Bistro du Vin Poole

You're walking down Thames Street towards the quay when you spot the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto something properly continental. Bistro du Vin is part of the Hotel du Vin chain, but don't let that put you off—it's got genuine warmth rather than corporate sterility. The dining room has that unhurried, lived-in feel of a proper French bistro: exposed brick, decent wine list, and food that doesn't overcomplicate things. It's the sort of spot where you'd take someone you actually want to impress, or just go solo with a glass of something good and a proper meal.