Parkstone Restaurant Guide

2023 Review: This gorgeous old tavern on a corner site near the harbour – newly spiffed-up last autumn and with the recent addition of a conservatory – specialises in “excellent-quality” local seafood, served in a warm atmosphere that is “like being in France”.

“The view overlooking Poole Harbour makes this a romantic location” for an Italian meal – although it’s “very much a good-weather venue”. The hotel is at the heart of a long-running planning dispute, with vocal locals opposing a plan to convert it into an ‘aparthotel’ under a £300m redevelopment of Sandbanks.

2022 Review: A “beautifully situated restaurant” in an Art Deco solarium overlooking Poole Harbour, and where “drinks on the upper deck are an extra delight”. One or two off reports on the food front this year, but also plenty of plaudits for its “really good breakfasts and lunches”, and “service has improved” of late too.

“You are paying for the location” (especially the “beautiful view of Poole Bay”, if you pull off a table by the picture windows) at this tentacle of Rick Stein’s empire, but it’s nonetheless a “lovely” spot, where the service is “pleasant and attentive”, and the victuals – albeit a tad “formulaic” for some reporters – include “wonderful fishy tastes” that strengthened its ratings this year.

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.

2022 Review: “Top-notch fish, chips and alternatives” plus a “lovely location” not far from the centre of town make this modern seaside café a good choice for breakfast or lunch, with stunning views from the terrace.

“So pleased to see Jan and Stacey’s excellence recognised!” – the Bretschneiders have operated out of this address a couple of minutes’ stroll from the promenade in Southbourne for over ten years now and it’s “a go-to when in the area” for those in our annual diners’ poll. Despite its looks, it’s “too expensive to be called a neighbourhood restaurant” which wouldn’t do justice to the ambition of its multi-course modern European menus, which are an attractive mix of classical and contemporary dishes (with ‘South Coast Sushi’ rubbing shoulders with ‘Creedy Carver Chicken’ and ‘Pear Belle Helene’). There’s a ‘Classic Menu’ (currently £99 per person) or ‘Discovery’ (at £139 per person).

“A gorgeous, sunny room attached to a medieval priory on the banks of the River Frome” is the “delightful setting” for “always interesting and very good” cooking from Loire Valley-bred Stephan Guinebault, head chef for the best part of two decades at this independently owned hotel which oozes “old-world charm”.

“Waterside dining with a great buzz” makes this nautically themed spa hotel (built 20 years ago on the site of a former Pontin’s) an “attractive” option (“we’re regular visitors, and have never been disappointed by the cooking”). The hotel, which resembles a cruise liner overlooking the River Stour and the harbour, is doubling its capacity under expansion plans approved in early 2025.

2024 Review: A good position in the town centre and on the River Avon only adds to the appeal of this substantial Georgian property – nowadays a luxurious four-star hotel. The restaurant is overseen by Alex Aitken of the nearby Jetty and provides some surprisingly affordable options, including “a daily changing £17.50 two-course market menu with ingredients sourced within 15 miles”. (Some change may be afoot, though, as in June 2023 the owners since 2005 put the property on the market.)

“Such a fun place that coped so well with a mixed-age group of ten people” – the ‘dressed down’ option at this famous country-house hotel occupies a contemporary, pitched-roof space overlooking the kitchen gardens and complete with outside terrace and cookery school. The brasserie menu includes burgers, pizza, steak and other grills, plus a good selection of other options; and reports say “it’s just really good food backed up by friendly, informal but efficient service in a convivial environment”. Not cheap perhaps, but “well worth the price”.

“A classic afternoon tea with exceptional service” is one reliable attraction at this famous, cossetting Relais & Châteaux property, set on the edge of the New Forest about half an hour’s drive from Bournemouth. Dinner in its light-filled dining room does afford the possibility of a six-course tasting option (for £98.50 per person) but the main thrust is an à la carte selection of individually priced dishes, with lots of relatively straightforward steaks and other grills (of fish, lobster, lamb and so on). Feedback suggests it’s all very pleasing if not in a particularly ‘foodie’ mould.

“Fresh local fish” is the star turn at this beachside restaurant – in “an excellent location with wonderful coastal views on a good day”. Chef Andy Waters worked under the great French chef Paul Bocuse early in his career. Top Tip – “they also serve an exceptional breakfast”.

2023 Review: This “nice gastropub with large gardens” has undergone a dramatic £800,000 refurb since our annual diners’ poll, to be reborn with cocktail bar-style décor replacing the traditional pub interior, and fitted seating with cushions in the 100-seater garden. The new menu replaces standard 3-course meals with a globally inspired selection of small plates.

“Super-quality pastries and amazing coffee” set the tone at this “very good bakery and café” founded by Tom Bew and siblings Dom & Dove Brown, who opened their fifth branch in Christchurch early last year. Top Tip – “the Croque Monsieur is huge and delicious”.