Canford Magna Restaurant Guide

It’s a family affair this highly promising two-year-old, showcasing the accomplished cuisine of chef Alex Naik, aided by his sister Frances and their parents and co-owners Hem and Elisabeth. “The team are very passionate about what they do and it shows in the tasty and thoughtful cooking”, which is part of a 13-course experience for £115 per person, or via a 6.5 plate lunchtime and weekday selection (for £75 per person), with Sunday lunch a la carte. “Chefs bring dishes to the table and talk you through their construction. Highly recommended!”

“How nice to bump into people you know in the queue (though the queues are much too long at busy times so we’re forced to go earlier than we would have liked)” – this “constantly busy” chippy has been run by three generations of the Capel family and is “still a family favourite after many years” for locals and visitors alike. “Simply the best traditional fish ’n’ chips have been served day in and day out for several decades” by the “lovely staff”. Key features include “fish from Poole Harbour, refills of chips, free plain or sparkling water, and sometimes unusual options – there’s always a good variety”. “Arrive early!”