MENU dorset issue 20 MENU20..dorset pdf issue 20.final | Page 38

The Kings Arms Hotel
W
hen Michelin-starred chef Alex Aitken is behind the menu, you
know you’re in good hands. At The Kings Arms, you’re also in
the heart of historic Christchurch, a short walk from the River Avon
and beautiful Christchurch Priory. The hotel lives up to expectations,
securing a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for the last three years.
There’s lots to choose from, including the 15-mile menu sourced from
local produce, but why not start with afternoon tea, served daily from
3pm to 5pm. Tuck into freshly made sandwiches, warm plain or sultana
scones, Dorset clotted cream and homemade cakes for just £12.95pp
or indulge yourself with the Champagne Afternoon Tea with a glass of
champers for £22.50pp.
Best for: A perfect combination of Michelin-standard food behind
the scenes, with none of the pretension on the dining room side.
The Kings Arms Hotel
18 Castle Street, Christchurch, BH23 1DT
www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk
01202 588933
The Orchid Hotel
38
The recently renovated Orchid Hotel, Bournemouth’s first boutique hotel, already made quite a splash with the launch of the excellent
No.34 restaurant, but the traditional afternoon tea seems reassuringly familiar. Served Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, the tea
is served on very hip mismatched china, with finger sandwiches, home-made cakes, home-made scones and clotted cream or jam,
priced £14.95pp or £18.95pp with a glass of prosecco.
Best for: Just the right balance of informal and elegant.
The Orchid Hotel
34 Gervis Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3DH
orchidhotel.co.uk 01202 551600
Christchurch
Harbour Hotel & Spa
W
e’ve waxed lyrical about Christchurch Harbour Hotel on
more than one occasion but never got round to pointing
our readers in the direction of the afternoon tea on the Upper
Deck Bar. It helps that the deck has an uninterrupted view
of Mudeford Harbour and is set in beautiful grounds where
every detail is addressed with care. That includes afternoon
tea, served daily from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the lounge or
on the terrace. It includes tea, a fruit or plain scone or a
selection of cakes, Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam
for £7.95pp. The full tea comes in at £15.95pp and factors in a
wider selection of sweet and savoury treats.
Best for: The Afternoon Tea with Mulled Wine (£20pp), a
warming twist for the chillier autumn months.
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
95 Mudeford, Christchurch, BH23 3NT
www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk
01202 483434
www.menu-dorset.co.uk