The Haven Hotel (surely there must be an ‘e’ missing in that name?) sits at the very end of the Sandbanks peninsula and has what is arguably the most impressive and magical position in the country.
Literally on the water’s edge facing Studland and the Purbecks in the distance – this hotel is quite stunning!
The classic public areas all have sea views – even the sauna in the elaborate spa has a sea view, as does the deck top Scandinavian hot tub…
The bar faces due west and there are several decking and terrace areas from where one can enjoy coffees, afternoon teas, cocktails or a chilled glass of vino from the Coravin Experience wine list…
A visit to the Haven really can’t be rushed, there is so much to take in by way of the mouth of Poole Harbour, the Sandbanks chain ferry, the passenger ferries to and from France and the Channel Islands. There is little as impressive as the majestic maritime view of a ferry within metres of one’s table during lunch or dinner… quite breathtaking for those visiting for the first time…
The hotel’s restaurant ‘The Point’ is a split-level, long area that allows every table to have a sea view and it is backed onto by the kitchens and lounges.
The Enjoy review was on a hot, hot summer’s day and sitting with the cooling sea breeze is an utter pleasure!
The bar menu is simple in choice yet elaborate in content. Five to six choices of each of the starters and mains, one can have sharing platters, sandwiches, and kick off with some delicious nibbles; fried mini mozzarella balls with pesto dressing, breaded tiger prawns and chilli sauce and goat’s cheese stuffed peppadew peppers. When one considers the nibbles it is easy to see why chef has elected to keep the mains to a few select signature dishes as there is plenty of choice elsewhere on the menu.
The squid and chorizo ragout had a real Mediterranean feel and the watercress and apple salad so refreshing on such a beautiful day.
The bar menu remains the same for lunch and dinner and we agree that it has such a good cross section of dishes that this makes perfect sense! The menu in The Point changes each evening.
Mains of burgers – the Halloumi burger was just fantastic as were the grilled red Argentinian prawns – this is just like being on an exotic holiday – in Dorset!
Desserts like the Champagne rhubarb fool are another illustration of chef’s attention to seasonal detail and presentation.
We love the new-look bar menu and its variety in dishes rather than number of choices. It is a clever menu that tastes just delicious – overall the Haven Hotel experience is one to be savoured – stunning location, well-honed service, and exquisite food.
01202 707377
@TheHavenHotel
Banks Road, Poole BH13 7QL