William Sitwell falls hook, line, and sinker for Guildhall Tavern’s 'No-nonsense brilliance'

Foodies, hold onto your forks—William Sitwell, that witty guru of all things culinary, has spoken, and it’s nothing short of an enthusiastic thumbs-up for Poole’s Guildhall Tavern!

Forget stuffy fine dining and plates overdecorated with foams and frills; this place is about simple pleasures, perfectly executed, with not a 'silly flourish' in sight. In a recent Telegraph Magazine spread, Sitwell shares how he was swept off his feet by this old-town gem, leaving his readers eager to hop on the next ferry to Poole.

The Guildhall Tavern is tucked away in the historic heart of Poole, and Sitwell paints quite a picture of its charm. Imagine stepping off a ferry after watching the flashy yachts of Sandbanks sail by, with salty sea air ruffling your hair and a rumble in your belly. “It’s a bit like starting a holiday in France, but much closer to home,” Sitwell muses, setting the scene with his trademark flair. The cozy cobblestone streets lead you straight to the Tavern—a place Sitwell says he would crown as his regular haunt if he ever became emperor. High praise from the king of reviews!

Let’s talk about the food—the real star here. Sitwell waxes lyrical about the menu, diving into dish after dish that impressed with flavour and simplicity. There were tempura prawns—delicately crisp, beef short rib and Sichuan pepper croquettes that pack a gentle punch, and a gorgeous spinach and leek gratin laced with Barber’s cheddar cheese. But the real highlight? The mixed fish grill. Sitwell describes it as an “ocean of pleasure,” a dish that blew the competition (even the elegant turbot) out of the water. It’s sterling cookery, he says, pure and simple.

What makes Guildhall Tavern stand out isn’t just what’s on the plate, but how it’s done—with love, without the pretension. Sitwell loves a place that knows when to hold back, and here the chefs let the quality of their ingredients do the talking. No smoke, no mirrors—just honest, utterly delicious brasserie fare.

The ambience? Delightful. Picture mismatched lampshades, vivid napkins, and a dining room that’s elegant without a hint of stuffiness. Upstairs, there’s a cocktail lounge for those who want to prolong their evening with a few cheeky tipples. Sitwell even suggests that once you’ve had your fill, you can stroll around Poole’s old town, soaking up the sights. It’s not just dinner—it’s an experience.

Sitwell’s verdict is clear: Guildhall Tavern delivers everything you want from a night out. There’s comfort, there’s flair, and there’s zero nonsense. It’s a reminder that great food doesn’t need a circus; it just needs a skilled chef, fresh ingredients, and a little bit of magic. So if you’re craving a dining experience that’ll leave you satisfied but not overwhelmed, full but not fooled, grab a seat at the Guildhall Tavern. William Sitwell did—and you’d be wise to follow his lead.