REVIEW: The Britannia Serves Up Autumn with Style

There are some evenings that just work - when the food, setting, and service all come together effortlessly. That’s exactly what happened when we visited The Britannia in Poole to try their new Autumn Menu. With flavourful food and full of seasonal charm, it’s a perfect spot for cosy dining in Dorset.

Warm & Welcoming 

The Britannia's restaurant feels like the kind of place autumn was made for. Soft lighting, plush fabrics, and muted tones make it instantly inviting - a hallmark of the Heartwood Collection style. It’s the sort of space where you can sink into a comfy seat, order a bottle of red, and relax for hours.

Autumnal Flavours

The updated Autumn Menu blends French-inspired comfort dishes with seasonal produce. Familiar food with finesse - rich, hearty, and perfect for cooler evenings. We enjoyed: 

Starters

• French Onion Soup – deep, warming, and topped with gooey Gruyère.
• Country Pâté – rustic and satisfying, with mustard mayo and garlic toasted bread.

Mains

• Supreme of Chicken with Wild Mushrooms – juicy, crisp-skinned, and packed with earthy flavour.
• Whole Plaice Meunière – buttery and bright, with lemon, parsley, and capers.

The surprise hit of the night was the Hispi Cabbage side dish — black garlic butter and Grana cheese took it from humble to “we’d order that again in a heartbeat!”

Sweet (and Spectacular) Endings

Desserts are indulgent across the board — Pistachio Soufflé, Chocolate Feuilletine, and Baked Apple & Calvados Crumble all sounded tempting.

But the star of the show?

Baked Alaska for Two with Cointreau – flambéed at the table, a proper bit of theatre. The mix of soft meringue, boozy sponge, and that citrus kick from the Cointreau makes for the perfect finale.

Seasonal Sips

The drinks list has been refreshed too - the Spiced Apple Mojito makes a welcome return, alongside some creative new additions.

• Tiramisu Tipple – is it a drink or a dessert? Who cares...its deliciously indulgent: rum, Baileys and espresso with added vanilla and chocolate (created by Brayden Jonsson at The Barley Mow)
• Orchard Frost – pear liqueur, prosecco, and cloudy apple juice; sweet, crisp, and unmistakably autumnal.

The Verdict

With its warm atmosphere, delicious seasonal food, and excellent staff (shoutout to Heather & Madison) The Britannia is an easy choice for an evening out as the nights draw in. Whether you’re after a proper dinner, a few cocktails, or just somewhere to unwind, it’s a spot that gets the balance just right. 

(Review & photos by @lovethepub).