The Smokehouse at Chaplin's — Restaurant in Great Britain

Modern Times Restaurant in Boscombe, a delightful extension of Chaplin’s Bar, immediately draws you in with its vibrant Charles Chaplin-themed décor. The colourful, eclectic design pays homage to the silent film icon, creating an atmosphere that is both whimsical and inviting.

The menu at Modern Times is small but expertly crafted, with each dish reflecting a thoughtful approach to both flavour and presentation. It’s clear that considerable care has gone into creating a selection that feels refined yet approachable. I opted for the Fried Polenta with Isle of Wight tomatoes, which proved to be an excellent vegetarian choice. The polenta was perfectly crisp on the outside, with a creamy interior that paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the tomatoes, showcasing the quality of local ingredients.

For a shared plate, my wife and I chose the Dorset Deli board, which featured a variety of well-prepared items. The Brisket Croquetta was particularly noteworthy, offering a tender, flavourful bite with a crispy coating that contrasted nicely with the smoothness of the accompanying hummus. The presentation was equally impressive, with each element thoughtfully arranged to highlight the textures and colours.

Service was attentive and warm, adding to the overall positive experience. The staff’s enthusiasm for the food and the venue’s unique theme contributed to a memorable visit. So, Modern Times Restaurant is a reminder that smaller menus, when executed with precision and passion, can deliver a dining experience that lingers...

Fantastic! First time visiting, but I've been looking forward to it for quite some time, and it didn't disappoint!

Our main server Christian was fantastic - attentive without being overbearing, just a really friendly and upbeat attitude throughout the evening :)

Our starters of the duck liver parfait, fried chicken skewers, and ham & leek croquettas made for great sharing, and my main of the chalk stream trout was sensational - absolute flavour town! Similar appreciation for the Hereford burger and the duo of lamb from the rest of the party :) Finished off with beer grain parfait(!) topped with fresh strawberries and sorbet, which was delightful, in no small part for the fact that nowhere else would even risk attempting a dessert like it.

All in all, a sensational visit, and I can't wait to go back! Massive thanks and kudos to Luke and the kitchen for having some of the most interesting menu options I've seen in the area, while keeping things accessible for the less-foodie among us. See...

Disappointing experience. I had recommended Modern Times as a restaurant to select for my client/friend and I for dinner. I ordered the beef brisket, which itself was so lovely, however I was looking forward to having fresh coleslaw with it and it wasn’t at all edible. It had a yellow tinge to it, was sloppy and tasteless. I tasted it but didn’t/couldn’t eat it. I told the waitress, she asked “what’s wrong with it?” In a careless tone. She states she will report back to Chef, but did not come back to me with anything at all and I all was still charged. Decent service would offer a new fresh made coleslaw, or a different side, or a complimentary drink. There was no resolution and I was still charged for the coleslaw I didn’t get to eat with my beef. We were the only two people in the restaurant to be served at this time when our order was taken! It has put me off dining there after that. The food is usually great, but the customer service definitely needs...