Harden's survey result
Summary
This legendary seafood shack at the Studland end of the Sandbanks chain ferry “does good things with amazing local fish”, “in a gorgeous harbour-side setting (ferry queues notwithstanding)” – with specialities including ultra-local Poole Bay oysters and a variety of whole fish cooked over fire for sharing.
Summary
With its “excellent range of fish in an idyllic setting”, this “cavernous shack on the Studland side of the chain ferry” solves the perennial problem of “somewhere to eat in Poole” – the “honest and simple local fish dishes” are “very nicely done”, and are accompanied by “great views” over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.
Summary
“Super-fresh fish in simple surroundings with wonderful views” over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island makes a winning deck of cards for this waterside spot on the Isle of Purbeck, on the beach by the chain-link ferry. “Delicious puddings”, a “respectable wine list” and “friendly staff” complete the deal.
Summary
“Fresh, fresh fish”, “roasted in their wood oven” is the straightforward but irresistible offer at this “perfect seafood restaurant right on Poole Harbour”, with views from every table across to Brownsea Island. “What’s not to like? There were no negatives”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Shell Bay?
Ferry Road, Studland, BH19 3BA
Restaurant details
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Ferry Road, Studland, BH19 3BA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
Best Fish & seafood restaurants nearby
Fish & seafood restaurant in Sandbanks
French restaurant in Barton-on-Sea
Fish & seafood restaurant in Weymouth
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Fish & seafood restaurant in Sandbanks
British, Modern restaurant in Milford-on-Sea
French restaurant in Sturminster Newton