
Poole Arms
A historic 17th-century pub on Poole Quay, famous for its stunning green tiles and, most importantly, its incredibly fresh and reasonably priced seafo...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Poole Arms

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 17th-century pub on Poole Quay, famous for its stunning green tiles and, most importantly, its incredibly fresh and reasonably priced seafood specialties.
Book in advance
The pub is small and very popular, so booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Try the seafood specialties
Don't miss dishes like the seafood casserole, Gambas Pil Pil, or the smoked haddock pot.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Gastropub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Incredibly Fresh Seafood
Enjoy oysters, scallops, skate wing, sea bass, and more, all praised for freshness and expert cooking. Reasonable prices make it a gem.

Generous Portions & Great Value
Indulge in huge, well-cooked portions of seafood. Diners rave about the value, with mains, starters, and drinks for two around £80.

Historic & Rustic Ambiance
Experience a charming, historic pub dating back to the 17th century, adorned with green tiles and old Poole photographs.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in advance
The pub is small and very popular, so booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Try the seafood specialties
Don't miss dishes like the seafood casserole, Gambas Pil Pil, or the smoked haddock pot.
Visit during off-peak hours
Consider visiting during less busy times to better enjoy the atmosphere and potentially avoid waiting for a table.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in advance
The pub is small and very popular, so booking ahead is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Try the seafood specialties
Don't miss dishes like the seafood casserole, Gambas Pil Pil, or the smoked haddock pot.
Visit during off-peak hours
Consider visiting during less busy times to better enjoy the atmosphere and potentially avoid waiting for a table.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poole Arms is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh, well-cooked seafood at remarkably reasonable prices, with huge portions that satisfy. Diners consistently praise the friendly and efficient service, contributing to a welcoming, historic pub atmosphere. While some note the interior is traditional rather than modern, the quality of the food and value for money make it a highly recommended dining destination.
"Holy! This place was such a gem to stumble across in Poole. The prices were incredibly reasonable compared to all the other surrounding places AND for fresh seafood. I’m from Australia and I know good seafood and by god THIS is good seafood. We ordered the oysters which were HUGH, the scallops and the sardines for starters which were all fantastic and tasted fresh. Then, we ordered the smoked haddock pot, the skate wing and the sea bass and gosh all were 10/10. I think the skate wing and the smoked haddock pot were the highlights. The chef definitely knows how to cook fish. Also, the servers were amazing - big shout out to Emma and Debbie - they all had great banter and were very professional. If I wasn’t leaving tomorrow, I would be back again and again."
Poppy Fahy
"Staying in Poole for a few days, 30 seconds away from this gorgeous pub. It has set the standard for all food we will eat, and service going forward.
The freshest oysters we've ever eaten. 10/10 recommend and would return."
Amie Salmon
"The food at Poole arms was so delicious. The portions are huge and you can tell that everything is freshly made. The menu is also really well priced, we had starters, mains and alcoholic drinks for two at around £80.
As the pub is so small I would definitely recommend booking. We booked on the day and only had the choice of first or last table as they’re quite popular! It’s very quaint inside but is very old school pub style and not very modern. All of the staff were really friendly so if you are looking for a lovely old pub experience I would thoroughly recommend."
Worth it
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended as the pub is small and very popular, often filling up quickly.
Diners rave about the fresh oysters, skate wing, smoked haddock pot, seafood casserole, and Gambas Pil Pil.
It's a historic, rustic pub with traditional wooden beams and old photographs, offering a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
Yes, the menu often includes a vegan pie, such as one made with spiced cauliflower.
The restaurant specializes in homemade seafood dishes, with many ingredients, including crab, being locally sourced.
Prices are considered incredibly reasonable for fresh seafood, with a full meal for two often costing around £80.
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Guest Post - A Historical Travel Guide to Poole
The oldest, and most beautiful, building along the front is the Poole Arms, which is decorated with gorgeous green tiles and has features that date from the 17th century. It also features the Poole Coat of Arms, which consists of a dolphin and three scallop shells. The scallop shells are everywhere in Poole, including at the church and on the brass plaques we were following!
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Originating from 1635 and steeped in history this distinctive green tiled pub on the quayside is popular with locals and tourists alike. Pews, the bar and wood panelled walls adorned with old Poole photographs dominate the small cosy single room interior, while bench seating at the front provides a great place to watch the many … Continued
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Poole Arms Pub – Probably the oldest pub situated directly on Poole Quay is the Poole Arms, parts of which date back to the early 17th century. The front wall is covered with tiles made by Carter’s of Poole, the forerunners of Poole Pottery. Run by friendly landlord Bob Kerr and his wife Maureen this historic pub specializes in seafood.
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The Poole Arms on Poole Quay dates back to the 1600s and serves a host of seafood for you to enjoy while taking in far-reaching views across Poole Harbour. Delights on the menu include homemade fish pie, seafood casserole, smoked haddock fillet, and the Catch of the Day, which can be washed down with a choice of cask ales and wines.
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The Poole Arms is a pub that, while serving the usual classic British pub dishes, also specialises in everything seafood!. Located right next to the museum and harbour, this is the perfect place to stop in for lunch during your busy day of sightseeing. Throughout the year there are plenty of events happening just outside.
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This one is particularly notable because it is the oldest building on the waterfront, dating back to the early 17th century. It is easily recognised as the front is covered in green tiles with the Poole Coat of Arms near the top and the town motto: ‘Ad morem villae de Poole – According to the custom of the town of Poole’.
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The Poole Arms is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Poole. With its historic and rustic charm, this seafood restaurant offers more than just delicious food; it provides an unforgettable dining experience. As you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time with its traditional wooden beams and cozy atmosphere.
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You can’t miss it if you’re walking along Poole Quay with its green tile front. The pub serves fresh seafood dishes on the menu with locally sourced ingredients. Poole has plenty of events and festivals happening throughout the year, and the Poole Arms is in a great location for many of them.
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The Poole Arms' expansive has won it favour both with locals and visitors. Settled on the quay, the surrounding suits the food at the second-best rated restaurant in the entire town. Particular praise has been levelled at the restaurant's pints of prawns and day-to-day catch menu.
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About: The Poole Arms is the oldest bar on the quay specialising in fresh fish and seafood, with five hand pump real ales and a great wine list. Distinctive, traditional, and family run, this pub offers and warm and welcoming atmosphere to a hearty dinner with drinks!
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Sit down at The Poole Arms, the oldest seafood bar on Poole Quay. Specialising in fresh, locally caught seafood, this pub is famed for its delicious home-cooked meals, as well as a wide selection of cask ales.
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Historic, rustic pub with a terrace serving homemade seafood specialties & international wine. Enjoy the oldest pub in Poole, with a warm and cozy atmosphere, fast service, and complimentary veggie dish.
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Restaurants and bars such as Poole Arms, Rockfish Seafood Restaurant, Custom House Cafe, Guildhall Tavern, and The Merchants Cellar at the Blue Boar are dotted along the Quayside or a short walk away.
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For some classic pub food, the Poole Arms is a great pub to check out, and it has to make my list of things to do in Poole. This is the perfect place to refuel after a long day of sightseeing!
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Sample freshly caught fish from local day boats in Rockfish and the Poole Arms. Slightly further round the harbour, you’ll find Rick Stein’s acclaimed Sandbank’s restaurant.
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The Poole Arms claims to be the ‘oldest seafood bar on Poole Quay’. The historic, rustic pub has a terrace and serves homemade seafood specialties & international wine.
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The Poole Arms dates back to the 1600s and is the oldest Bar on the Quay and has a distinct green tile frontage which were made in Poole by Carters.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit