I have been to the Cumberland Hotel on a number of occasions over the years, but never cease to be impressed by the interior decor.

The art deco theme complements the outside of this 1930s building and manages to be striking, yet welcoming.

Lots of black, white and grey with splashes of red and pink gives a smart, sophisticated look, but the cushions on the comfy armchairs, coupled with the friendly welcome in the Ventana Grand Cafe ensure the restaurant has a cosy, relaxed feel.

We visited to sample the eaterie’s new summer menu, and it took us a while to peruse the extensive selection on offer.

A delicious selection of home prepared, warm rustic bread, served with Spanish extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar was brought to us while we made our choices.

With some help from our waiting staff, we eventually settled on the baby spinach and Montgomery Somerset Cheddar quiche (£6.90) and the carpaccio of Somerset beef fillet (£8.75) to start.

Both were beautifully presented, with the quiche a surprising green colour, but with a lovely smooth texture and cheesy tang, topped with a large dollop of sour cream. The beef was thinly cut with lots of flavour, complemented by the accompanying rapeseed oil, rocket, shaved Montgomery cheese and black pepper.

For our main courses, I opted for the chef’s recommendation of Somerset pork schnitzel (£13.80), while my husband chose the 8oz sirloin steak (£20.95).

There was a suitable break before our main courses arrived, and both were pleasingly generous in size.

The thin pieces of pork, covered with breadcrumbs and topped with Laverstoke mozzarella, were lovely and tender and the tasty tomato ragu was a fitting accompaniment.

My only complaint was that the two pieces of meat were a bit too large for me to finish.

My husband’s steak was cooked to perfection and he opted for the sweet potato fries, which were crispy and sweet, a welcome change from the usual chunky chips. The Dijon sauce he chose provided a little heat to the dish.

We were relieved to be given a short break before being offered the dessert menu, when I again went for the chef’s recommendation – the double chocolate parfait (£6.45) – while my husband went for the Dorset cheese board (£7.60).

The latter was a huge portion, with crackers, four different cheeses, including blue and smoked, served with water biscuits, a large bunch of fresh grapes, a stack of julienne celery and a dish of chunky house chutney.

I was glad my dish was rather more modest and, despite being double chocolate, surprisingly light. The accompanying salted caramel ice cream was mouth-wateringly more-ish.

My husband opted to finish off with one of the selection of artisan teas, which provided a suitable sophisticated end to our fine dining experience.

  • The Ventana Grand Cafe has teamed up with Oceana Spa, at its sister hotel The Cliffside, to offer a lunch spa package and afternoon tea spa package, both £69, including a choice of two mini treatments.

To find out more visit oceanadayspa.co.uk or call 01202 208666. To book a table at the Ventana Grand Cafe visit cumberlandbournemouth .co.uk or call 01202 290722.