The Larder House

Following the recommendations of a few colleagues, I have booked a Valentine’s Day table for a romantic dinner at The Larder House. Although there was no mention of any special Valentine’s Day menu on their website or social media at the time of booking, at the end of last week I have been contacted by someone from the restaurant to take my deposit (£20) and tell me that there will be a set menu costing £130 for two people. I was never asked if I know what’s on the menu, only if I am happy to go ahead with it. Based on the previous good reviews I heard/read about the restaurant, I reluctantly accepted although I thought it was a bit expensive.

On the day, we were warmly welcomed and led to our table which was in a supposedly heated conservatory. The radiators were warm but considering that a whole wall and the ceiling were made of glass, they weren’t enough to maintain a comfortable temperature. A few other couples seemed to be cold as well with one of them even turning on the overhead radiator briefly before feeling awkward for doing it and quickly turning it off.

We were presented with a bottle of cava and the set menu which sounded delicious, so we were looking forward to an amazing dinner (despite the cold).

First came the amuse bouche – Tempura Oysters with Caramelised Garlic & Herb Aioli – two oysters on a bed of salt. They looked dramatic and they tasted good, although the batter on the oysters seemed a bit oily and they could have been crunchier. Score: 7/10

The starter – Vacherin Fondue, Gordal Olive Focaccia and House Tracklements – could have been amazing if it wasn’t for the bitter cheese. My girlfriend felt it bitter too and I overheard the couple next to us saying the same thing, although, when I’ve asked the waiter why this is bitter, he went to the kitchen to ask the chef and came back saying that’s because it’s a mix of cheeses. Really?! That’s your explanation?! This shouldn’t have been bitter, no matter what cheeses you mixed in. It’s a shame it went this way because the focaccia and the tracklements were excellent. The whole dish was brought down by the fondue. Score: 5/10

We were really looking forward to the main – Ex-Dairy Prime Rib, Truffled Marfona Chips, Wild Garlic Dip and Wood Fired Sopley Vegetables. Fancy, local, seasonal, and definitely over the top. The rib was juicy, tender and rich while also being slightly overcooked, fatty and heavy. The chips had the right balance between crispiness on the outside and tenderness in the middle while the truffle flavour definitely lifted them. The wild garlic dip brought the fresh spring flavour in the mix, nicely contrasting with the depth and richness of the meat, however the roasted vegetables were lacking any extra layers of flavour. Overall, the dish was ok, but it seemed over engineered while some basic things being overlooked. Score: 7/10

The dessert – Polenta & Olive Oil Cake, Rhubarb Granita, Poached Rhubarb & Clotted Ice Cream – had all the right flavours but it disappointed through texture and user experience (UX). I know it sounds weird to talk about UX when referring to food but having a rhubarb granita (the fancy name for ice slushy) that quickly melts on a flat plate (not a bowl) without any teaspoon in sight (just a fork and knife) is a ‘no go’. The polenta cake was also very dry and as soon as it absorbed the watery slushy, it started to disintegrate. Despite this, the combination of flavours was very nice and, with a few tweaks, this could become an amazing dessert. Score: 8/10

Finally, we received the chocolate truffles on a bed of what seemed like brown sugar mixed with cocoa. I am not a big fan of truffles in general, but these seemed even richer than normal, and I could hardly eat mine while gulping a glass of water immediately after. Score: 4/10.

Lovely restaurant that is tastefully decorated with a nice layout. The food was exquisite! Cooked to perfection, fresh, excellent quality, and beautifully presented. I had the chicken and chorizo terrine as a starter and the pork as my main and it was delicious, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We were disappointed with the Irish coffee, and it is pricey (£70 a head), hence I’ve not rated it 5*. However, as restaurants go, the overall experience was worth the visit.

I had not yet tried the roasts at Larderhouse, but had the privilege of doing so this Sunday just gone. I will say they are pricey - about £20 per head - but the portion of meat, especially with the ham hock, was insanely good value for money. I'm a big eater and I struggled to finish it. Vegetables were nice, with an interesting variety. Coffee wasn't too bad either. Service was brilliant - we were mostly served by Lucy, who was really attentive, and occasionally by Adriana who was lovely. Highly recommended!

I was somewhat disappointed with this restaurant. It enjoys a good reputation and it wasn't easy to get a table which I also took as a positive.

The staff were very pleasant and attentive. Our waitress went to great lengths to explain the details of each meal.

My wife and I were both disappointed with dinner and the price. My wife had the lamb and had been told that it was very lean but it was quite fatty. A courgette was served with the meal which was very undercooked or raw and was cold.

I opted for the sea bass. This was basically a 4" square piece of fish served with half a dozen small tomatoes and an under cooked courgette. No carbohydrates.

At roughly £25 per head I do not think that we received value for money.

Food and drinks as it should be! Locally sourced, seasonal and next level tasty!
Thank you Carina and the Larder team for your amazing hospitality!

Dined here as a table of 13 for Sunday roast and the Larderhouse did not disappoint ! The staff were very accommodating (even when I had a last minute addition to the table). We all had some cracking drinks in the cosy bar upstairs before being seated and served excellent food. 10/10 would come again (my partner is already trying to put a second visit on the cards asap). Thanks for having us, see you soon !

Probably one of the nicest roasts I’ve ever had. The beef was cooked perfectly and so was everything else. The cauliflower cheese was divine and everything came beautifully plated for our enjoyment. The staff were also great, everyone was very friendly and welcoming and made sure we had a nice time. Will definitely be returning!

A boutique restaurant in southbourne high street. We have been going here for a number of years and this time tried a casual lunch on a Saturday. Staff are always friendly. Ordered sharing board (social Suzanne) and a few extra tapas plates. Food is fresh and vibrant and different to a lot of standard menus you see. As vegetarians we went for the garden sharing Suzanne, which was a little limited and not so adventurous as restaurants with more of a vege and vegan focus. If there was a little more creativity, this would definitely be a 5 star review.