CELEBRITY chef Rick Stein’s self-titled restaurant in Sandbanks has an established reputation for good seafood, but it’s also a good bet if you fancy a full English too.

Breakfast is now served in the bar area from 9am to 11am from Friday to Sunday. Although you don’t have the sea view from this side, you still get the five star service and food, plus all the weekend papers to hand.

The menu includes a full English – eggs, sausage, bacon, mushroom, black pudding and toast (£9.95), a choice of fruit and grains such as granola with yoghurt and jam (£4) and a choice of lighter breakfasts such as kippers (poached or grilled £9.95) avocado on toasted sourdough with tomato and basil (£8) or Kedgeree (£7).

(I had a Seasonal Super Smoothie (£4.50) made on the premises with celery, cucumber, apple and lemon which was almost a meal in itself followed by Eggs Florentine (£6.95) poached eggs in a tangy cheese sauce on a bed of spinach).

Location: One of the best in Sandbanks

Ambience: Relaxed elegance

Service: Friendly but formal

Cleanliness: Pristine

Music: Easy-listening

Description of food: Good quality with attention to presentation

Areas for improvement: They didn’t have any of the usual conserves like marmalade for the toast but we were told that is being addressed.

Prices/value for money: Prices are at the higher end which you would expect in this location but the portion size was ample.

Family-friendly: The bar area is fine for families

Recommend to a friend: Definitely

Drinks: Good selection of freshly-made juices and smoothies plus hot drinks, a good range of coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

And another thing: The bar area is dog friendly (staff will even provide water bowls for your canine companions)

Overall comment: Rick Stein is keen to promote its less formal side and is encouraging customers to just wander in off the beach for breakfast or later in the day for a light snack.