Do all banks have queues this long?

 Do all banks have queues this long?

I’ve been a customer of Barclays for almost 20 years and during that time one thing has remained constant – queues. Such consistency remains steadfastly in proportion to the number of people serving at the tills at lunchtime – too few.

Can somebody tell why this is? written by fargojane@yahoo.com

Address:

Barclays Bank, High Street, Christchurch, Dorset

Beach House is less than idyllic

 In such a beautiful and perfect setting you would think that any bar/restaurant would seek to emulate the exceptional surroundings Hengistbury Head provides.

Sadly The Beach House Cafe doesn’t quite match-up to its sister bar/restaurant Soho in Christchurch town centre for quality and service.

For some reason the relaxed atmosphere of the beach seems to have been adopted by some of the staff waiting on people. The happy helpful enthusiasm of their colleagues at Soho isn’t matched here. Indeed at times it verges on being curt, which is a shame for everyone as it tempers the atmosphere somewhat.

Unfortunately a less than happy working environment can affect the whole dynamics of a business. And this is clearly evident here. I ordered their cooked breakfast admittedly close to the end of their breakfast service, and was served something of a lame looking platter. Indeed the scrambled egg looked so pale it seemed ill.

Nevertheless I dug in only to find the whole thing was luke warm in colour as much as in temperature! I called the waitress over who was pleasant enough and immediately agreed with my sentiments.

A fresh breakfast arrived and was in complete contrast to the first in presentation, colour and temperature. Indeed it was delicious but this was tarnished as my mind kept darting back to the pathetic meal first laid before me.

We all make mistakes but why was it ever handed to me in the first place? If people cared surely they would have noticed what they’d cooked/and delivered!

The Beach House’s menu differs from Soho to the extent it reflects the setting of the bar/restaurant as well as its popularity as the evening menu is for me quite pricey.

Overall I give it a score of 6/10

Address

Sewards almost there

 I recently bought a car from Sewards at Bailey’s Bridge Christchurch and the sales team were very good my only small criticism was with the after-sales service.

Compared with some other franchise dealers I went to Sewards had a more professional approach. The salesman offered me a sum for the car I wanted to trade-in but naturally I wanted more.

Where Sewards were better was in the way they took my details and rung me latter in the day to offer me a better trade-in price. Another local dealership didn’t even take my details even though I turned up to look at the car I wanted on two separate occasions.

We arranged a time and date for me to collect my new car, which Sewards stuck to. They then ran through everything I should now about my new vehicle and the warranty details. Finally they presented me with a bouquet of flowers, which I felt made a lovely final touch to the proceedings.

I am sad to say the let down came with a missing key. The salesman said it would be there when I collected my car and it wasn’t. I was advised it would available for collection in a week’s time. It wasn’t, so he told me I would have to organise it but they would pay for it.

Well, after spending £7000, I shouldn’t have to do this. So after several exchanges of phone calls they eventually organised the new key.

I would still buy a car from that dealership again but because of their initial attitude to my missing key I only give them 7/10  authored by Fiona55@aol.com

Address: 

20 Bailey Drive, Barrack Road, Christchurch

Getting there

Staples’ nail their quality service

 The quality of service provided by Staples of Bournemouth was pleasantly surprising to the extent I’d happily shop there again.

I was initially drawn to buy a computer from Staples from an newspaper advert. However although I’d bought small stationary items from the store for some reason I’d truly felt it was an electrical store.

To be honest these anxieties were still there when I bought the Hewlett Packard laptop. What convinced me to buy from Staples was the price of the laptop, no other shop could match them for price. So I jumped in feet first and bought the computer.

However my anxieties were soon tested as with 2 days the laptop broke down; it would switch on. And so I soon returned to Staples equipped with packaging, receipts and what I was going say when told the computer would need to be sent away for repairs!  

My prejudices were soon knocked for six.  A helpful assistant called the manager over who listened to my tale and simply said “no problem we’ll exchange it”. Furthermore he said if the new one ever developed a problem then bring it right back.

Overall from purchase to after-sales service Staples proved themselves to putting customer service first.

Therefore Staples receive 10/10

Address:

Bournemouth
Unit A
Parkway Retail Park
Holdendurst Road
Bournemouth Dorset
BH8 8BQT: 01202 298 503
F: 01202 298 515

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Hants & Dorset’s outstanding service

 Hants & Dorset Motorcaravans unquestionably the best motor dealership I have ever done business with.

When you spend a large sum of money you tend to get anxious, especially when you’re spending at a second-hand car dealership. I have had several experiences some more recent than others, that justify my anxieties.

Yet the exception to this rule became evident at Hants & Dorset in Christchurch as their service is remarkable to the extent the after-sales services is more akin to that of yesteryear than anything contemporary. This is because they provide the after-sales service rather than some anonymous insurance company. So any concerns are dealt with personally and nothing is ever of too much concern.

I had to take my vehicle back four months into the warranty over a minor issue and their response was as swift and efficient as on the day I bought the vehicle. Indeed what is all the more extraordinary is how the level of quality service extends throughout everyone involved in the company, especially the guys in the workshop they offer an outstanding level of personal service.

Ken Saunders is the proprietor and is a natural salesman with all the attributes of a stereotypical salesman. Yet you soon find that his sales patter is as much about serving the customer as about making a sale, which comes as a pleasant surprise to the more general lacklustre sales techniques one encounters these days.

Therefore Hants & Dorset are awarded 10/10!

Outstanding dentistry

 Let’s be honest a visit to the dentist is never something one looks forward to. If it’s not the pain of the work done to your teeth then it’s the pain felt by your wallet. Sometimes it can be both!

So it came as something of a revelation to discover Hoburne Dental Practice in Highcliffe, Christchurch.

I started to lose confidence in my previous dentist (now retired) simply because his methods hadn’t changed in years. Therefore my first visit some 4 years’ ago to the Hoburne practice came as a pleasant surprise. The modern surgery was fitted out in a discreet manor to the extent your attention is drawn more to the dentist and his assistant than the tools of his trade (for those people who find dentistry unsettling this is important).

This emphasis on keeping up-to-date with technology has continued. Recently the surgery invested in digital x-ray technology which means quicker, clear and safer x-rays of your teeth.

The surgery has three young practitioners of which Chris Gollings is mine. He is an extremely good natured, patient and intelligent individual. Who always gives the patient of choice of procedures should he find any treatment necessary. This is very reassuring, especially as in the past I’ve felt dentists just ‘dived’ in without any consideration of what the patient wanted. Indeed any treatment I’ve had from Chris has been outstanding, sensitive and pain-free! 

Indeed it is important to stress that his nurse along with everyone else I’ve ever met in the practice are very pleasant and amiable people who provide a quality service.

My only criticism, if criticism is the correct term is price. Private dentistry is not cheap but I think the charges made at Hoburne are in the high category. Having said that, I am prepared to pay these charges because of the quality of care I have and continue to receive from them.

Therefore I award them 9/10!

Address:

Hoburne Dental Practice
104 Saffron Dr
Christchurch
BH23 4TG

Telephone 01425 277245

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Harvesting a nightmare

 Have you ever looked forward to an evening out knowing and then arrived at the restaurant thinking it was going to be an abject failure?

Well I experienced that at a Harvester in Christchurch, Dorset. It was an opportune meal out. My two eldest children are at university, while my youngest is away for a couple of nights on a school trip. Therefore there was no need to organize any baby sitters. For the first time in years we only had to organize ourselves and could be spontaneous and just go out. We weren’t seeking anything lavish, just a humble meal with a drink or two and then home. Sadly like most things today the representation and the reality are two different things. 

Set on the outskirts of the New Forest the Cat and Fiddle thatched roof complements the tree lined green landscape surrounding the pub to the extent the busy A35 is easily ignored. However this natural beauty is immediately lost when you walk through the doors into the restaurant. The place looks tired; the seat covers on the chairs are dirty and stained by the food and beer of yesteryear. Some fixtures and fittings are coated in a grease coated dust. Light fittings are undermined with extinguished bulbs that look unlikely ever to be replaced. This isn’t a good way to start an evening out.

Nevertheless, the lady who took us to our table was extremely courteous and there was also the Harvester brand name, which perversely can as a comforter to my better instinct. Therefore I decide to continue with the experience. It was my biggest mistake for some time.

The first let down the Nacho starter. The tortilla chips were rancid and tasted like they’d bathed in low temperature oil rather than cooked in it. This was immediately returned. Next on the menu was my Ribeye steak. It tasted fine but soon after heartily tucking into the ‘meat’, I soon realised that 40% of the steak was gristle, which was a massive let down at £12.99. My wife by coincidence chose a similar steak meal but this too had more gristle than meat.

The fries and garnish which accompanied the meal were fine but nothing more. The problem was by now I just wanted to leave so we did. What a waste of an evening out especially at £31.13!!!

Delightful Soho

  If you’re looking for a restaurant which provides a pleasant ambiance and lovely food then pay a visit to Soho in Christchurch, Dorset.

What makes Soho so special is no matter what time you visit you are always greeted by friendly welcoming staff. Such cordiality is the cornerstone of good service as it sets the tone for any evening out.Soho is a bar located only a moment’s walk from Christchurch Priory and it is its setting in one of the most picturesque areas of the town which adds to the whole experience.

During the day you can choose from a wide ranging menu or simply meet with friends for a coffee. The decor lends itself to invite a whole variety of social gatherings which gives Soho such a warm atmosphere.In the evening you can enjoy a drink at the bar which gets extremely busy Friday and Saturday evenings. However the popularity of the place will not distract you from having a super meal in the restaurant on the top floor. Their menu is has a wide selection of pizza’s which is complemented with a selection of starters and deserts.

The only down-side to the place is the main male toilets. These are looking vey shabby and are at time unpleasant due to leaking urinals (thankfully the upstairs restaurant has its own set of toilets). I think it’s a shame that such a popular place should let itself down in such a fundamental way.Therefore the overall marks awarded is 7/10!

 

Address:

7 Church St
Christchurch, BH23 1BW
01202 496140
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