New Milton, Fish & Seafood Restaurant Guide

“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”.

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.

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.