Portland

[richardbrennan]

Visited Portland Marina for the first time on my recent cruise to the West Country.

First the good news; the marina itself is very spacious and the facilities are good, it's also a lot more convenient if heading round the Bill with no bridge restrictions compared to the marina in Weymouth. The only criticism I have is that the buoys that mark the approved channel from the north entrance to the marina are small and difficult to see.

Now the bad news; nine of us dined in the "Boat that Rocks" restaurant on site. Unfortunately both both the service and quality of the meal were very poor, it took ages to get the food which, was not really worth the wait, and they had run out of many beers and menu items. We did not have time to explore further, but I understand that there is at least one pub within walking distance that is a much better bet.

Before closing, has anyone eaten in the Master Builder lately? I have an American friend coming over next week who wants to visit Bucklers Hard and the reviews on Trip Advisor are still dire!

 

[Seajet]

The Master Builders seems unlikely to improve, with the attitude of the staff and management and it being a captive market.

There's a village nearby which is said to be a much better bet, I think within walking distance, something beginning with ' E ' ? Hopefully someone will be along who knows, years ago in desperation with Montagu's emporiums I bought an OS map but still didn't find this place.

I have made a point of not visiting Bucklers Hard for many years due to the harbour staff ( said to have improved, a bit anyway ) and the Master Builders, a real shame, it could be truly wonderful under different management.

 

[Blue5]

Have to agree with your views on the Boat That Rocks, ordered a pint and a bottle of larger, the bottle of larger they presented was alcohol free as that was all they had, needless to say it went back. None of the staff really seemed that fussed to serve us so we left.

Master Builder.........they would have to pay me to eat there, over priced for c**p food, I wonder if they actually have a chef or just get any staff member to fill in.

 

[Dipper]

The only criticism I have is that the buoys that mark the approved channel from the north entrance to the marina are small and difficult to see.

This is only an advisory route to keep vessels clear of commercial craft and racing fleets. Most of the harbour is available for sailing including the East entrance unless the lights are on.

 

[onesea]

That explains it a couple of years ago I dutifully followed them on the way in. Then followed every one else's example and ignored them on the way out...

 

[TimH]

A few observations about Portland. An excellent marina. Friendly competent staff, berths that are so wide I suspect I could park my boat sideways and showers and toilets that are the best i've come across in any marina.

The Boat that Rocks. Usually the food and service is good/OK pub grub. Ocassionally if they have two or three large groups they seem stretched but they have always let us know there will be a wait.

Other local eateries. The Crab House Cafe, across the causeway towards Weymouth, truly excellent seafood (and spectacular crabs and you are provided with a hammer, bib and various other implements)), is a shack but with great atmosphere. The Cove pub towards Portland, on sea wall. Solid pub food. Can get too full in good weather. Then there is the Blue Fish Cafe, towards Portland. Had one fantastic meal there and one which was OK.....still hear good reports.

Another interesting thing about Portland Marina.....it always seems to have wind. Motored all the way back from the Channel Islands in the week......and you've guessed it. The wind picked up 1 mile before the marina; also on numerous occassions have left the berth with a nice breeze to then end up wallowing around windless in Weymouth Bay.

Very few people take much notice of the dog leg fairway entrance to the marina. Lots of sail racing going on in the harbour and they criss/cross the fairway so it seems a bit pointless. Hope this is of use to fellow wandering sailors