Studland Restaurant Guide

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.

An “absolutely amazing” view over Poole Bay and Brownsea Island elevates a visit to this Rick Stein group outpost. This is a much commented-on destination, and we’ve rated it positively on the good volume of praise for its fish and seafood, which hails “food so consistently good, without frills from excellent ingredients in delicious combinations”. Given the “aspirations and expectations linked to the name” not everyone is convinced, though, and it’s more recommended as a good all-rounder for a fish supper with fab view attached than it is for next-level cooking.

“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.

“A quirky setting at the back of a delicatessen” should not deter you from a visit to this “wonderful” 50-cover venture, whose “limited menu” (breakfast and lunch, but also dinners three nights a week) is dedicated to showcasing Purbeck produce; alongside meats finished in the charcoal oven. The seaside setting informs some “superb” fish dishes. This is the second branch (cue the name) of an ever-expanding litter ranging from the Wareham original to new branches at farm shop Holme for Gardens (est. 2023) and ‘Pebble Pig’ at Chesil Beach (est. 2024), in the Dorset Wildlife Trust Welcome Centre.