Rhodes South
Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Avonmouth, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 3NJ
Tel: 01202 483 434
Some friends gave us some gift vouchers for the Gary Rhodes culinary empire as a Christmas present and we decided to use them one sunny day when Angela’s brother-in-law was visiting. Angela has already been to Kings Rhodes a couple of times so we decided to try his other offering.
There was some work going on at the hotel and the making our way into the crowded car park around a few delivery vans it was difficult to see where the entrance was. Somehow the car and vehicles forced us down by the side of the building. A little strange we thought but we perservered thinking the entrance would be facing the fantastic views over the water. Passed a mop and bucket we went and then around the corner we were standing in front of the huge floor to ceiling windows and in full sight of the diners inside.
The three of us walked around and could not see a door to get in. We tried one of the panes but no, that wasn’t it. We walked down, slightly embarassed, took in some of the views and looked back to see how we can get in. We stepped over the wired off area, climbed up the steps and tried the large doors, which looked like doors and I am sure they are doors that can be opened as there are stairs in front leading down to the patio. But no, they were locked.
What I found disappointing was that no one gestured to us to go round the side. They must have known we wanted to come in.
We walked across the grass in the garden, back into the car park and then we could finally see the door. There was no noticeable frame to it and the colour of the wood just blended in. At last we were in.
We finally sat down. It wasn’t a particularly sweltering day outside but it seemed pretty warm inside. Not surprising judging by all the glass.
Two of us went for a starter and main and Angela went for a main and dessert. We should have asked that Angela’s courses came out in the same sequence as ours but there was a bit of waiting for each other and we were out of sync.
Our starters were nothing more than melted cheese on penne pasta. Looked pretty ordinary and was quite salty.
Our mains was roasted chicken breast on spinach with mushrooms. The chicken tasted really nice and the skin was crispy. I was surprised how well a chicken breast could taste.
Service was what you would expect from this kind of restaurant. However the whole thing just left me uncomfortable but not their fault I may add.
