Guildhall Tavern

The story

Guildhall Tavern Poole | Michelin-Recommended Seafood & Grill

An Old Town Institution

The Guildhall Tavern has been a fixture in Poole’s Old Town for decades, a place where guests have shared stories stretching from the 1960s to the present day. The privately owned venue sits just 50 metres from the original Guildhall building, completed in 1761, and its owners have lovingly refurbished the property while preserving the charm of its listed status. The result is an eclectic blend of old and new, where the restaurant’s original character remains intact.

The Food

This is an award-winning seafood and grill restaurant where locally sourced, seasonal ingredients are selected and prepared with care. The kitchen focuses on producing the finest cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed setting, backed by what the team describes as outstanding customer service. Critic William Sitwell summed it up as "smart food with no silly flourishes." The restaurant holds a Michelin recommendation, a recognition that speaks to the consistent quality of its cooking.

The menus change with the seasons. A Wine & Dine menu offers two courses with a glass of wine for £29, available Monday to Saturday lunchtimes. The À la Carte menu runs through lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch is served from midday. Friday nights are given over to Steak Night, featuring locally sourced aged steaks with all the trimmings.

Sam’s Supper Club and the Yacht Lounge

Once a month, executive head chef Sam Coltman hosts Sam’s Supper Club, a banquet-style evening with a specially curated menu and expert wine pairings from a visiting supplier. Spaces are limited and the evenings are designed to be sociable and relaxed.

For a quieter moment, the nautically themed Yacht Lounge opens Thursday to Saturday from 3pm. It serves bespoke cocktails, fine wines, and sharing plates including Poole oysters, charcuterie, and cheese platters. The lounge is also available for private dining and events.

The Guildhall Tavern is a community staple that has earned its place on the map through steady, unfussy cooking and a genuine sense of place.