The Larder House — Restaurant in England

Following the recommendations of a few colleagues, I have booked a Valentine’s Day table for a romantic dinner at The Larder House. Although there was no mention of any special Valentine’s Day menu on their website or social media at the time of booking, at the end of last week I have been contacted by someone from the restaurant to take my deposit (£20) and tell me that there will be a set menu costing £130 for two people. I was never asked if I know what’s on the menu, only if I am happy to go ahead with it. Based on the previous good reviews I heard/read about the restaurant, I reluctantly accepted although I thought it was a bit expensive.

On the day, we were warmly welcomed and led to our table which was in a supposedly heated conservatory. The radiators were warm but considering that a whole wall and the ceiling were made of glass, they weren’t enough to maintain a comfortable temperature. A few other couples seemed to be cold as well with one of them even turning on the overhead radiator briefly before feeling awkward for doing it and quickly turning it off.

We were presented with a bottle of cava and the set menu which sounded delicious, so we were looking forward to an amazing dinner (despite the cold).

First came the amuse bouche – Tempura Oysters with Caramelised Garlic & Herb Aioli – two oysters on a bed of salt. They looked dramatic and they tasted good, although the batter on the oysters seemed a bit oily and they could have been crunchier. Score: 7/10

The starter – Vacherin Fondue, Gordal Olive Focaccia and House Tracklements – could have been amazing if it wasn’t for the bitter cheese. My girlfriend felt it bitter too and I overheard the couple next to us saying the same thing, although, when I’ve asked the waiter why this is bitter, he went to the kitchen to ask the chef and came back saying that’s because it’s a mix of cheeses. Really?! That’s your explanation?! This shouldn’t have been bitter, no matter what cheeses you mixed in. It’s a shame it went this way because the focaccia and the tracklements were excellent. The whole dish was brought down by the fondue. Score: 5/10

We were really looking forward to the main – Ex-Dairy Prime Rib, Truffled Marfona Chips, Wild Garlic Dip and Wood Fired Sopley Vegetables. Fancy, local, seasonal, and definitely over the top. The rib was juicy, tender and rich while also being slightly overcooked, fatty and heavy. The chips had the right balance between crispiness on the outside and tenderness in the middle while the truffle flavour definitely lifted them. The wild garlic dip brought the fresh spring flavour in the mix, nicely contrasting with the depth and richness of the meat, however the roasted vegetables were lacking any extra layers of flavour. Overall, the dish was ok, but it seemed over engineered while some basic things being overlooked. Score: 7/10

The dessert – Polenta & Olive Oil Cake, Rhubarb Granita, Poached Rhubarb & Clotted Ice Cream – had all the right flavours but it disappointed through texture and user experience (UX). I know it sounds weird to talk about UX when referring to food but having a rhubarb granita (the fancy name for ice slushy) that quickly melts on a flat plate (not a bowl) without any teaspoon in sight (just a fork and knife) is a ‘no go’. The polenta cake was also very dry and as soon as it absorbed the watery slushy, it started to disintegrate. Despite this, the combination of flavours was very nice and, with a few tweaks, this could become an amazing dessert. Score: 8/10

Finally, we received the chocolate truffles on a bed of what seemed like brown sugar mixed with cocoa. I am not a big fan of truffles in general, but these seemed even richer than normal, and I could hardly eat mine while gulping a glass of water immediately after....

We booked for a Birthday meal. The food was nice and fresh but not mind blowing especially for the price but all in all food was good. But the service was not to be desired. We were ignored and told by the acting manager this was because we were not sobo people 'we have to look after them because they are local Sobo people'. This happened months ago and still bothers me, especially because actually we are locals. On the day we were only 1 of 2 tables booked for an early dinner. First drinks came fine, then food came out and then the a large party of around 12 people who (one being an owner of another Sobo bar) occupied the table outside and had drinks and a couple of snacks( they were essentially right next to us as we were seated by the door), from this moment on we were ignored by the several staff members working. Our waitress appeared to have finished her shift and joined the table outside however there were still several staff working. We sat for 40+ mins after we had finished our meal with dirty plates, and at least an hour in total where we were not checked on despite staff members walking past us every 5-10 mins to attend the table outside. After it becoming evident that no one was going to clear down, offer drinks, desserts or just check in and offer our bill I approached the bar where 2 of the staff members where and asked to pay and for our table to be cleared. To then be given a bill with incorrect prices and service charges already applied really rubbed salt in the wound. I disputed the price as I had booked online and pre ordered a bottle and asked that the service charge be removed due to the lack of service. At this point the manager (also at the bar the whole time we had been sat there) then delt with me and went on to say the price for the bottle I quoted could not be correct, I had to pull up the offer up on the website. The service charge was removed after me explaining the terrible service and the bottle charge reduced to two glasses but and it was at that point we were hit with the slip of the tongue 'well you know we have to look after them (the table outside) they're Sobo locals', that was the final nail in the coffin. I understand the table outside was unexpected, however there were plenty of staff and only 2 tables seated inside. This was lack of initiative on all staff and poor staff and customer management on the managers front. We went on to sobo sommelier whos service was above and beyond! and Syds Slaps where we were treated far far better. I would recommend Dickys instead, great food and great service everytime I've been. This was such a disappointing experience especially as we like to support local and independent businesses and frequent and recommend Southbourne businesses however could not recommend the Larder House because of our...

Underwhelming experience Wednesday early evening and my wife & myself decide to experience the well overdue visit to The Larder house . With only living a stones throw away , it has only been a matter of time ! We did start our evening very early , it was in fact only 6 pm , but hey ho our choice . We asked for an available table and the first words spoken were “ god you’re eating early “ In my mind I was thinking “ hey my choice and it does state open ......“ We were given the menu and told of daily specials , my wife had mackerel which looked very lonely and sad , I had mussels. The moules mariniere were tiny mussels, several were not open shells & there was a predominant taste of celery and not much else . Just to add we ordered a bottle of house red , which although I believe it had been decanted from a barrel it was served in a plain opened bottle with no label ? The main courses ordered were chicken roulade which my wife found very bland and only tepid, not in the least bit warm . I had ox cheeks which were beautiful but again only warm and served with pickled red cabbage which was obviously cold . The veg was purple carrot which were okay. The strange bit to this dish was a crumb on top of the ox cheek that tasted like alpen and was extremely chewy and unpalatable. We finished with a cheeseboard which was nice , the garnishes were good on the cheeseboard , but the 10 pieces of pita bread or whatever it was that was served with it was just filling gaps on the board . The bill was just under £100 which I was obviously aware of when ordering . I would class the meal as a bad attempt at fine dining and made many pub meals that are available locally a much better and safer option. Just to mention the place inside was very dirty , walls scuffed and lots of spiders webs higher up on the walls . There were flies inside the ‘cafe’ all evening, and yes we were inside . It seems this place has like so many others have got very complacent with their regular and loyal trade . It’s just a shame that for people that don’t know what they’re eating , this place is making a laughing stock out of them and their hard earned cash ! The Larder House will be pleased to hear I will not be recommending or returning to their...