The striking Cumberland hotel has long been a go-to venue for locals and visitors alike, so it’s little surprise that this East Cliff seafront hotel continues to win award after award.

Thanks to a £1 million facelift of its bedrooms, the iconic Bournemouth hotel - with its stylish art deco façade - has been awarded a top 4 star rating by the AA, along with 2 Rosettes for culinary excellence.

The large investment in The Cumberland has resulted in the East Cliff now boasting two of the top AA 4 star rated hotels in Bournemouth and Poole, both with 2 Rosettes: The Cumberland and The Greenhouse.

There are now six AA 4 Star properties on Bournemouth’s East Cliff and a further four located elsewhere in the town, along with other self-appointed four star hotels.

On winning the accolades, Kevin Wood, Head of Europe operations for Oceana Hotels, said: “I look forward to welcoming both tourists and locals to the hotel so they can enjoy the stylish new rooms that have been designed for the modern traveller, complemented by the hotels unique art deco public restaurants and facilities. As a company, we are extremely proud to invest in our hotels and enhance guest experiences to Bournemouth visitors.”

So, what’s inside The Cumberland that sets it apart?

The award winning 2 Rosette Ventana Grand Café is a very opulent restaurant which combines art deco luxury and contemporary style. Table service and a huge selection of premium drinks define its status as one of the town’s top venues.

I was excited to dine at their Ventana restaurant and I wished I’d tried it sooner!

Head waiter Martin Etter graciously welcomed us to our table set by the window overlooking the outside pool and decking area – a perfect spot for a tipple on another summer’s day me thinks.

We soon settle down for our meal as the atmosphere was calm and relaxed thanks to low level music, candles aglow, cosy dark décor with film star artwork showcased on the walls, and comfy cushioned armchairs.

We each enjoyed a spicy Amuse-bouche - a red Thai curry soup modestly presented in a small cup and saucer served with crispy tempura seaweed on the side.

For starters, we opted for pan seared quail with Puy Lentil Cassoulet, Lardons and Cognac glazed apple, £8.30. And from the specials menu, pan fried Cornish King Scallops with mango and peppadew salsa, £9.95. The flavours in each dish were divine and the colours and presentation was top class.

For my main I selected Ventana’s signature dish: Variations of Dorset lamb, £18.60. This mouth-watering dish features three elements of lamb; a braised lamb shoulder slowly cooked and picked down to make as stew, served in a mini ramekin topped with creamed potatoes to make a mini shepherd’s pie; rump of lamb sliced thickly and served with slices of potato as a modern twist on a hot pot; and thirdly, lamb and mint sausages, placed inside a Yorkshire pudding to create the toad-in-the-hole element.

Each element was scrumptious, served with roasted beetroot topped with pea puree for a variant splash of colour.

My husband opted for the tender 8oz sirloin steak cooked perfectly medium-rare, served with hand cut triple cooked chips, grilled Portobello mushrooms, plum tomatoes and crushed peas, and optional Peppercorn sauce, £24.90.

If meat doesn’t tickled your taste buds there is also a wonderful choice of fresh fish (including Oysters), vegetarian dishes, burgers and salads.

To round off a splendid meal we sampled two desserts; a Bittersweet chocolate tart on a sponge base with blood orange, cream, raspberries, brandy snap basket and mint dressing (off the specials menu); and Flights of Seasonal Eaton Mess – presented in a trio of shot glasses. The classic dish was given a modern twist, deconstructed to give three separate bursts of flavour; apple crumble, chocolate brownie, and rhubarb fool with crushed meringue and cream Chantilly, £7.10.

Head Chef Robert Feuillet produced a fabulous meal we couldn’t fault, and the waiting staff were attentive and friendly throughout.

Location tick, food tick, ambience tick, service tick. Well worth a visit.