Review
Cottonwood boutique hotel This weeks HOUSE magazine food review was at the Garden Restaurant at The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel. By Ross Stallion
On walking in to the hotel it's immediately apparent that this isn't like the average shoreline run of the mill hotel you tend to find across Bournemouth.The wow factor is truly evident and the decor is truly amazing and very pink. You first stumble into the uber cool Bar Vista and terrace garden which is most definitely the ideal meeting place for all ages enjoying breathtaking panoramic bay views from its spectacular location metres from the cliff top and it offers contemporary, exciting brasserie food all day. You can also hire the library for an intimate private family meal or event which I thought was a great idea. If could describe this place in two words they would be contemporary decadence. It seriously has the wow factor. The Garden Restaurant is located downstairs just past the suit of armour! The incredible views over the gardens and cliff top strike you as soon as you enter. The decor is again pink and floral but very striking and welcoming. We were warmly greeted by the restaurant manager and the staff who were very friendly and helpful, it was a breath of fresh air as to how nice everyone was. The menu looked amazing and you get 3 courses for only £19.95 and even I ,who normally makes instant decisions struggled to decide what to choose, in the end I chose the seared scallops on a butternut squash puree with sauce vierge, whilst my fiancé had ham hock and parsley terrine and piccalilli with toasted granary bread, these were both cooked to perfection and tasted delicious. For the main courses I chose the chargrilled 21 day aged English sirloin with hand cut chips and bordelaise sauce, this was very tasty and I knew I had chosen wisely, my fiancé had the tagliatelle pasta with spiced chicken and chorizo topped with a fried duck egg, she is a big pasta fan and this dish made her day.
NEED TO KNOW ambience
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SERVICE
••••• VALUE
••••• Food
•••• Ideal for first dates Group friendly Cottonwood Boutique Hotel East Overcliff Drive Bournemouth BH1 3AP
01202 553 183 www.cottonwood.uk.com
We did not think the food could get any better until we had the desserts, I ordered the warm chocolate fudge cake and berry ice cream whilst my partner had the rum and raisin parfait and shortbread biscuit these really were to die for. Overall, I honestly believe that we have discovered Bournemouth's hidden gem, a great place to eat, great value for money, amazing service with fantastic decor and views of the sea - what more can you ask for? Don't take my word for it, pay day is on the horizon so why don't you give your loved ones, or even just yourself, a real treat. This restaurant is something different from the rest, something better than most, just make sure you book as this place is probably going to take off in a big way.
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