Search the Good Food Guide - Site Settings site

Location

Establishment Type

Cuisine

Price

Clear
  View all 5 photos
  /5
X

The Clockspire

Dorset, Milborne Port - Modern British - Restaurant - £££

Smart, seasonal cooking in stunning surrounds

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Exceptional

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Built as a school in 1864, this vast gabled building is architecturally striking with stone arches, a cloistered frontage, huge windows and gables topped by an ornate clockspire from which the restaurant takes its name. Soaring raftered ceilings and ornate chandeliers continue the grandiose theme in the dining room offset by contemporary flourishes of pastel shades, polished concrete floors and arty floral displays. Though there are few conventional fine-dining trappings here, chef Luke Sutton can deliver some intricate, highly worked dishes. He takes an intelligent, creative approach to seasonal produce, perhaps adding some BBQ English asparagus and wild garlic sauce to a starter of mushroom raviolo or serving Cornish stone bass with a spring vegetable chowder, sprouting broccoli, caramelised apple and vermouth sauce. Main courses could be as classic as sirloin steak with portobello mushroom, tomato chutney and triple-cooked chips or as up-to-the-minute as Creedy Carver duck breast p...

Built as a school in 1864, this vast gabled building is architecturally striking with stone arches, a cloistered frontage, huge windows and gables topped by an ornate clockspire from which the restaurant takes its name. Soaring raftered ceilings and ornate chandeliers continue the grandiose theme in the dining room offset by contemporary flourishes of pastel shades, polished concrete floors and arty floral displays.

Though there are few conventional fine-dining trappings here, chef Luke Sutton can deliver some intricate, highly worked dishes. He takes an intelligent, creative approach to seasonal produce, perhaps adding some BBQ English asparagus and wild garlic sauce to a starter of mushroom raviolo or serving Cornish stone bass with a spring vegetable chowder, sprouting broccoli, caramelised apple and vermouth sauce. Main courses could be as classic as sirloin steak with portobello mushroom, tomato chutney and triple-cooked chips or as up-to-the-minute as Creedy Carver duck breast pointed up with pickled radish, haricot bean purée and spiced sauce. Desserts are also given exact, thoughtful treatment as in crème brûlée custard tart with poached pear and caramelised white chocolate.

There's also the option of a £30 three-course set menu at lunchtime and early evening, while the restaurant’s feel for ‘niche presentation’ extends to well-reported Sunday roasts (cider-brined pork loin, rump of beef with slow-cooked ox cheek). Slightly formal but super-efficient service makes everyone feel a bit special, and the extensive, globe-straddling wine list includes a decent selection by the glass and half bottle. 

Read full reviewSee less

E Quick

7 April 2025

It is the most stunning building, with the most fantastic tasting food. The service is top-notch, and the menu, especially the set menu, is affordable to all - not limited to the more well-off population.

G Grout

25 March 2025

We have been several times, both for a special occasion and just for lunch. Every time, it has been brilliant. Always welcoming as if we are old friends. The food and service are amazing. We have met the chefs and all the supplementary staff, all working so hard to give people the best of occasions. Fully recommended.

VENUE DETAILS

Gainsborough, Milborne Port
Milborne Port
Dorset
DT9 5BAGB

01963 251458

View opening times

Make a reservation

OTHER INFORMATION

Separate bar, Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Parking, Electric car charging, Family friendly

More like this

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    •  

       

       

    Latest articles