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Rhodes South

By Megan Conner on Thursday 5 March 2009

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Rhodes South Restaurant, review, lifestyle, Marie Claire

Because there are plenty of fish in the sea…

Where? Rhodes South, Avonmouth, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3NT (01202 483434; reservationenquiries@rhodes-south.co.uk). Open Tuesday - Saturday.

What’s in a name? A couple of things, actually. Rhodes South is the latest offering from celebrity chef-turned-Strictly star Gary Rhodes and, just 20 minutes from Bournemouth, overlooks spectacular views of the South Coast.

It’s on the water? Yes, perfectly perched on the edge of Mudeford Quay, a quaint area of Christchurch replete with sailing boats and fishermen casting their nets. We made a weekend of it, staying in the newly refurbished Christchurch Harbour Hotel, a charming waterside retreat with state-of-the-art spa.

What will tickle our fancy? With the array of fresh fish on offer, it’s safe to say you won’t be tempted by the steak and kidney pie. While I kicked off with a starter of seared sea scallops with pork belly, parsnip puree and caramelised onion cream, my guest had the glazed lobster omelette, stylishly served in a miniature frying pan.

What about mains? We both went for Roasted Sea Bass with Lobster Champ Potatoes – divine, if a little rich. Again, miniature pans fit for The Borrowers were in action on the dining room floor – in fact, a fair few of them, as this proved to be the restaurant’s most popular dish.

And the rest? After starting with a nice bottle of Sancerre, we began working our way through the cocktail list. Dessert was anything from bread and butter pudding to lemon tart, our choice being an apple crumble with custard and delicious blackberry ice cream.

Overall thoughts? You can’t beat the picture-perfect setting and reasonably priced menu, which still had all the twists you’d expect from a celeb chef. If you’ve got any cash left over we’d highly recommend splashing it on a stay at the hotel, which has plush rooms with balconies facing out to sea.

Review by Megan Conner

Release date: Thursday 5 March 2009

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Disappointed with our visit to Rhodes South last week. Staff seemed to have too much to do, we were halfway through our starters before they brought the wine, and then only because we reminded them and then we ended up having to get our own wine from the bucket across the room to pour it ourselves because they forgot. Food was ok but not memorable. Pricey but not good value, especially the wine. It was hard to find a bottle of even Australian Chardonnay under £40.
Comment by Maureen Robson on October 04 17:30

I agree with the comment above. We ate there on Saturday. The food was actually good - it was expensive as was the wine but to be expected in this type of restaurant. The service was awful. We did raise this at the end of the meal and were told it was due to staff sickness but having read previous reviews on the restaurant felt this was a lame excuse. Were offered a glass of champagne when we return - hope they've got a lot on ice because we were not the only people to be promised this!
Comment by Maureen Cotterell on November 30 08:05

We ate at this wonderful looking restaurant on Saturday. The food in my opinion was just ok, nothing memorable and the portions very small. If not for the rolls i would have come out hungry after 3 courses. The service was good, if a little fast. I wouldn't go again. I like to
Comment by sely@ukgateway.net on January 18 10:02