THE PORTLAND LODGE

  We have been here a few times as it really does offer a lovely Sunday dinner. Visited 1st September and ordered two small & 2 medium carvery. Choice of veg... read more was good; chefs were friendly and hardworking. Only gripe I had was the beef was so tough I couldn’t eat it. Ordered a slice of salted caramel cheesecake; absolutely lovely. Little lady with blonde hair and glasses on the bar was pleasant enough, as was the man with the cool trousers who took us to our table. All in all a good visit and the prices are pretty reasonable. Can I suggest one thing though; the lighting is really dim and I think it would benefit from some more wall lighting just to brighten it up a bit as it is quite sombre.

  I recently moved to the area to live with my Partner and we’ve visited the Portland on many occasions. We do enjoy a Sunday Dinner there now and again. ... read more /> Last year we booked to have Christmas lunch there and it was fabulous so we decided to book up again for this year.
We were greeted upon arrival by the Manager ( not sure of his name but what a lovely friendly chap)
We were each given a glass of Buck’s Fizz and then shown to our table.
We were delighted to be given a large booth with lovely comfy seats. ( bonus!) there was only three of us but it was lovely to have plenty of room.
We were given our starters ( all tasted fabulous)
Then we settled down to our Christmas lunch which was a ‘help yourself’ affair. I went for the Turkey and Gammon. The chef loaded my huge plate with meat and a very large tempting looking Yorkshire pudding.
I helped myself to my fave vegetables and creamy mash, crispy roasts, parsnips, homemade stuffing, pigs in blankets and covered the lot in rich gravy.
I must admit, I did wonder how I was going to eat it all!!!
I love my food but the portion was huge even for me!
Next came dessert. Again, fabulous.
A member of our party sadly couldn’t attend due to illness but the staff very kindly boxed up her meal for us to take away. The staff are all wonderful and cannot do enough for you. All had huge beaming smiles on their faces which was lovely to see. I always feel a bit sorry for staff having to work Christmas Day but they were so friendly and helpful, which I feel deserves a mention. People really shouldn’t give staff a hard time when they are bringing your food to your table and helping to make your Christmas lovely when they’ve had to sacrifice their day to do so.
My only teeny bit of criticism is that the place was far too hot, although we were sat opposite the Carvery, which wouldn’t of helped.
Well done to all the staff at the Portland. We’ll be back next year. Wishing you all the very best in 2020

  we went in for sunday lunch on the 15th december thought the medium plate was a bit over priced at £10 per plate
when we got our lunch had... read more to leave most of it as most of the veg were on the raw side not what we were expecting as we have eaten there many times but wont be back for a while

  Is a lovely hotel and food was nice, but wasn't happy with the fact I couldn't sleep due to how hot it was and no way to turn it down,... read more no thermostat plus the window was so hard to open nearly took it off its hinges to open haha but will definitely go back.

  Best meal for Sunday's.
Fresh veg and meat just cooked to perfection.
Booking is advised as it's so popular with the locals.
Staff friendly and polite.

  Went for the first time few weeks ago after a friend raved about it! New to the area thought would give it a try. Carvery huge choice but food was... read more stone cold , had to send back to be heated up! Who wants to eat cold sunday dinner? Went back today to try again...omg big mistake! Ordered 2 specials, chicken pie and a steak n ale pie with mushy peas, chips n gravy. I ordered steak pie mashed the pie up, pastry very hard and very dark looking in colour as well overcooked nearing on burnt. Mine was not steak it was white meat in white sauce. Waitress said no more pies so then proceeded to take mine and gave it to my friend even tho i had already started eating it. Not what you would expect. The chips were so black they looked like had been thrown in the fryer at least 3 times to reheat up then put in microwave as were very soggy and burnt to frazzle. Gravy was stone cold. We called waitress lady back over the chicken pie pastry was as black as coal on bottom of pie and totally inedible. I asked if chef today was a trainee? No he wasnt.....sorry but the meals he sent out to us today should never have been sent to a table....absolutely shocking and i wish i had taken photos now as proof, had i been the waitress i would have refused to take it out of the kitchen. Disgusting and yuk. The poor waitress even agreed the food we git served was bad and voided our bill but i do feel sorry for the owner trying to build up his business when ges got a chef turning out that crap when unsupervised! He needs to either go back to cookery school or change careers. Having worked as a mystery diner im afraid this place woukd have earned a minus score today...worst meal ive ever had.

  My husband and I stayed at The Portland last night. We were pleasantly surprised by the lovely accommodation. I can't recommend it enough. The price is extremely reasonable and the... read more rooms are spotless and spacious. All staff were very welcoming and friendly and Danielle in particular was fantastic. I will definitely be back.

  I should first say that I have had many meals at the portland, both in large groups and small groups. There have been minor hiccups a couple times but never... read more any major problems but the food has always been great and the service is exceptional.

We have been going here for a couple years now and will continue to into the future. Prices may be slightly more expensive than other in the area but the quality and quantity is well worth it.

Tonight we had a takeaway to see if the quality was still there and from the service to the meal itself, all was brilliant.

  Their Christmas dinners are amazing! The meat is just cooked to perfection, the veggies are brilliant. Everything's just perfect