We've often driven past, but had never been inside, so Lads Who Lunch popped in for lunch. Formerly called The Navigator, and based on what appears to be a solid Victorian brick built house, there has been extensive work done to add a long conservatory style addition to one side, and a refurbishment of the interior to create a clean and modern looking pub, restaurant and hotel. At some point recently The Navigator became Harper's Steakhouse & Bar - part of a local chain of three Harper's Steakhouses.
It is smooth, tidy, and commercially appealing. Service is friendly, professional, and polite. There is a general upmarket feel about the place. Not top posh, but decent. You wouldn't expect bow ties and caviar, but nor would you expect cockles and loud farting. We felt it was respectable, though a little lacking in authenticity, charm, character, and warmth. It is distinctly food orientated, with a sense that people come here, eat, and leave. It didn't help that we sat in what is clearly the dining area extension, though the pub area around the bar also feels more functional than comfortable. It also didn't help that though we arrived on a Friday lunchtime there weren't many other customers. Only a few people in a large space does create a hollow, empty feeling. We both felt that the place would no doubt be warmer and livelier in the evening or whenever it was busy.
There is an attractive brunch deal, and the food was nicely made, though presentation was perhaps a little lacking - large plates made the food offered look small and lonely. A little bit of salad or some kind of dressing on the plate - a sprinkling of herbs or sauce - would make it pop. As it was it looked a little sad. But that's a minor quibble. The food did look good.
On the whole it's a nice place, but perhaps a little too corporate, bland, and lacking in charm for my personal taste. Each to their own.
Nov 2023 Score: 5
226 Bridge Road
Lower Swanwick
SO31 7EB
Nov 2023 Score: 5
226 Bridge Road
Lower Swanwick
SO31 7EB
Open 7am to 11pm every day
Food all day
Food all day
Kids welcomed
