A POOLE restaurant will be celebrating its 50th anniversary when it comes out of the latest lockdown next month.

The Clipper Restaurant, in the Dolphin Shopping Centre, has been an integral part of the town for half a century.

Opened in May 1971, less than two years after what was then the Arndale Centre opened for the first time, hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors will have eaten there over the decades.

Current owners Steve and Karen Brockway, who bought the restaurant in summer 2014, cannot wait to get The Clipper back to what it does best.

The Clipper is set to reopen on Monday, May 17, after a long five months of lockdown.

A spokesman for the Dolphin Shopping Centre described The Clipper as a "real local gem."

They added: "The Clipper is a firm family favourite in Poole, famous for both its friendly customer service and extensive flexible menu."

Pubs and restaurants in England reopened with outdoor service on April 12.

Businesses will have to wait until the third step of the roadmap kicks in, on or after May 17, before they can serve customers inside.

At this point, groups of six from two households will be able to meet indoors - with pubs and restaurants, such as The Clipper, able to reopen.