Page 9 - Enjoy-it 2024

The Guildhall Tavern is a longstanding tradition in Poole. Proudly occupying an impressive corner building in the old town, guests make their way from the quay along historic and winding cobbled streets to the restaurant, itself a cornerstone of the Dorset dining fraternity. It’s
a standout seafood and grill destination and today a beacon of quality, fresh ingredients, traditional and modern cuisine, and value.
The Guildhall experience is quite something, from the warm welcome at the entrance, to the impeccable service in the lush upstairs cocktail bar where diners can peruse the menu over a glass or two, the signature cocktails are legendary as is the wine list and whiskey collection!
Let’s start in the cocktail bar, with its distinctly maritime décor, exquisite labels and lesser spotted vintages on display, it can be hired as a standalone venue with room for a musician or DJ. It’s a perfect location for a party of up to thirty guests with the option of canapés from the main restaurant.
With the menu in one hand and a glass of bubbles in the other, we place our order while considering the sound advice and fabulous menu insights from our waiter, and leisurely we make our way down to our beautifully set table downstairs.
Wherever one is seated, be it in the lovely alcove (super for a party of eight or more), at a table with fabulous views of the kitchen pass or at a window table overlooking the activity on Market Street, all the tables offer a different aspect and stylish space.
Pristine linen, sparkling crystal and a succulent bread selection complete the perfect welcome to the table, and as the wine is poured, and as if by Guildhall magic, the hors d’oeuvres arrive.
What dining experience on the shores of the second largest harbour in the world would be complete without a dozen oysters to share, accompanied by a crisp Chablis? Our starters include grilled scallops in their shells with garlic, herb and lemon butter. We also adore the twisted prawn and lobster cocktail and iconic twice baked soufflé finished with double cream – pure indulgence!
Our glasses are never empty, and we are discreetly checked upon at regular intervals and as the main event arrives we are duly thrilled by its very theatre.
Pan fried sea bream, in a shellfish bisque with charred tenderstem broccoli and pickled fennel, beautifully presented, and the fish as fresh as it possibly could be. All cooked to perfection.
If you are a Sunday roast fanatic why not book for the weekend and enjoy the sirloin of 28-day dry aged beef, served medium rare with a huge Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, roasted maple root vegetables, braised red cabbage and seasonal greens in a rich red wine jus, or the roast pork with all the trimmings and an abundance of crackling!
The chat turns to where else we would spend such a fine afternoon, and it isn’t long before we all agree that the Guildhall is our go-to for all things that are fine in wine and dining whatever day of the week.
Deserts certainly don’t represent the end of the day for us – after we share a sticky toffee apple pudding with whiskey toffee sauce, vanilla ice cream and poached apples and a rhubarb crème brûlée we retire to the courtyard garden with our dessert wines for a debrief and an exotic coffee or two in the afternoon sun. The courtyard is a superb asset for summer alfresco à la carte dining, parties, drinks and just Guildhall magic, perhaps the set lunch menu, tapas (3-5pm Mon-Sat), champers and cocktails – however you like it!
The Guildhall Tavern can be hired out privately as one venue or one can book the bar and restaurant separately.
The extensive menus are dictated by local catch, the season and by Executive Head Chef Sam Coltman’s ingenuity. When you visit the restaurant make sure you leave your details and you’ll be the first to know about the exclusive events, previews, tastings, and guest speakers that the venue has on offer throughout the year.
The Guildhall – way more than an exceptional restaurant
The Guildhall Tavern, 15 Market Street, Poole, BH15 1NB 01202 671717
www.guildhalltavern.co.uk
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