Dancing Moose, Poole

Official site of Dancing Moose - dancingmoose.co.uk

Official site of Dancing Moose - dancingmoose.co.uk

Previously The Grove, this triangular, glass-fronted café bar overlooks the Ashley Cross Green from a corner location near the station. Parking can be problematic, and there is no garden, but there are some seats outside when the weather allows. The huge windows on two side of the triangle make it very light and airy, the décor is bright and the single room is uncluttered. There is a brick chimney breast on one wall and a central pillar to break up the regularity. The staff were very pleasant, most of the locals were reasonable and the pub welcomes bikers and dogs. Food is a bit American themed, ranging from steaks to tapas (one of the customers was heard to ask ‘what sort of chips come with tapas?’) to tacos and burgers. Free WiFi was available. They can’t afford proper plates, though, so the food arrives on scraps of wood, while the chips (hopefully the right kind) came in an enamel mug. There is a range of keg and cider on offer, but only one ale, Caledonian Three Hop, which was served under gas pressure into a branded jug, much too cold and therefore a bit lacking in flavour. The paucity of real ale makes it difficult to recommend inclusion in a crawl, but it has a pleasant atmosphere and is a good place to while away a few hours.