Covering Christchurch, Highcliffe, Burton, Bransgore, Hurn, Mudeford & Walkford
Now taking bookings for June
The Kings Hotel & Restaurant
The Kings is situated in the heart of Christchurch, opposite the bowling green on Bridge Street. Formerly known as The Kings Arms, it was once my Dad’s favourite haunt. I remember enjoying a bottle of coke here, watching the salmon fishermen and waiting for my dad to finish his pint of “man’s ale”. I have always held a great fondness for the place and when I was asked to review The Kings, I must admit, I was a bit nervous. Would it live up to my childhood preconceptions? Well, it certainly surpassed those. When you walk through the gorgeous double Georgian doors you know that you are entering a piece of Christchurch history.
The entrance is grand but welcoming and makes you feel that you are about to enjoy a real treat. The staff immediately greeted us with genuine warmth and invited us to enjoy a pre dinner drink in the crisp, chic and contemporary bar. Afterwards, feeling relaxed, we made our way across to the busy main dining room. The room was alive with the sound of people talking, laughing and enjoying themselves. The buzz created a natural energy and excitement and a sense of intimacy that ensured conversations would not be overheard. The dining room is decorated impeccably with beautiful chandeliers creating a warm glow throughout. Each table is lit with three small candles. The staff were exceptionally well informed and attentive, providing details regarding the specials and their origin.
The menu is extensive but not intimidating, offering a range of fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce. The restaurant structures its menu with this in mind and provides a number of specials. Starters include tantilising Tempura of Tiger Prawns with a sweet chilli sauce, ever popular Mussels, either Mariniere or Thai style, Teriyaki Beef, warm spring onion and noodle salad and Saute Squid with chorizo salad. Prices are between £3.95 and £6.50. The prawns I had were fantastic with a really light batter.
Mains offer a great choice including Loin of pork with crushed new potatoes, garlic green bean and grain mustard sauce, Poached fillet of haddock with sautéed leeks and lemon butter sauce, Fillet of Seabass with chorizo, saute potatoes, spinach and butternut squash puree and a excellent range of West Country Steaks. Prices are reasonable from to £8.95 to £19.95. The haddock was perfectly cooked and the butter sauce really worked well with it.
Desserts are a real strength of The Kings. If you get a chance, try the Trio of Chocolate - Indulgent and beautifully presented.
The Kings is a truly local restaurant, utilising all that is best about Christchurch and it surroundings. Fish from Mudeford, vegetables from the New Forest, meat from Salisbury and cheese from the Isle of Wight.
Future plans for The Kings? Claire Stepney, General Manager told us that work is starting on the function room at the rear of the building to turn it into a Georgian sitting room that will serve afternoon tea, complete with wood panelling, comfy chairs and mood lighting.
If the rest of the hotel is anything to go by it’s sure to be a great success. Claire is clearly passionate and focussed and a testament to the team who work with her. We would thoroughly recommend The Kings.
Adam Lynk
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