Just over a year ago Ali and Ovidija opened their new restaurant and wine bar, having seriously outgrown the original premises across the road.

Sense has been established now for five years and continues to be a popular choice for individual dining and groups, with a capacity of 118 people at any one time.

Last Christmas the restaurant was often fully booked.

The restaurant is air-conditioned throughout and the floor beautifully tiled in similar style as is the trend abroad. Lighting is exquisite, especially the wall fittings that disperse beams of light both upwards and downwards. During the course of this year more hand-painted pictures have been added to the mural showing the Eiffel Tower and typical French buildings.

Besides fine wines, favourite spirits, soft drinks, bottled beers and lagers, for the first time there is also a choice of draught beers and lagers too. Freshly-brewed coffees and teas are always available with daytime and evening meals – also throughout the day for customers wishing to enjoy a hot or cold drink with a slice of cake.

NEW MENUS

There is always an extensive choice of meals and, in typical Sense fashion, you’ll find the prices are as agreeable as the quality of food for which this restaurant has such a fine reputation. Ali and his fellow chefs are great believers in bringing new choices to the daytime and evening menus, while keeping the most popular dishes. “We listen to comments from our customers”, said Ali, “and we are always willing to introduce new choices.”

CABARET EVENINGS

Last Friday was the second occasion when Sense hosted a cabaret evening featuring Darron Garnett and a close-up magician. It is intended to run these every so often, the next date being Friday, October 12 from 7.30pm onwards. It’s a fun-packed evening featuring songs from Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Tom Jones plus a magician. Tickets are £25 and include all this entertainment plus delicious canapés and a generous hot buffet. I can vouch for a really good evening!

LOCAL AND FRESH

Local, tried-and-tested suppliers of good quality ingredients supply food that ultimately ends up on your meal plate. Sense specialises in meat and fish dishes and suppliers are well known to Ali; they are only too aware of the need to give good value and quick delivery. Quick delivery means fresh, fresh means better taste, good taste means you enjoy what you have chosen and you’ll book again – it’s as simple as that.

“We rely on deliveries from local suppliers,” said Ali, “firms we have dealt with over the years.

“Our meat – including local venison – comes from suppliers who know we will buy only the best quality. “Being family owned, Sense puts the emphasis on great food, cheerful service and the best value for money. Continuing repeat bookings prove to us that people like us and what we are doing.”

ACCESSIBILITY

The new restaurant is accessible for all abilities. Last Wednesday the Canadian Paralympics sailing team celebrated their stay in the borough with a meal at Sense. Their director of sport Jennifer Larson told me that the level access throughout the Sense restaurant was absolutely ideal. There are also more toilet facilities, including a disabled toilet.

THE WINE BAR

You don’t have to have a meal to enjoy the Sense wine bar so feel free to call in for a drink.

BUSINESS LUNCHES

Business lunches aren’t anything new, Sense often hosts small and larger groups.

WEDDINGS

The next wedding reception takes place in a couple of weeks’ time, Sense being absolutely ideal for all sorts of celebrations.

l Sense restaurant & Wine Bar, 59 St Mary Street, Weymouth DT4 8PP. Telephone (01305) 777222 and 771111, email restaurant@senserestaurant.com www.senserestaurant.com