Page 28 - Enjoy-It 2023

Even its name conjures up visions of Poole in old pirate days; cobbled streets, a horse drawn carriage seeking refuge for the night, and a draft of thyn landlord’s goodly ale... today the beautifully restored and renovated Guildhall is offering similar propositions to locals and travellers alike! Now with adjoining Guildhall Chambers guests can dine in historic luxury and sleep next door in one of three one-bedroom fully furnished and beautifully appointed apartments. There’s currently no room for the horses but there is more work on the go, which will be unveiled later in 2023, so you never know...
The restaurant, now silver service with crisp linen and sparkling crystal, what more could one ask for? Oh wait, a super-cool cocktail bar of course! With its own access, this maritime inspired bar is quite something in terms
of ambiance, design and offering. Cocktails for all, red, white, and blue (Reg’s Smurf specialty), lite bites from the menu, why not hire this out for a celebratory treat?
Dining at the Guildhall is always a treat; the menu is concise with choice of local fresh catch and local meat suppliers’ best cuts. All dishes are served complete and those with a more ambitious hunger can order sides of course.
Nibbles and starters are a must, the crispy Jurassic belly of pork is very special, and so is the Antonius Siberian Caviar if one has the inclination (and budget!).
Start with choice of double baked Old Winchester cheese soufflé, scallops, smoked Hampshire trout, potted crab, brandy lobster bisque and a classic steak tartare (Dorset fillet of beef, seared to order, with gherkins, fresh herbs, capers, Dijon mustard, confit garlic, shallots, and a lion braded egg)!
Mains are hearty yet refined, plaice, sea bass, cod, Poole Bay lobster, fruits of the sea (a massive construction!), duck breast, Jurassic sirloin, fillet of Dorset beef and roasted Romanesco broccoli... there is enough on the plate with each order, but do choose some sides if there is a real hunger on the go...
Everyone is happy and replete until the dessert menu appears that is, and then of course, all ravenous once more!
Hot chocolate fondant yielding its velvet delight, crème brulée, and New Forest strawberries round off a perfect evening. Local produce, local provenance, and headed up by a local hero – Reg – he knows his stuff and would have made the perfect inn keeper back in the 17th century, as he does now.
The Guildhall Tavern, a landmark on the south coast.
www.guildhalltavern.co.uk
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