Beefeater The Somerford, Somerford, Christchurch

Visited on a cold, clear but sunny Bank Holiday Monday, 02 Jan 2012 at approx 1330 We had intended to use the pub at Mudeford Quay, but due to the holiday and lovely weather that one was packed to the rafters, thus we popped in here on way home as it is very conveniently located for Highcliffe Castle, or even Sainsbury’s Part of the Beefeater chain, with an attached Premier Inn. A large imposing building, not idea of age, but I assume ex 1930 style roadhouse handy for the charabanc trade to Christchurch. Seems to be plenty of parking, but maybe full hotel & big function, like New Year could change things, we had no trouble parking at all, choice of spaces, could even have a footie match if wished On entering via front steps you are in a small “meet & greet” area. To right is the main bar, to left is large main restaurant, this also has upstairs dining area. The restaurant is in two sections, one standard with tables, chairs, other, larger part, is booths with bench seating. We used the reasonably sized main bar area. Continuing through bar area, up a couple of steps, is another eating / drinking area, and the clean toilets. Bar areas have large screen TVs, silent with subtitles, and a couple of fruit machines I will not bother describing the décor as I guess if you have been in one Beefeater, apart from geometry, you have seen them all There were not many customers in when we arrived, so had a choice of seating [the place filled up a bit later on]. The staff were neat, polite & attentive at all times Beer, not tried, but seemed to be two hand pulls, Ringwood & Badger from memory, coffee we did have, very nice. We had a sarnie each, again very nice, only niggle was the cucumber had been omitted from the egg & cucumber sandwich, so it was just egg in reality, and chips were on wrong plate, but that’s life, so we just got on with it, certainly no reason to make a big fuss or write a rotten review Summary, I would not hesitate to pop in again if in the area, and neither should you