This charming French restaurant has a nautical bent, which is to be expected, since it’s a two minute walk to Poole’s quayside. The Guildhall Tavern serves a menu of seafood-based French cuisine to the fish-loving restaurant-goers of Poole and Bournemouth.
Catch of the day might include local lobster, Dover sole, skate wing and monkfish, simply prepared with classic sauces and sometimes served with a theatrical flourish: chargrilled whole sea bass, for instance, is flambéed with Pernod at the table. Elsewhere you'll find traditional starters along the lines of onion soup, escargots and cheese soufflé and, to finish, crêpes, crème brûlée and tarte Tatin.
Meat-eaters aren't entirely neglected (think rack of lamb or beef bourguignon) while, to drink, it's French all the way, with the famous wine names all represented and a decent showing of Cognac and Armagnac. And unlike in France, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian and vegan requirements can all be happily accommodated.
Fresh fish is never going to be the cheapest of ingredients but prices are reasonable given the quality of cooking and there's a three-course set lunch for £20.50 (£29.95 at dinner) – about what you'd pay for a main course from the à la carte. And if you're heading out onto the water, seafood platters can be taken away with 24 hours' notice.