The Black Bear Hotel

Our waiter Ten looked after us really well, was attentive throughout, and offered recommendations. We popped in for Saturday lunch with a small dog, who was welcome too. We needed an accessible table and were shown to a side dining area, which worked well. The menu had plenty of choice: my Sea Bass was excellent and tasty, and my husband’s Chicken, Ham & Leek pie was just as good. Prices were competitive. The service was above excellent, and we’d definitely come back next time we’re in the area.

The fish and chips were swimming in oil and left us feeling quite sick. After a day at the beach, we came to the Bear for dinner and were told our food would arrive before our train, but it took 45 minutes. We missed that train, and the next one was delayed too. I have a health condition affected by late-night travel, so we spoke to the owner about some kind of compensation. Her response was cold, with no sympathy or acknowledgement of responsibility. The manager was very kind, and we understood and appreciated how stressed the waiters were that evening, but we definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

We’re local Dorset visitors and had a lovely Mother’s Day lunch here. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the service was good. We haven’t stayed in the rooms, so can’t comment on them. We also had afternoon tea here for Mother’s Day two years ago and enjoyed that visit too. We’ll be back.

It was an expensive and disappointing visit, and fortunately we were only there for one night. Our room looked great in the photos but was very small, with the bed taking up most of the space. My partner has mobility problems and found it hard to squeeze around it. There was only one chair, presumably because there wasn’t room for another. The hotel has no lift, and that wasn’t mentioned on its website. When I was asked the next morning if we’d enjoyed our stay, I explained these issues and got an unfriendly, defensive response from the manageress/owner. She said most hotels don’t have lifts, which was news to me after staying in many. She also seemed not to have considered proper disability access. If you don’t want to hear what guests think of their stay, don’t ask.