The Britannia, Poole

This large, backstreet pub was lost to the pub-going public for a number of years, trading as a fancy restaurant instead, before reverting to its former name and reopening as the food-led pub we find today. The pub has a pretty vast interior, with the main entrance taking you straight to the bar, from which sizable seating areas spread out to either side. The left-hand spaces seem better suited to those hoping to just come here for a drink, with basic seating options enhanced by the odd bit of lounge furniture, as well as giving access to a beer garden. TV screens were showing muted sports coverage and although the decor was as plain as in the rest of the pub, it did at least feel like somewhere you could get relatively comfy. We came here for food and therefore found ourselves escorted to the right-hand side of the building, where formally set tables awaited diners under plain painted walls decorated with cheap nick-nacks and corporate branding. The room extends back a fair way here and there were notably more people on this side than in the drinkers' area. We received a very warm welcome from a greeter who handed us over to a wise cracking waiter who kept our nephew entertained with his daft banter. The food was pretty good - I took all three courses and enjoyed them all - whilst ale choices were limited to just St Austell Tribute and Taylors Landlord, with the former thankfully in pretty good shape. There's not much hiding the fact that this place is all about the food these days, but I have to hand it to them for devoting such a generous space for those preferring to just have a drink. It's a bit of a dull, corporate feeling pub, despite its independent ownership, but it serves a purpose and is worth a try if you want a good pub meal. Date of visit - 12th March 2024

Facebook page of The Britannia - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Britannia - britanniaparkstone.com

Facebook page of The Britannia - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Britannia - britanniaparkstone.com