Purbeck
The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak

West Street, BH20 7HQ, Purbeck, United Kingdom

Pubs • Full • Dining • Family


"First ever visit to eat after a long cold day at work, really looking forward to a hot meal so I chose a 'Beef Tikka Curry , not too spicy not too mild.. £14.00! The food was served in a large bowl with yellow fat rice, a pot of mango chutney a poppadom. The curry was very dark in colour as a first impression the poppadom was slightly floppy wet.. the flavour of the curry was NOT a tikka flavour at all, nor a curry, but as a trained chef both military civilian.. I recognise that this had been overcooked heated up again to have developed this rich dark colour the beef was as tough as old tabbing boots. The extremely friendly waitress came over to check how it was I did mention the tough meat.. she went to investigate.. she returned to say it was cooked in the slow cooker so basically the chef was disregarding my palate that it was tough.. therefore no offer of a discount or dish change. I do love the atmosphere the pub does have a popular following being the only pub in the village to offer food... regulars such make a lovely atmosphere alongside the real fire, so win win in many aspects. IWhen deciding to eat out I must say which isn 't often due to my busy work-life, I can only say it was highly disappointing for a £14 bowl of filling yellow rice.. all else was eaten through sheer hunger.. I may not eat here again but I will no doubt venture in for the warm ambient atmosphere drinks. I hope this is seen as positive criticism not a review to hinder a promising business.. please ensure food is tasted before either sending out or being dismissed through the pride of a chef who may not be able to take an ego bruising! Healthy Regards Debut Patron"

Kemps Country House Bar Restaurant

Kemps Country House Bar Restaurant

United Kingdom, Purbeck

Bar • Meat • Coffee • Cheese


"I stayed here with my partner for one night over the Easter bank holiday weekend. We spent the day in Swanage, about 20/25 minutes drive away. The hotel was really easy to find as it's off a main road but despite this, the room was very quiet and you couldn't hear the traffic. The room we were given was on the ground floor and it was HUGE! I've never seen a hotel room so big! The bed was king size, there was a sofa, chairs and TV, and the bathroom was spacious as well. We were also given complimentary mini chocolate eggs with the tea/coffee making facilities as it was Easter I nice little touch that we really appreciated! We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant as we didn't really have the energy to get in the car and find somewhere else to eat. We were seated in the lounge where we were served drinks and ordered food. We found it a little strange to be seated in the lounge until our food was ready but if you had children with you there were games and books for them to use. The food was beautiful and it was a large portion! The bed was comfortable although there was a strange ticking noise that went on through the night. We told the hotel staff in the morning and they were very apologetic and promised to check it after we left. Breakfast was included with our room rate and offered both cooked breakfast and cereal/fruit options. The staff were very accommodating of different dietary requirements. Overall I really enjoyed our stay here and wished it could have been for one night! The room was brilliant and such a good size. The food was excellent as well. The staff were friendly and accommodating although there only seemed to be two people working there so the woman looked a little stressed! This hotel is a good distance from local attractions and would be a good base for visiting Swanage, Corfe Castle and Lulworth Cove."