Still, at least there’s the Guildhall Tavern, in a very pretty part of Poole’s old town, where the streets are paved with cobbles and the houses are handsome and Georgian. You can pile in and there’s a cocktail lounge upstairs, the word cocktail being ruined by the ‘l’ word that follows it. A word that, when I am emperor, I shall ban, alongside (brace yourselves) moist, doily and couch.

£££ · Seafood

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”.

About: Guildhall Tavern have a great reputation for serving high quality cuisine using only the finest locally sourced ingredients accompanied by a wide choice of wines in their elegant award winning restaurant. One of Poole’s best kept secrets is Guildhall Tavern's exclusive cocktail lounge where they will delight with mouthwatering signature and classic cocktails. Take advantage of their happy hour half price cocktails Wednesday and Thursday 5pm-7pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm-7pm and 12pm-4pm on Sundays.

Burton Bradstock: Hive Beach Cafe – also recommended Christchurch: The Jetty – main entry Dorchester: Sienna – main entry Gillingham: Stock Hill House – main entry Lyme Regis: Hix Oystser and Fish House – main entry Poole: Guildhall Tavern – also recommended Sturminster Newton: Plumber Manor – main entry Trent: Rose and Crown – main entry West Bay: Riversdie Restauranta – main entry Weymouth: Crab House café – also recommended Wimborne: Rock – main entry

For top French cuisine, look no further than the Guildhall Tavern. Together with its sister restaurant on Poole Quay the Tavern offers an extensive menu, brimming with fresh seafood and shellfish, including the classic French soup, Bouillabaisse. Their newly added conservatory adds an al fresco area to their dining experience, and monthly French nights are filled with entertainment and exclusive menus.

Vibe: Seafood restaurant with a specialism for Mediterranean cuisine. What the reviewers say: "Our favourite restaurant, great menu and exceptional team - always make us feel valued and very welcome. Extensive wine list and top quality local ingredients expertly presented and offering great value for money." (Kimp A, December 2022)

This local restaurant in Poole is located just two minutes from the Quay in the heart of the old town. Guildhall Tavern specialises in gloriously fresh seafood with house specialities such as fish, crab and lobster — though meat and vegetarian dishes are also on offer. All dishes are prepared in a delectable Mediterranean style.

More than just a restaurant, our venue sits in the heart of old town Poole just 50 yards from the original Guildhall building which was completed in 1761. We have created an eclectic blend of the old and the new, keeping the restaurant to its listed property originality with the addition of our chic Lounge … Continued

Guildhall Tavern is a hidden gem among the best restaurants in Poole. With its delicious seafood dishes and classic French cuisine, this place is a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s simple and nautical-themed dining room adds to the overall charm of the experience.

Amazing seafood (mainly) restaurant tucked away on Market Street, opposite the Guildhall. The restaurant reopened under new ownership in February 2022 and has a lively but traditional feel. The food is excellent and there is a reason it is consistently top voted on Trip Advisor.

Enjoy classic French cuisine and signature seafood dishes in a simple, nautical-themed dining room at this upmarket yet reasonable restaurant/bar in Poole's Old Town trading area near the Guildhall. Highlights include delicious cocktails and friendly, attentive service.

The best restaurant in Poole is Guildhall Tavern (based on our unique combination of the leading UK restaurant guides) where the kitchen team serves up award winning Seafood. Guildhall Tavern currently holds a standard Michelin Guide listing and 2 AA Rosettes.

The Guildhall Tavern – in Market Street in front of the Guildhall. This is an excellent French restaurant specialising in fresh fish and seafood- one of the best in Poole in my opinion. Book in advance https://www.guildhalltavern.co.uk (Google map)

How could I write a list of things to do in Poole – without including a few places to eat?. My suggestion for places to eat in Poole, is The Guildhall Tavern. It’s a sophisticated restaurant serving (unsurprisingly) amazing and delicious sea food.

Carrying on with the historical theme, The Guildhall Tavern has a seafood restaurant and lounge. Winners of multiple awards, they are situated on beautiful Poole Quay. Enjoy locally landed fish, crab, and lobster prepared in French style.

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 Guildha ..." Read our full review. Have you considered these nearby areas?

We were lucky enough to book Christmas Eve at The Guildhall Tavern for my wife and daughter. The service was attentive but relaxed, the atmosphere was perfect and every dish was cooked to perfection.