LUXURIOUS food in a comfortable and friendly setting is what we were met with at The Anchorage in Poole.

The Anchorage, located in Canford Cliffs is part of the Metropolitan Pub Company, where each location offers a unique experience.

After seeing a preview of the elaborate summer menu, I was pleasantly surprised on arrival to be welcomed by a warm and cosy atmosphere.

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We were immediately welcomed by a friendly hostess who asked if we wanted to go straight to our table or relax by the bar first.

We opted to head straight for the table, which was situated by a window with a view of an outdoor terrace.

After settling in, we were greeted by our waitress Charlotte, who was able to list a varied selection of gins on request.

Charlotte’s confidence and knowledge of the menu reassured me immediately, and I chose the raspberry gin which did not disappoint.

Bournemouth Echo:

After studying the menu my partner and I decided to step out of our comfort zone and try The Anchorage’s famous oysters.

Served on ice with a side of lemon, the oysters were incredibly refreshing but without being too overwhelming.

Bournemouth Echo:

We opted for the smoked bacon jam oysters to come out with our starters, crispy tiger prawns and a wild mushroom parfait.

The crispy tiger prawns were served with a cucumber salad and a complimentary Vietnamese dipping sauce.

Bournemouth Echo:

My partner, who is a mushroom fanatic, enjoyed the parfait which was paired with an onion chutney and toasted truffle sourdough.

Satisfied, but not too full from the starters, we ordered some more drinks before moving onto the main event.

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Comfortable with Charlotte’s expertise, I put my fate in her hands and asked for a second drink recommendation.

Charlotte asked what I had ordered as my main and recommended the Picpoul, a dry white wine with Mediterranean flavours.

Bournemouth Echo:

For my main, there was only one choice - the soft shell crab burger sounded decadent and unique.

The sweet brioche bun contrasted nicely with the salty crab which was paired with avocado and siracha mayo.

It was one of the most unique burgers I had but I thoroughly enjoyed how the refreshing avocado complimented the meal.

Bournemouth Echo:

My partner chose the roasted cauliflower Thai green curry with the added grilled tiger prawns, which he said was flavourful and offered lots of variety.

This curry was far from simple, paired with coconut rice as well as a selection of vegetables including charred corn, cauliflower, sweet peas and the perfect balance of chilli.

With great tasting food and a friendly atmosphere, I would definitely recommend The Anchorage and if you get Charlotte as your server, you are in safe hands.

The Anchorage have offered Bournemouth Daily Echo readers a discount off their total bill by quoting ANCHORAGE20.

The Anchorage can be found at 47 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs in Poole.