Delicious style From the moment you step into the elegant foyer of the Cumberland Hotel which overlooks Bournemouth bay, it is as if you have stepped back in time to the 1930s.

This unique, boutique, art deco-style hotel has retained many of its original features and has achieved one of Bournemouth’s highest AA three-star hotel ratings.

Part of The Oceana Bournemouth Resort, the Cumberland offers a range of dining options at its house restaurant The Mirabelle or the Ventana Grand Café or the Oceana.

We were greeted in the foyer where we had the option of leaving our coats in a staffed cloakroom, before heading through the Del Mar lounge, where you can enjoy a predinner drink or cocktail, to The Mirabelle.

This restaurant which seats up to 250-people, is clearly a popular choice for Sunday lunch, as it was buzzing with older couples and family parties as we were guided to our table overlooking the outside decked pool area.

Sumptuously restored to its art deco heyday, The Mirabelle boats a tasteful black, red and silver decor and is adorned with large black and white pictures of some of Hollywood’s legends.

Staff are smartly turned out in crisp white shirts with black ties and aprons, and the service is friendly and efficient.

As we settled ourselves at our table, our waitress was soon at our side with the fixed price Sunday lunch menu and a selection of warm bread rolls (white or seeded wholemeal) with pats of creamy butter.

The drinks waiter followed shortly afterwards and recommended a bottle of house white, Sol Del Oro Sauvignon Blanc (£18.15) from Chile, which was perfectly chilled with a crisp taste of fresh fruit.

The menu was divided into Firstly, Mainly and Definitely (and when you see the dessert menu you can see why it’s not to be missed).

For starters I had diced chicken breast served chilled with smoked bacon, cubes of Blue Vinny cheese, garlic croutons and salad leaves drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Meanwhile my husband and daughter were dipping into bowls of piping hot, creamy carrot and coriander soup topped with croutons which looked hearty and delicious.

But the best was yet to come. For my main course I ordered grilled fillet of sea bass – which is always a good test of a chef’s skills. The fish, which was nestling on a bed of minted potatoes, was so tender it fell away from the bones with just the lightest of touches, and was topped with a creamy caper sauce that enhanced, rather than overpowered, its delicate flavour.

The rest of the family opted for roast Scottish rib eye of beef served with all the trimmings including a large Yorkshire pudding with herbs, roast parsnips, roast potatoes, carrots, cabbage and a large jug of steaming hot, beefy gravy. There was more than enough food to feed a hungry family of four.

The desserts were also a big hit. I couldn’t reside the coffee and Baileys crème brulee, which was served with a slice of sugary shortbread and a dark wafer of rich chocolate, which was superb.

Everything is sourced from local suppliers where possible. The portions are generous and each dish is well presented. You have the choice of three courses for £18.95 or two for £16.50. You can also add an intermediate soup course for just £3 per person.

So if you are looking for a satisfying, very reasonably priced Sunday lunch with all the trimmings, served with superb service and style, then this place is worth every penny.

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