Amberwood Inn, Walkfordback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Another visit to the Amberwood for a meal with friends and it didn't disappoint! The homemade soup starter was a delightful surprise, with a fresh taste indicating that it had clearly only just been made. I opted for the Mediterranean chicken and Chorizo salad for the main course - this was also a real treat showing that some inspired imagination had been put into this dish to produce a really satisfying combination of ingredients, I would recommend this one to anyone! The service was friendly and timely. In fact when we enquired about suitable wines to accompany the food, we had the manager and chef (I think he's called John?) come over and give us his own personal recommendations as to what would go down well rather than presenting a set winelist - this is the kind of added service that can really make it a winning evening! We all enjoyed the food here and stayed for a long time afterwards as there was a good atmosphere going on and no need to feel hurried into leaving.
To my mind, this must be one of the better-managed establishments as the food is consistently good and the pub clientele is a broad mix of people which can make anyone feel at ease and welcome.
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when i walked into the amberwood i expected the barmaid to say are you local? i recently moved into the area and obviously want a tipple every now and then, but each time ive been there it seems like an oap dining hall, no garden, thou smoking area with shelter in the car park,the staff were friendly thou the girl behind the bar takes some stick from the locals, i enquired about a possable large table and was told to talk to the assistant manager who was sat at the bar drinking a pint, she was polite and talked me through the menu if with beer and fags breath. i didnt book the table as it seemed a badly run establishment and didnt want to take the risk with my planned family night out.
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An example of the ideal pub, good beer, friendly staff, good varied menu, though out of my price range, comfortable seating and warm, many pubs seem to be cold, all the smokers going in and out? a lively place on Friday music nights and Monday quiz.
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I made two lunch-time visits recently; one to 'suss' the place out prior to a planned later visit with in-laws followed a week later by the planned visit. On both occasions I was much impressed by the quality of the meals, the welcome of the staff and the real ale from Hall & Woodhouse. Not that I could drink much of it as I had to drive home afterwards. Will definately go there again.
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It always has a great atmosphere and the friday night bands add to the buzz without taking over conpletely in that you can still find a corner to talk in if you want. Lunchtimes are quieter so it's an ideal daytime chill-out venue. The food tables are in a seperate area to the main bar which is better for a large eating group. The food itself has always been excellent and the selection and menus are a cut above the usual pub "fayre" (- well done to the chefs!) This often means that you need to ring and book a table as it can get busy, especially weekends. Worth the effort though, I've eaten here a few times now. The staff are friendly enough and the beers are well kept with some good real ales. In fact it's good to know that you'll get a pint that tastes great rather than tasting like it's name!!!
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The Amberwood seemedto have lost its sparkle, have had two disapionting visits.Hall and Wooodhouse need more choice of beer, or should let their tennent buy out! The pub was creally quiet with no atmosphere.
anonymous - 18 Feb 2005 18:26 |
The Amberwood, still remains a good place to visit. This however must be out of popular hours - away from the weekend. That is because this place has become an economic success. The best aspect of the Amberwood Inn, is that the restaurant and bar area which are seperated. This means that the "foodies" and the ber drinkers are never joined up. Personally, I have been angry about lots of places that confuse the two. Anyway the chef's food is first class - and it is not nouvelle crusine. I recomend it - but real ale drinkers will have to like Tanglefoot as there is no Ringwood 49er there.
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On visiting, I found The Amberwood to be a nice semi-country pub with good vibrations. I instantly saw locals playing cards at a table, which is something that you rarely see. The place is tastefully decorated, and the oak beams are genuine. Dogs seem to be as welcome as outsiders from Bournemouth. The only thing that is missing is a log fire in the winter. The restaurant section was well laid out, and gave the impression of having a bit of class to it. At the time everybody was watching the England-Scotland rugby game - and that section was empty. The biggest drawback to the Amberwood was that we were forced to drink Badger - and I prefer Ringwood. Anyway, thanks to John for suggesting it - I must eat there sometime.
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A couple of contributors to this site - Peter Froude and Mike - had adverse comments to make about the 3 Tuns in Bransgore. Reckon that they might prefer this place as I went there the other night with my wife and two friends and found the food to be excellent with good portions and it wasn't too much of a drain on the bank balance. Plenty of variety on the menu with many 'specials' listed on the board. Only downside is the fact that this is a Hall and Woodhouse establishment with its range of apalling beers. Fortunately I was driving on this occasion.
John - 27 Dec 2003 11:32 |
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