Christchurch Harbour Hotel

Give me a sunny Saturday and I can’t imagine a better way to spend it than lunch with my husband ~ and when that lunch is at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel Restaurant, it’s a veritable treat to be sure!
The Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa (previously the Avonmouth) is a tranquil harbour side retreat with an undisputed position overlooking Mudeford sand spit and affording views across to Hengistbury Head.

Built in the 1830’s as a gentleman’s residence, the hotel is now a grade II listed building and has recently been renovated to reveal an exceptionally sophisticated and relaxed getaway for all seasons. This was evident as we passed through the comfortable but chic lounge bar and restaurant en route to the terrace and I made a mental ‘note to self’ that this could be a great destination for cooler weather too (food dependant of course!)

We lunched ‘al fresco’ on the terrace and the wonderful sights, smells and sounds were a smorgasbord for the senses! First, the view is second to none and it was lovely to be watching the sailing boats in the harbour rather than capsizing myself! Secondly, the sound of laughter and happy chatter in the air ~ a great sign of a relaxed and informal place to dine ~ and thirdly (and oh what a treat!), the smell of the amazing seafood being grilled by the chef’s in their outdoor kitchen.

This close to the ocean, we can never resist choosing seafood and my husband was clearly delighted with his half dozen incredibly fresh oysters served with a shallot vinaigrette and Tabasco. I even gave one a try and was pleasantly surprised although they it didn’t beat my Moorish starter of lemon & garlic whole king prawns, grilled to perfection and absolutely scrumptious!

Other choices to whet your appetite include Moroccan marinated lamb skewer, crab salad, grilled squid with garlic and chicken sate with corn, cherry tomato and coriander.

Local sea bass and Dorset lobster were delicious mains and other fishy choices included marinated tuna steak with a niçoise salad, the incredibly trendy seared scallop and confit pork belly, and lemon sole with a shrimp and chive butter. For those who prefer a meatier option, choose from butterfly Cajun chicken breast served with herb and lemon cous cous, Aberdeen Angus beef burger with smoked bacon, cheese and tomato chutney or a Rib-eye steak with provençal tomatoes. If a lighter lunch is what you prefer you can also choose from a classic Caesar salad or a selection of sandwiches including home cured gammon or prawn and local south coast crab.

Our meal was topped quite perfectly by raspberry crème brûlée and chocolate cheesecake. It was definitely a case of ‘what’s yours is mine and what’s mine’s, my own’, as far as the desserts were concerned!! Other desserts perfectly suited to a sunny day included melon soup, strawberries and cream, roasted pineapple with a coconut mousse and a selection of ice creams and sorbets.

The whole meal was a real joy and we left feeling totally invigorated by our experience of exquisite food and discreet service in fantastic surroundings.

If I have to offer one positive suggestion, it would be to include a wonderfully summery vegetarian starter and main dish on the menu as these were sadly lacking. That said we couldn’t fault our choice of dishes. We were pleasantly surprised by the prices too as a restaurant affording such great views normally charges a premium but they offer a two course for £12 and 3 course for £16 option … outstanding quality at the price.

Thank you Harbour Restaurant, Terrace & Grill; we will most certainly be back! Juliet Pull