Fresh ideas at The Cumberland Hotel (From Dorset Society)

Fresh ideas at The Cumberland Hotel

6:00am Tuesday 1st June 2010

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AS we sat sipping cocktails in an art deco bar by a palm tree-lined pool, it was easy to imagine we’d just arrived in Miami Beach – only without the long haul flight!

After a warm welcome from Christian Seres, the charming bar and brasserie manager at The Cumberland Hotel, we were left to peruse the new summer menu.

It features a good balance of starters, mains, salads and desserts as well as lighter options for more casual grazing.

It was the first time in many years since we’d eaten here and we were amazed at how much this hotel on Bournemouth’s East Cliff has been transformed.

One of the highlights throughout the summer months is the hotel’s poolside barbecue (see below for more details).

After draining our glasses, I had a Cosmopolitan and my husband had chilled champagne with frambois and fresh berries, we were shown to our seats in the Ventana Brasserie which was buzzing even on a weekday evening.

When our starters arrived we knew we were in for a treat. I ordered scallops with black pudding, spicy chorizo and sun blushed tomato oil (£7.95).

Although I’d never tried black pudding before, Christian recommended that I gave it a try and I'm glad I did as I loved the robust combination of textures and flavours. The pan-fried scallops were also succulent, tender and beautifully presented.

Meanwhile my husband was diving into a big bowl of spicy mussels (£6.95) harvested from Poole Harbour.

The mussels were served with chilli, ginger, coriander and fragrant coconut milk which we both greedily mopped up with some freshly-buttered ciabatta.

For our mains my husband decided to try one of the restaurant’s gourmet burgers which like everything else on the menu is freshly prepared on the premises.

The BBQ Bacon and Cheese (£11.95) is made with 8oz of high quality ground steak mince and served in ciabatta bread with a choice of light, crispy julienne fries or hand-cut chunky chips.

I tried one of the signature dishes, Ventana’s Luxury Smoked Fish Pie (£10.95) with slivers of smoked haddock, chunks of smoked salmon, a smattering of juicy mussels topped with buttered mash potato and served with a large slice of garlic ciabatta.

To round off our meal I had three scoops of New Forest luxury real dairy coconut ice cream (£3.65) while my other half opted for the Dorset Cheese Selection (£6.50).

The cheese board was served with water biscuits, fresh grapes, julienne celery and a red onion chutney.

All in all, a wonderful meal from start to finish with fantastic service. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff seem genuinely happy to be there.

We have already vowed to come back as there some good offers available throughout the summer. If you buy a main course meal over £10 between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Thursday you get any appetiser or pudding free of charge.

And from May to October the Brasserie Menu may be replaced with their popular poolside Mediterranean barbecue on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.

The Ventana Brasserie at The Cumberland Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth. For more information call 01202 290722.

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