What better way to end the week is there than to chill out at Bar So and have a glass of wine, perhaps enjoying some live music, before being spirited away to the adjoining 1812 to enjoying a delicious meal? Asks Lisa Jones

For starters, I had duck breast, papaya with garnished leaf salad, topped off with nuts and sweet beetroot relish accompanied by Stone Daze red wine
Shiraz. My partner enjoyed Coarse Port (sourced locally from nearby Wareham) with onion marmalade, mixed leaves and crispy ciabatta croutes.

Main course boasted a succulent roasted breast of duck with creamed wild mushrooms and cabbage fondant potato, rosemary and smoked chili jus – while my dinner companion enjoyed West Country Sirloin steak, chips with tomato and onion salad, with a choice of peppercorn or button onion, smoked bacon & mushroom sauce.

The dessert, my personal highlight, was the delicious strawberry and raspberry Eton mess, topped with caramelised Dorset cereals and white chocolate. My partner enjoyed a beautifully presented sticky toffee pudding in dark chocolate sauce.

The entire meal was a credit to head chef Francis Beaumer and the all the staff of 1812.

1812 is located at the Royal Exeter Hotel, Exeter Road, Bournemouth. For more information, visit www.eighteen-twelve.com or call 01202 203050.

Caption: 1812 barman prepares a spectacular cocktail.