Arriving for lunch at the Cumberland Hotel is a bit like stepping back in time to the 1930s. 
This unique, boutique style hotel has achieved one of Bournemouth’s highest AA 3-star hotel ratings. Part of The Oceana Bournemouth Resort it is home to The Mirabelle Restaurant, Ventana Grand Cafe, Del Mar Lounge and an outside decked pool area. 

Sumptuously restored to its Art Deco heyday both inside and out, the Cumberland creates a calming, welcoming atmosphere. It certainly seems like a popular place judging by the sea of faces which greeted us as we arrived for Sunday lunch; which included older couples, groups of friends and young families.

The Mirabelle Restaurant is a classy, opulent venue which seats up to 250 guests. It's well worth trying to book a table by the panoramic windows to make the most of the setting.

We were warmly welcomed into The Mirabelle Restaurant by general manager Helda Pinto. The friendly and attentive staff showed us to our table and took our drinks order and served fresh bread and butter.

With hearty appetites we pursued the Sunday lunch menu (three courses, £18.95 per person; two courses £16.50 per person). 

Designed by executive chef Richard Howard, who has been with the Cumberland for 30 years, the Sunday lunch menu is clearly designed to keep lovers of the traditional British roast happy while providing options for vegetarians.

To start, I plumped for the oriental duck salad which came with peppers, onions, radish, toasted sesame seeds and a delicious hoisin dressing.

My husband chose the hand sliced smoked salmon starter with Atlantic prawns, avocado, leaves, and a creamy brandied marie rose sauce.

Both were fantastic and offered a fresh, light start to the meal. Other options included; roast tomato and red pepper soup, or refreshing fruit mezze.
If you enjoy a good roast you will love The Cumberland’s Sunday showpiece. My husband absolutely loved his roast Scottish rib eye served with a giant herbed Yorkshire pudding, chef’s delicious pan gravy and horseradish sauce. Thick slices of fresh beef were exceedingly tender and melted in the mouth.

I opted for the roast chicken breast with onion and bacon stuffing and sage pan gravy. The succulent sliced chicken breast was laid over a generous portion of sage stuffing and topped with bacon.

We shared a medley of seasonal vegetables that consisted of carrots, peas, cabbage, cheesy cauliflower and tasty roast potatoes – crisp on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside.
For those who did fancy an alternative there was open mushroom pie, sea bass, or roast loin of pork with spiced apple sauce.

There was just room for dessert. As headed on the menu the ‘firstly’ and ‘mainly’ courses are rounded off with a ‘definitely’ dessert selection. And indeed, you should definitely try.
We opted for the classic treacle syrup tart with homemade pastry served with chef’s custard, and strawberry pavlova with Chantilly cream. Other options included tiramisu, fresh fruit salad, cheese and biscuits, or various ice creams.

The food was wonderful. It’s well worth a try as it offers a traditional Sunday roast but in surroundings that are a little bit different. 

Service at the Cumberland is very much in keeping with the décor - friendly, but with a touch of old-world style, and commendably efficient, given its popularity.


•    Sunday luncheon is served 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Live entertainment and special dining packages are offered throughout the year, visit www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk