When a restaurant is so full that people are being turned away, on a Monday evening, it's always a good sign.

The Cumberland Hotel's stylish Ventana Grand Cafe has long held a reputation for a relaxed atmosphere and great quality food, so we were delighted to be invited to try out its new summer menu.

One of the great things about the menu at the Ventana is its variety. Whether you favour fancier fine dining or more classic dishes such as burgers, steak or fish and chips, there really is something to suit every palate.

Even perennial favourites are adapted slightly according to the season, so as not to disappoint the choices of the regular clientele.

We succumbed to the Chef's Trio of Hummus (£5.95) as an amuse bouche, nibbling on the deliciously warm selection of bread and fresh crudités served alongside the classic, beetroot and avocado varieties of the dip before the main event.

To start, I opted for the Salisbury Goat's Cheese Three Ways (£9.95), while my husband chose the Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid Rings (£7.95), which were served promptly upon removal of the amuse bouche plates.

The squid was an extremely generous portion, cooked in a light batter, seasoned with red chilli and spring onion and served on a bed of refreshing cucumber mint salad, complemented perfectly by a tangy citrus Alioli dip.

My cheese dish consisted of a wonderfully creamy panna cotta; a peppered log and a simply divine tempura fried portion, accompanied by mouthwateringly fresh beetroot slices and an aged balsamic and honey dressing.

It was all far too tasty to leave any on the plate and we had to request a short break before continuing with our main courses.

I had chosen the Ventana Signature Variations of Dorset Lamb (£22.95), while my husband went for the 8oz Rump Steak (£24.95).

The lamb was beautifully presented and there was so much on the plate, I barely knew where to start. There was a deconstructed rump of lamb hot pot – tender chunks of meat served atop diced, seasonal vegetables; a surprisingly flavoursome, giant Yorkshire pudding filled with tangy mint and lamb sausages and, my favourite, a braised lamb shank shepherd's pie. The chunks of meat, rather than mince, were cooked in a tomato-style sauce, and topped with creamy mash. Absolute perfection.

All orders from the grille are served with rustic chunky chips, grilled Portobello mushroom and tomato and my husband chose the onion thyme jus as an accompaniment to his steak. I needn't have asked him what he thought of the dish - his empty plate was explanation enough!

We couldn't leave without at least having a look at the dessert menu, and were soon tempted by something sweet.

I chose a taster of the Giggis ice creams, all made in Bournemouth by Giggi (£6.95 for three scoops), opting for the amaretto cherry and coconut flavours. (There are also vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, pistachio and rum & raisin to choose from).

My husband settled on the Baked Honey & Lavender White Chocolate Cheesecake (£6.95).

The ice cream was beautifully presented with sprigs of mint and fresh berries, with the flavours of both varieties absolutely to die for. The cheesecake, accompanied by a blueberry compote, was almost too pretty to eat, with its striking mauve colour, but we gave it a pretty good go! Light and fragrant, it was the perfect finisher for the meal.

We simply couldn't fault the food, the service, or the decadent, art deco style surroundings.

Well worth a visit.

Ventana Grand Cafe, The Cumberland Hotel, East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth 01202 556529 cumberlandhotel.oceana-collection.com/en/ventana-grand-cafe