Business Details
Award-Winning Seafood & Grill Restaurant in Poole
Established as a cherished community landmark, Guildhall Tavern has been serving discerning guests for decades. Our historic venue, nestled just 50 metres from Poole's 1761 Guildhall building, seamlessly blends period charm with contemporary elegance. Privately owned and lovingly refurbished, we offer a refined dining experience complemented by our nautically themed Yacht Lounge - perfect for private events or relaxed socialising. Our culinary philosophy centres on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients transformed into innovative seafood and grill dishes by executive head chef Sam Coltman. From Friday Steak Nights to monthly Sam's Supper Club events, we create memorable experiences through food, wine, and exceptional service.The restaurant's Grade II listed architecture preserves its original character while accommodating modern comforts. Our dedicated team specialises in crafting bespoke menus for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings across multiple versatile spaces. With accolades including William Sitwell's praise for 'smart food with no silly flourishes', we maintain rigorous quality standards across all operations. Sustainability is integral to our sourcing practices, ensuring environmental responsibility without compromising on taste or presentation. Our commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of guest experience, from curated wine pairings to attentive service in our elegant dining rooms.
Services
Seafood & Grill Restaurant
Private Dining
Cocktail Lounge
Wedding Hire
Garden Al Fresco Dining
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of experience in Poole's hospitality scene with historic venue expertise
- Our executive chef creates innovative dishes using locally sourced seasonal ingredients
- We provide versatile event spaces including a nautically themed cocktail lounge
- Our team specialises in bespoke wedding and corporate event planning
- We maintain rigorous quality standards with William Sitwell's acclaimed culinary approach
What people say
Award-winning
Beautiful setting
Outstanding customer service
Locally sourced ingredients
Nautically themed lounge
Services
Seafood & Grill Restaurant
Our award-winning restaurant specialises in contemporary seafood and grill dishes crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Executive head chef Sam Coltman combines traditional techniques with modern presentation to create menus that showcase Dorset's finest produce. The elegant dining room accommodates up to 55 guests, offering a refined atmosphere with historic charm.
Private Dining
The Yacht Lounge provides a stylish venue for private dining events, seating up to 20 guests. This nautically themed space features bespoke cocktail service, prestige spirits, and tailored menus for special occasions. The lounge can accommodate up to 50 guests for canap receptions, with dedicated event coordination available.
Cocktail Lounge
Our Yacht Lounge offers masterfully crafted cocktails, premium wines, and prestige spirits in luxurious surroundings. The nautically themed bar operates daily with Happy Hour 4-6pm Monday-Saturday. Non-dining guests can enjoy drinks and bar snacks Thursday-Saturday until 11pm and Sundays 12-4pm.
Wedding Hire
The restaurant provides comprehensive wedding services with capacity for 50 guests in the main dining room or 20 in the Yacht Lounge. Our experienced team creates bespoke menus using local produce, with sample menus available for planning. The venue's proximity to Poole Registry Office enhances convenience for wedding celebrations.
Garden Al Fresco Dining
Our secluded courtyard garden offers al fresco dining and drinks service with seasonal menus. The space accommodates up to 80 guests for canap events, featuring heating and lighting for year-round use. The garden provides a versatile setting for special occasions with champagne, oyster, and canap options available.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Guildhall Tavern offer?
We specialise in modern British seafood and grill dishes using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, with menus developed by executive head chef Sam Coltman.
Is there a dress code for dining?
No formal dress code applies. Our elegant yet relaxed atmosphere accommodates both smart casual and formal attire depending on occasion.
Can I book private events at Guildhall Tavern?
Yes, we offer multiple event spaces including the Yacht Lounge (20 seated/50 reception) and main restaurant (55 guests). Our team specialises in weddings, corporate events, and private dining.
Are there outdoor seating options available?
Our courtyard garden provides al fresco dining for up to 80 guests with seasonal menus, heating, and lighting for year-round use.
What special dining events do you host?
We offer Friday Steak Nights with 25% off steaks, monthly Sam's Supper Club events with wine pairings, and seasonal themed menus throughout the year.
Is the restaurant accessible for disabled guests?
Our historic building has limited accessibility. Please contact us directly to discuss specific requirements and arrange appropriate accommodations.
Reviews (6)
Jan C.
Jan 23, 2022
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Attentive and engaging service backing up a lovely restaurant with tasty and superbly cooked food. Thank you for a memorable meal.
Aaron P.
Jan 23, 2022
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Though the Vegan options where very limited, but understably for a restaurant specialising in fish, right next to the sea. The options they did have where honestly delicious. The tempura vegetables where utterly divine
John Ross
Dec 27, 2021
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We ate here a month ago and have to say we were disappointed. We both had turbot which supposedly is as good as white fish gets. We were served however small triangular fillets with thick greasy skin on one side - I'm afraid to say the look was not attractive, the taste impacted merely by the appearance. My starter was a double-baked cheese souffle which in all honesty was like a large lump of cheese with little about it that appeared souffled. So, sorry to go against the crowd and we'd been expecting great things but were sadly disappointed.
Cindy Tct
Oct 31, 2021
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A truly amazing restaurant! We loved everything we had as well as their 5-star service! Will definitely come back again when I visit Poole. Thanks to the team for serving us such a wonderful wonderful dinner!
Lehmann Family
Oct 24, 2021
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Glorious! We absolutely love this restaurant - great service (staffs were all smiles and personable), food are absolutely divine (chef showcase cooking technique and executed the dishes really well), family friendly (really good quality kids menu with proper vegetable sides included), baby friendly (baby change facilities included). Its just an all rounded, good quality seafood restaurant. We would totally come back here again when we visit Poole again. Try it to know it!
Blake Harmer
Oct 12, 2021
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Every time we come to this glorious restaurant we are welcomed with the warmest smiling faces from the staff. We always walk away full after having another great meal! The specials are always great and the wine always flows. DEFINITELY a must if you want a very nice meal in Poole.
