The Heritage Restaurant, Chickerell (From Dorset Echo)

The Heritage Restaurant, Chickerell

10:49am Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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IF YOU want to treat yourself to a fancy meal without breaking the bank there is a hidden gem tucked away in Chickerell.

My visit to the Heritage Restaurant didn’t get off to a great start as when we arrived we weren’t greeted and couldn’t see anyone inside.

We went back outside and almost went to the pub next door but the £12 two-course lunch was too much of a lure and so we went back.

This time we were greeted by owner Anne Grove and she gave us a warm welcome. She was happy to describe the dishes on offer and explain which meals were on either the £12 two-course and £15.50 three course set menus at lunch time.

They provided an extensive lunch menu and there was also a list of specials. We were given a seat by the window but the simple and bright décor with attractive artwork inside offered a better view than the car park.

It was a shame there was only one other table of diners in but it meant for a tranquil lunch break.

I almost chose the cream of Brussels soup with parmesan choux puff garnish but wanted to try the sauteed calamari with savoury rice and a garlic and tomato sauce.

I confess I’m used to chewy and greasy deep fried calamari so the tender melt-in-the-mouth rings were a revelation alongside the fresh and tangy sauce.

The grilled salmon fillet with pesto sauce and new potatoes and vegetables was like the starter – a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

My guest got stuck into his chicken with cajun-spiced cream sauce and I can testify his crème brulee was also faultless. If the Heritage was overlooking the Dorset coast or a harbourside it would have a view matching its food.

But the genuine and friendly manner of the staff and owners also makes for a great visit.

I had to agree with my guest that going for lunch makes you want to return to try the evening and Sunday menus.

On Sundays you will find grilled Cornish herring or a goat’s cheese dish among the starters.

The mains include Sunday roasts, steak and kidney pie and fish dishes.

The evening menu offers more fish, steak, pork with a medium-spiced tomato and sherry sauce and the Heritage’s 100 per cent beef burgers.

* The Heritage Restaurant, 8 East Street Chickerell, mail@the-heritage.co.uk 01305 783093. Open for lunch from Thurs-Sat and dinner from Mon-Sat.

My Heritage Restaurant bill:

Set two-course meal including calamari, grilled salmon, baked chicken, creme brulee: £12 (x2)

TOTAL: £24.00