Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shell-bay-studland"><a href="https://shellbay.net/">Shell Bay,</a> Studland</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1861" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n.jpg" alt="shell-bay" class="wp-image-99640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n-645x800.jpg 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n-806x1000.jpg 806w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n-322x400.jpg 322w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n-768x953.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-shell-bay-275011736_10159834927391740_2370282172816520121_n-1238x1536.jpg 1238w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You could almost be in the Caribbean at Shell Bay, a no-nonsense seafood restaurant and bistro on Studland on the Isle of Purbeck (get there via the quirky chain ferry from Sandbanks), with excellent modern and classic local seafood dishes, an unpretentious vibe and superb views. Get a table on the terrace if you can. The sunsets can be spectacular. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hive-beach-cafe-burton-bradstock"><a href="https://www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk/">The Hive Beach Café</a>, Burton Bradstock</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdS9wQZputt7bVaETrdX3BC3Rtt6Z3-QH-AMQHviVE2jHn-HMHVhuaMRixlma7wNmE9HpFdxQmuPZQo3swDng969f6_9E-uGISpRc-hoTdhw_allj97HGk76Opef4xNhLOvaQsfxhy7Bmn2I65MJzWGwn_9?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="The Hive Beach Cafe, Dorset" /></figure>



<p>Fresh fish and seafood, right on the beach, with bracing cliff-top walks in one direction and towards Chesil Beach in the other, and great views all around. It’s unpretentious, with metal cafe chairs and tables, concrete floor and tarpaulin walls which are rolled up in summer; dogs are welcome. Come for stuff like crab bubble &amp; squeak, fish soup, grilled bass and whole fish dishes or take away king prawns, fish &amp; chips and crab sarnies in recyclable seaweed packaging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-harry-rocks-bournemouth"><a href="https://oldharryrocks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Harry Rocks</a>, Bournemouth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n.jpg" alt="old harry rocks" class="wp-image-99646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-old-harry-rocks-450564437_988976023233544_1155419233551168535_n-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Old Harry Rocks – and so will the rest of you – at the new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar at <a href="https://thenici.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nici</a>, Bournemouth’s swish clifftop hotel.  Come for the seafood, fish, salads, burgers, beef picanha (steak), cocktails, cool vibes and views (nab a table on the terrace) every day, and for DJs spinning the decks at weekends. Open every day for lunch from 12noon; dinner from 6.30pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rick-stein-sandbanks"><a href="https://www.rickstein.com/restaurants/rick-stein-sandbanks/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_id=sandbanks">Rick Stein</a>, Sandbanks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd-L3z2VqUM42BMJv3-4cM8nCWtMeVbvqmJhN10m1HubukdUO2gCFyA827f101cuwXzOnOISDKcoNqlVESOwkYPPG6cGCQm57MLNNMvukIzPBJ7YQRs3hIX6UmPGpXDVrejqSCACiW_rqTbVp03Plh7hL1U?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="rick stein sandbanks" /></figure>



<p>The full fishy Rick Stein experience – from the humble cockle to grilled lobster and everything in between – with great value three-course lunches on weekdays, and fish and chips, fish soup and Indonesian seafood curry to take away. Don’t fancy fish? They do a stonking steak, too. Book a seat on the Seaview Terrace for panoramic views of Poole Harbour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porlock-weir-hotel-porlock-weir"><a href="https://www.porlockweirhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porlock Weir Hotel</a>, Porlock Weir</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1242" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181.jpg" alt="porlock weir hotel" class="wp-image-99638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181-800x662.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181-1000x828.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181-400x331.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-porlock-weir-449927354_1052288673024774_4261281135393576632_n-e1723798531181-768x636.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sip a local Wicked Wolf G&amp;T, eat local seafood, fish and chips and wood-fired pizzas cooked in their outside kitchen out on the harbour wall or on their terrace, and ponder whether to book yourself into a stay at the adults-only hotel in the Exmoor National Park. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-oyster-amp-fish-house-lyme-regis"><a href="https://theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/">The Oyster &amp; Fish House</a>, Lyme Regis</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n.jpg" alt="oyster and fish house" class="wp-image-99642" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-oyster-and-fish-house-453658427_1076733567791830_829701485231381798_n-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Mark Hix serves up fresh, locally landed fish and seafood with a side order of the panoramic view of Lyme’s iconic Cobb and the Jurassic Coast, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sea and seating outside if you want to be in the sun. *sigh*.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-jetty-restaurant-christchurch"><a href="https://www.thejetty.co.uk/">The Jetty Restaurant</a>, Christchurch</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor.jpg" alt="The Jetty Dorset" class="wp-image-96682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/06/00-the-jetty-438717063_822267793274192_1102788406315859344_n_Fotor-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fresh fish and seafood caught, landed, cooked – and eaten – on the waterfront, looking across towards Mudeford Quay. Situated in the grounds of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel &amp; Spa, the elegant restaurant, headed up by Alex Aitken (read our interview with him <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/chef-alex-aitkenthe-jetty-christchurch-dorset/">here</a>) serves up excellent meat, veggie and vegan dishes too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaside-boarding-house-burton-bradstock"><a href="https://theseasideboardinghouse.com/">Seaside Boarding House</a>, Burton Bradstock</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1875" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n.jpg" alt="seaside boarding house dorset" class="wp-image-99644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/00-seaside-boarding-house-448812615_18444807964042485_5256631062308972302_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Perched on the top of the cliff, with brilliant views along the coast and walks to match, this place is owned by the creators of London’s Groucho Club. The Seaside Boarding House – think Edwardian English seaside hotel meets Cape Cod – serves fresh seafood and Dorset produce in the restaurant and sun terrace. Bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-anchor-inn-seatown"><a href="https://theanchorinnseatown.co.uk/">The Anchor Inn</a>, Seatown </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown.jpg" alt="anchor inn, Seatown, Dorset" class="wp-image-43607" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/07/anchor-inn-seatown-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With seating as near as dammit on the beach itself, the views from the pub, across the bay and up towards Golden Cap, are awesome. The Anchor Inn is pretty awesome too, with locally sourced grub including some stonking seafood. Good walks and fossil hunting on the doorstep if you need to work up a thirst or an appetite. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-reef-boscombe-bournemouth"><a href="https://www.urbanreef.com/">Urban Reef,</a> Boscombe, Bournemouth</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfw9cZMc32-4Zf898hgljn5jUgVXvFHCKd67ZcKIZtO_mw_Q1hQrAslip3MCiWlx-iQthAhlcxkINYwZ9Pt7Fk_xzhPhFEydNhw4ptkIv6GLcRyf8kV5YvNFuWkn78-ZLiDYMUa-h6PCLw-ACEx?key=Xa3_Io3UbI2uWXfRADB5Lw" alt="Urban Reef, Boscombe, Bournemouth interior " /></figure>



<p>Café by day, restaurant by night, with breakfast, lunches and dinner – seafood, burgers and wood-fired pizzas – bar snacks and cocktails, served inside and out, right on the edge of the beach on the Boscombe Prom. The views around Bournemouth Bay, from the Isle of Wight in one direction to the Purbeck Hills and beyond in the other, are fabulous.</p>


Scoff and quaff by the sea: 10 places to eat on the coast

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