Harbour Heights Hotel

This place must have the best view in Dorset, looking over Poole harbour to Brownsea island, or through the pines to the Old Harry Rocks. The venue makes good use of this with picture windows, and a huge deck where you can eat outside if weather permits. And there’s nowhere to beat it for sunset cocktails.
A recent lunch featured baked goat’s cheese with toasted walnuts, followed by dressed Portland crab with chunky chips (generous on the crab), finished with Belgian choc brownie with marmalade ice cream. The cooking is good but not great — it’s only a bistro after all. But the ambience, views and service are all tip top. Our meal for four (three courses) with wine and coffee was £118.
The set menu pricing is Lunch: 2 courses £20, 3 courses £26.50 Dinner: 2 courses £24.50, 3 courses £29.50. Highly recommended if the weather’s fine.