Visited October 2006

 

Occupying an imposing former bank building (aren't they all?) in the up-and-coming area of Ashley Cross in Lower Parkstone, Patrick's has only been open for a couple of months but evidently is already attracting plenty of interest from business people and what appeared to be a number of smart Ladies Who Lunch in Dorset!

The bar area is separated from the restaurant by a glass partition (a good way to keep any smoke away from diners) and the décor is very contemporary, with mixtures of brown leather and eau-de-nil fabric creating a calm, light and relaxed atmosphere.

The lunch menu consists of a range of Light Bites, sandwiches, a luscious sounding salad pick’n’mix and a selection of main courses and grills, so there really is something for every level of appetite. I opted for the Cumberland sausage, bubble & squeak and red onion gravy, which was very tasty and not over filling, and my companion chose the wild boar and oyster pie with sauerkraut, glazed carrots and new potatoes. Judging by his clean plate shortly after it was served, I can only deduce that it was very bit as good as it looked! Sadly, time didn’t permit us to indulge in the puddings but again they sounded wonderful, if horribly fattening! The sticky toffee pudding with banana fritter and caramel sauce must be off the scale of calories!

The dinner menu is equally inventive, although again it also includes regular grills such as fish, steaks and ‘surf & turf’ for the less adventurous. It also features one or two of the new favourites like slow braised pork belly and roast Gressingham duck breast with braised red cabbage.

The “Patrick” in the title is very much a hands-on owner who acts as waiter as well as host and is clearly trying very hard to make a success of this venture. If my visit is anything to go by, he will do very well.

Cost Lunch £ £ £ £  (Guesstimate for Dinner £ £ £ £ £)

Yummy Factor 8/10

Guest review by CS of Romsey