Had booked a table for 5 for a birthday lunch - mentioned on booking. Poor welcome - in an almost empty restaurant, being told to ‘go and wait by the door’ is not a good look - and the table had only 4 chairs which made it seem as though we were not expected (we arrived exactly on time). Menu was good but only one pork burger (at 1.30!) so not a good range for those who don’t eat fish. Mains were generally fine, though the lamb was disappointing (and looked unappetising: lamb only looks good hot: ask Nigella!). Puds / cakes very nice though again limited: ‘only one’ of several. Shame. If it were my business, I’d definitely want to do some work on staff meet and greet, and how to handle reduced menu options helpfully. Setting is gorgeous and tea in the garden afterwards made up for a rather flat experience indoors. Will revisit but it didn’t cut it for a special occasion, sadly. It’s all about the way you are treated, after all, isn’t it?

We booked the coronation cream tea to celebrate the king and our wedding anniversary. We thought we might have sat in the nice part of the cafe but didn't and the table was sticky not sure if it was varnish or dirt. The cream tea did not have all that was advertised when I booked it, no scones and jam and the cheesecake was runny no salmon sandwich and it was very cold im guessing it just came out the fridge and the slice of quiche was the size of a 10p, arrived with two big mugs I think it would have been nicer with tea cups and saucers. The gentleman serving us seemed very uninterested. We think it was a lot of money for the food and service. We live in Bridport and always enjoy symondsbury for our special treats for birthdays etc or just coffee and cake with our dog, but I'm afraid we will not be returning again.