Pub of The Week: Poole Arms on Poole Quay

Steeped in history, this pub has been serving pints since 1635.

The Poole Arms is adorned with distinctive green tiles - many of which are the original Carter and Co Poole Pottery tiles.

On the inside, the small, cosy single-room pub features pews and wood-panelled walls decorated with old Poole photographs.

Bench seating at the front offers an ideal vantage point for observing sea views and looks directly over Brownsea Island.  

The pub has been run by the same family for more than 20 years; Michelle Smith took over the venue after her parents, Bob and Maureen Kerr, retired.

Michelle said: “We’re in the best location; whatever the weather, you can look out the window and see our beautiful harbour.

“My parents have been running pubs since before I was born, so I’ve been brought up surrounded by the atmosphere, and I love it.”

Michelle said that the meals served at her pub are 99 per cent seafood, the majority of which is sourced from local suppliers.

Some of the dishes on Poole Arm’s menu include six Poole rock oysters, homemade fish pie and the Poole Arms seafood casserole.

In addition to serving ‘delicious home-cooked cuisine,’ the Poole Arms has won numerous awards for its cask ales.

The pub has been listed in Good Beer Guides, and the vast selection changes regularly.

Michelle said: “We are really popular for our ales because we have such a variety. Rather than Proper Job, most of our ales are generally local.

“We also have an extensive wine list and have just ordered some lovely English wines.”

The pub is said to be a hotspot for events on Poole Quay.

Michelle partnered with Anna Doyle (landlord of the Lord Nelson) joined forces to save Poole Quay events after BCP Council cut funding for activities on the quay.

Michelle said: “I am really pleased we are able to keep the events calendar alive.

“We are in the process of trying to organise mini steam on the quay and steam nights as well.”