The Riverside Inn at Tuckton closed its doors as a Harvester and reopened after major refurbishment, at the end of May as a Premium Country Pub. Having been to the old Harvester 3 years ago when I first moving to the area it really was looking a bit tired and definitely in need of a makeover. So thanks, Premium Country Pubs.
My husband and I live within walking distance and visited last week to see the transformation, it was obvious before we even stepped in the door a substantial amount had been spent on bringing the Inn bang up to date. The outside area which has enviable river views now has plenty of seating on a variety of levels, shade if needed is provided by way of large umbrellas.
The inside has a new modern decor and a really relaxed feel to it, I particularly liked the lighting, huge lamps, copper fittings, and some really lovely art, the whole area has been cleverly divided into sections so it doesn't feel too big. Daniel the manager tells me they cater for just over 100 in the restaurant and they complete that service twice during the course of an evening. There is seating in the bar where you can also purchase food, not to mention the private dining area that can accommodate nearly 50 covers.
Those chefs have got their work cut out!
Personally, because of the view I would book in advance and request a table in the
conservatory area, it has large opening windows and a very clever electric roof so that you feel like you are outside when you are inside but with the advantage of the windows and roof closing when it gets chilly. Also the mosquitoes can sometimes be an issue that close to the river.
During the initial few days the restaurant was extremely busy, and I am not sure the staff had really anticipated the number of dinners they were going to get. Service suffered as they literally didn't have enough hands to serve any quicker. As with any newly opened business it is difficult to gauge the response of the community and I am pleased to say they have now addressed the issue by doubling the front of house staff and increasing the number of chefs to meet demand.
Now to the food, the menu offers plenty of choice and unusually a completely separate vegan menu is available too.
For starters my husband had the the Crispy chicken with cucumber ribbons, mouli, kale & cauliflower cous cous salad and warm katsu sauce. He really enjoyed the dish but would of liked a slighty larger dish of the sauce as it was to die for.
My starter was the scallops which were perfectly cooked and laid on a a bed of chorizo, I am not sure what else was in the the sauce (chilli maybe) but it all tasted great.
Our main courses consisted of pan fried sea bass on a bed of Parmentier potatoes, pancetta, olives, spinach and white wine veloute and Lobster and for my husband, Devon crab fishcakes with asparagus, pea and truffle oil veloute topped with crispy seaweed. The fish was absolutely perfect but we felt the fishcakes dish would of benefited from a slightly moister veloute.
Finally we decided to get the house sharing dessert offering a selection of yummy treats, just make sure your partner is up for sharing first!
So that marks the end of our dining experience at the new Riverside, we will definitely be going back but maybe we will try lunch next time, or perhaps just pop in for the 2 for £10 cocktails you would struggle to find a nicer view whilst you sip.
If daytime dining is more your thing a fixed price menu is offered Monday - Friday 12pm-6pm and represents good value (2 courses £12.50 3 courses £15.50). Midweek evening meals also look great value and lets face it by Wednesday you deserve a treat.
The Riverside
220 Belle Vue Road
Tuckton Bridge
Bournemouth
BH6 3BA
01202 429210
All photos and opinions are my own.