Christchurch
Lord Bute

Lord Bute

179-185 Lymington Rd, BH23 5HB, Christchurch, United Kingdom

Cafés • Steak • British • European


"I came away from my recent visit to this lovely restaurant with some concern. For good reason, this has been a favourite venue for many years and locals are watching closely to see what a recent change of ownership will mean. Until my most recent meal here, I'd been encouraged that much remained the same, including excellent professional waiting staff. However, despite a price hike, the set-price lunch menu now offers a more limited choice, with two out of eight items being vegetarian/vegan and another two with cost supplements meaning they don't really belong on the table d'hote menu. My starter was the most disappointing start to a meal ever offered here; it was essentially a beige crab pate in a wine glass with just two tiny biscuits to accompany. My main course of roast turkey was as expected and I was happy to find that the Lord Bute continues to include traditional vegetables. However, this rather modest meal cost me £30-. With a better starter, appreciating my surroundings and excellent service, that would have been fine. But I did feel very slightly cheated. I understand the new owner will be aiming to achieve star rating at this venue and do hope that s/he has made the right calculations. The local residents have been very loyal to this restaurant. If a new focus alienates this custom-base, are there enough others who would visit the new version often enough for it to survive?"