Address: 19 The Quay, Poole, BH15 1HJ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441202673450
Rating: 4.6
based on 176 reviews.
Atmosphere & Decor
Pros:
"This is a lovely old pub on Poole Quay with a great seafood menu."
"A real traditional quayside pub, with over 400 years of history."
"Compact, definitely English, unusual green-glazed tiles on the outside - you can't miss it."
"Cosy and unique atmosphere. If anywhere could sum Poole up, it would be this pub."
"Lovely traditional interior, and nice and cool."
"The Poole Arms is Oldest pub on the quay and has a fantastic atmosphere and a great selection of fresh seafood."
"The pub has a really lovely friendly vibe, highly Recommend a visit here we will definitely be going back 10/10."
Cons:
"Everything just felt a bit lazy and I wonder if it's gone downhill a bit as we used to really enjoy the food there a few years ago."
"The interior is small and cosy."
"It is slightly pokey, and having to go round to the corner for the men's bathroom isn't ideal - especially in winter! - but for a charming local pub, this is a beaut."
"We hoped for some proper sailor themed ambience but there was just small collection of memorabilia and overall had a lack o character although was fine and cosy."
"interior is a bit dated however staff were lovely and attentive."
"It is a little cramped and hard seating makes it difficult to properly rest up, lay anchor and relax."
"Remember it's difficult to get an outside table so get a table indoor - usual pub feel & dark."
Service
Pros:
"No trouble recommending the Poole Arms for any seafood enthusiasts and would not hesitate to go again."
"The staff were friendly, as were the other patrons!"
"The staff were young but confident and friendly."
"Service was fantastic & fresh water brought out for my dogs without asking."
"The servers were lovely and attentive, food was served quickly, cooked perfectly and so delicious."
"Emma was perfect looking after us and the best waitress I have met."
"Staff were so attentive & really welcoming."
Cons:
"The only negative is the gents toilets, which are located outside and around the corner, they are a bit grim."
"The bar service was good and the ale was as well. I would have scored higher if it wasn't for the attitude and assumptions of the doorman on my arrival."
"The food was very good the staff were so miserable to the customers not a smile in sight and we weren't the only customers that said the same."
"young staff need to be a little more observant as it was hard to get their attention, & it wasn't busy."
"At no point was I asked the usual 'is everything alright'?"
"The food took a while to arrive but we overheard that the kitchen was short staffed."
"Vile place. Observed the landlord act in a disgusting manner to a young couple on holiday."
Food Quality
Pros:
"Cajun catfish - absolute star of the show, so soft and succulent and tasty."
"Had the oysters to start, fish pie, seafood chowder and scallops and all were incredible. Best seafood I've ever had!"
"Skate wing was an amazing plate of meaty flesh. Smoked Haddock Pot, supremely delicious satisfying supper."
"Best Torbay Sole I've ever had. Good fish perfectly cooked."
"The seafood was exceptional oysters with the freshest I’ve ever had the scallops tasted so fresh absolute gem of a find this pub will definitely be going back there just to go to the pool arms."
"seafood was fresh and delicious, highly recommend the mussels and the bread was freshly baked and soft."
"The absolute BEST place for fish. Beautiful fresh local oysters and muscles."
Cons:
"Visited for the first time, I had fresh haddock, which was OK, but it was swimming in water where it had not been drained properly."
"we got the salt and pepper squid however this was not well seasoned and the membrane of the squid was not cut off making it quite chewy."
"I was somewhat disappointed with my starter of Scallops with Black Pudding & Bacon Lardons as the scallops were shockingly tiny and less than a handful and the lardons were tough, chewy and a few were too hard to chew."
"Muscles were bang average and required too much fork manipulation. Would avoid."
"Bland fish meal. Herbs and spices seems to be foreign to the chef."
"The seafood casserole was very disappointing. It didn't have any seasoning and was very thin."
"Problem for me was that the dishes been to tasteless for me - I mean without any kind of seasoning, spices or herbs."
Value
Pros:
"Bill was reasonable too!"
"Shockingly good value for money."
"Prices are also quite good and portions are satisfying."
"Always a great place to pop into if your down town and want a nice and inexpensive seafood dinner."
"The prices were good and the service exceptional."
"All in all 100% tasty, wholesome and well priced."
"Reasonably priced for such quality ......."
Cons:
"Earlier today my partner and I had a drink here during the pirate day parade, ordered a large wine and a pint of ale, stupidly paid with a £20 note not asking the price only to get £5.40 change but only realised later the two drinks had cost me £14.60."
"Just wish the prices were still of that era!"
"Many seafood places are expensive anyway and I end up with very expensive fish and chips that's not much better than the better chippies."
"I've just been asked to take my kids outside because they are not human beings and allowed to share the same culinary pleasures as adults!"
"Food smelt delicious but unfortunately they don’t allow kids, so we weren’t able to have dinner there."
"Turned away at the door 'no under 18’s'. No mention of this on the website or the door."
"However, it was full of pensioners (nothing wrong with that in the slightest) so we sat outside in the cold spring sunshine."