flat glass of champagne £18 per glass how they can justify that I don’t know. Looked at the menu but was put off by the whole atmosphere so left after a glass of fizz. Can’t comment on the food unfortunately but if its as uninspiring as the restaurant we’ve dodged a bullet. Maybe need to look at a few other places in the area to see how service is done. Very poor I’m afraid. Would not return!

I called in to Stewart's yesterday, haven't been for ages but knew the Christmas section would probably be open. After a look around went into the Cafe area. They were just clearing the breakfast away, had a look round and there were some hot Pasties that looked quite nice, after waiting for a few minutes and no one serving, I took a plate and some tongues and put one into my plate, they weren't behind the counter just on a hot plate. Quite accessible. To be honest this has made me smile thinking about it, but as I was about to get the Cheese and Onion Pasty of course a lady appeared. Bit of a Basil Fawlty moment, she crossly said it wasn't self service, took the tongues off me said they were the wrong ones, and promptly told me off. So I walked away duly told off. Had a look round but wondered back to the Pasties by this time she was standing guard. Again a Basil Fawlty moment, asking if I required one. I said I would have the Cheese and Onion one, patiently waiting as she plated it up. Sat down in the seating area, guess what it was a meat one after all that palaver. Normally I've found everyone quite courteous, and know she could have been harassed and rushing, she caught me in a good moment. Another day may have been different. Stewart's, I've been many many times to your Centre. I will continue to do so, I took this incident with a smile. But just to say, maybe you should keep someone in the food section all the time, I waited a few minutes and noone came. I wasn't in a hurry, but a little courtesy would have been nice by your waiting staff. I admit I was a bit naughty putting a Pastie onto my plate, but shouldn't have been scolded like a naughty child. Anyway, I'm smiling recalling this, so have looked at the funny side