please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Modern Hall and Woodhouse resturant / bar. Food very good despite being pricey although ther pint of Hopping Hare I had was full of sediment. Wish they paid as much attention to the beer as the do to the food and decor.
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Always good beer, even if the surroundings are very nice.....but very 'corporate'. The food has always been above average, which has justified the above average price. Recently the food has not been so good. The bread basket no longer comes with the assorted dips, the usual chunky chips somewhat raw, a blip in what has consistently been a pleasant experience at the Olive Branch....I hope.
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They were friendly and helpful when we showed up on a Saturday night with two tired hungry toddlers after failing to find anywhere to eat elsewhere in an emergency.
The badger beer was excellent and the food and service most satisfactory too.
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A beautiful pub just off the 'pub crawl route' in Wimborne, a great range of HB lagers, as well as other beers and wines. A great thing about this pub is the availability of 'nuts by the bowl', they are a little expensive, but the portion is generous and the cashews taste great. Keep your eye on them though if eating at the bar as other customers sometime mistake them as freebee's for all to enjoy!.
The large outdoor area is a HUGE bonus for The Olive Branch, with huge umbrellas and incorporated heat lamps we often sit outside come rain or shine. I just hope the Smoker brigade dont occupy all of this come July 2007!
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Having moved in the area recently..thought We'd try it...Have been going straight after work on a Friday and just chilling out in the Beer Garden as the weather has been so nice. Can honestly say the staff are efficiant and helpful plus we have met some lovely people.
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I agree with ajho. It's a shame to lose proper English pubs. Never mind the warm beer, this was a really well run pub and comfortable. The restaurant was good if a little shabby, and they did reasonably priced bar snacks.
Then they let the designers loose on it!
But what I found really galling was that the punters flocked to it! It's often absolutely packed. Unfortunately,I think this shows up the lack of proper values held by a sizeable proportion of the population. We'll eventually lose our proper pubs and that will be an important part of our English culture gone for ever. And all in pursuit of a top-gloss of fashion and temporary style standards. What a waste.
So I hate this pub, but a large number of people don't.
Try it. It might suit your style. But if it doesn't try The Albion, or The Oddfellows Arms or The Bell or The Green Man. Thank goodness some of the pubs in Wimborne still uphold the traditional way.
Oh, and what on earth is that nonsense of taped radio comedy shows in the toilet all about? Designers! Hah!
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I also disagree with ajho. The pub has very pleasant bar and dining areas. A huge attraction is that it is totally non-smoking. The food is good quality, if a little over priced. I think the beer is also expensive (especially as I am not a fan of Badger), yet the wine is reasonable value.
Wimborne has a number of other good pubs that offer different attractions. The Olive Branch is clearly aiming at the smarter, more affluent market, which it does well and adds to the variety Wimborne has to offer.
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Can't agree with ajho. This is a fantastic pub-restaurant in Wimborne. There's a really nice, comfy bar. A great atmospheric bistro/restaurant. The staff are the best in Dorset and the food is delicious. I've had some really fantastic nights here (like chopper) and it's a must visit pub in Wimborne
anonymous - 18 Feb 2007 17:51 |
I feel a bit torn about this pub. It doesn't really represent what the true Wimborne pub should be (cosy, beam-ridden ale house) but I have had some good nights here. It's more of a bar and a restaurant than a pub but it's got some comfy seats and there is generally a decent selection of brews on sale. To be honest, the only reason I've been in there over the last couple of years is because it's one of the few places on Christmas Eve that doesn't charge you entry or require a ticket. I've met up with some old school chums in here on those occasions so it kind of holds good memories. Having said that given the choice I would probably head somewhere else (Coach, Hart, Pudding etc) 99% of the time. Floor to ceiling locking doors in the clean toilets a bonus though.
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Fine old pub that used to be at the heart of the Wimborne Folk Festival. New management has turned it into a Wine Bar and banned the Folk Festival form using its car park. Lovers of all English traditions from warm beer to morris dancing should boycott this place, until they come to their senses.
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