Food and Drink
The Cliff
Lovely big pub that doesn’t feel it, tastefully furnished and well run. Beloved by the Range Rover set sometimes you can spend 20 minutes walking around the car park as it’s like a motor show with rare high-performance beauties left and right.
Reservations are needed on weekends to dine but the main bar is a good size with a glassed-in real fire that’s a great spot.
The garden sports astroturf and a large half-glazed al fresco dining area.
Dogs welcome in the pub. Kids too.
The Canford
"Never drink anywhere that has a large plastic dinosaur in the garden" so we never went. It's under a new owner and the GM from the Cliff was headhunted to run it - it has had a tasteful refurb and the garden has Tiki huts and benches - a very nice place to be. The jury is out as to whether it will get 'claimed' and turned into a huge drunken creche; my money is on that it will but new legislation post The Event may have an affect there.
Loch Fyne
Fresh fish restaurant - one of a large chain. Takes a Tastecard but very noisy courtesy of the hard surfaces and open kitchen.
Harbour Heights
Stunning views from this member of the FJB hotels group, all of which seem to be permanently slated for demolition (the rooms are nothing to remark on aside from the heavy price).
There is a massive terrace with far-reaching views across the harbour and over Brownsea Island – you can watch the weather rolling in sometimes.
The food is very good if pricey and portions aren’t huge but I have really enjoyed the times I have eaten there. It’s a popular wedding venue so you’ll often see groups of recently scrubbed men wandering about.
I'm not sure about their dog policy – I can’t recall ever seeing one there so probably not.
