When 1805 first arrived on the Bournemouth restaurant scene earlier this summer, it opened the doors to a whole new concept in Asian fine dining.

For it’s not just about five star Chinese cuisine and five star service, it is about providing customers with an overall flavour of Chinese culture.

This is a restaurant which also pays homage to its roots, with a display of historical artefacts, including a traditional carriage in the reception area.

Even the name of the restaurant is significant, as it marks the year that the first Chinese people became established British citizens, a significant moment in history and a move so rare it required an Act of Parliament.

Restaurant owner LinLin Xing explained: “We wanted to choose a name with real meaning and significance, for our restaurant is not just about the food, it’s about the whole Chinese culture.”

Blending traditional and contemporary Chinese culture, the restaurant offers a range of fresh and vibrant dishes in an elegant setting including an inspired dim sum menu created by head dim sum chef, Xing Yu, who has over 30 years of culinary experience.

Restaurant manager Andy Liu said: “We offer creative fine dining at its best. It is also very honest food, as we don’t use any food colourings or MSG. “Everything is very natural and it is all freshly-prepared on the premises every day. We specialise in traditional dishes but with a modern twist. We only use quality ingredients.”

The restaurant also specialises in matching cocktails with some of its dishes.

Bar manager Tasos Prifti created what he called a Chinese Princess made with kumquat, coriander, caramel, a Brazilian rum and Mandarin liqueur with kaffir lime to match one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, roast duck with black truffle served with a vegetarian crispy duck salad made from a form of beancurd which created a similar crispy texture to duck.

Other highlights on the menu included chilli sea bass and pork belly in a sweet lychee sauce. Each dish is elegant and exquisite in equal measure.

This plush, independent venue in Beacon Road seats up to 120 guests with a spacious outside terrace, main restaurant area, private dining room and cocktail lounge, while the interior incorporates natural elements such as reclaimed wood and hand-crafted furniture.

Unit 1 West Coast, Priory Road, Bournemouth

T: 01202 557807

W: 1805.co.uk