And Magazine reveiw
It is hard to believe it is almost 10 years since Bridget and Mo created dock o the bay restaurant.
A recent programme of upgrading the premises has been undertaken, all the while maintaining a consistently high level of both food and service.
There is nothing like an owner managed restaurant and Bridget and Mo are very hands on, ably assisted by manager Matt.
Whilst Mo takes care of sourcing and buying fresh produce daily, as well as stints as chef and overseing the renovation work. Bridget is very much front of house, and once she knows your name, you will always get a friendly and warm greeting on subsequent visits
Attractive decking has been installed to the front, which makes a great place to sit,sip a drink or eat some wonderfull food on a summers day.
Inside the kitchen has been relocated and modernised, the bar has been refurbished, there are new toilets and a new larger restaurant area.
All of this is fine but what about the food? Well for our most recent visit, we went on Mothers Day.
There is something about Dock sunday roasts. Yes, there's plenty of it, with more than sufficient vegetables and roasties. I think it is the relaxed cafe/bar feel about the place, that just makes it right for a leisurely sunday.
The roasts reperesent pretty good value at £8.95 with homemade desserts at £4.95. Good old Pinot Grigio was my mother in law's choice, Crisp and chilled for £15.95 a bottle.
Both lunch and evening menu's are availible every day.The last time i was there i had the roast shredded duck salad with hoi sin, followed by a wonderfull rib-eye steak.
There are daily specials and an early evening discount menu availible every night untill 6.30pm.
If you are looking to book a larger party for a special occasion, then the downstairs restaurant is ideal, as you can get a little noisey with out irritating other diners.
If you havn't been for a while why not check it out.
Review by The Daily Echo
Surely everyone wants to have that classic Cheers moment whenever they set foot in a bar?
To walk in and - just like Norm - be instantly greeted like an old friend no matter where you are.
Well, while you may not hear your name chorused by its staff and customers, Southampton's Dock o' the Bay boasts a welcome that is not far off that magic moment.
Everyone, from the bartender to the manager herself, treats you like they are genuinely pleased that you came inside.
But the true test when you are dining out has to be in the tasting, and the food here is every bit as pleasing as the welcome promises.
The tomato and red pepper soup and the main course of Mediterranean vegetables in filo pastry with a tangy curry sauce ordered by my vegan partner were both filling and full of rich flavours.
My deep-fried Brie wedges were perfectly cooked and a true melt-in-the-mouth experience.
The main event of chicken breast stuffed with goats cheese and wrapped in Parma ham was a classic and filling dish well complimented by it's parsley sauce.
With a huge bowl of chips as a greedy extra and four drinks, the bill came to a real value-for-money £33.70.
The whole evening was a winner from first to last but one of the great things about Dock o' the Bay is that it is not just a top grade restuarant, which, by the way, also boasts one of the best Sunday roasts in town. It also offers one of the most laid-back bars around where you can enjoy a chilled-out summer's evening or even a relaxed weekend afternoon just watching the hours go by.
Take it from me there really is nothing better than sitting in Dock o' the Bay wasting time.
