Harbour View

The floor-to-ceiling windows give you a lovely view across the harbour, and the atmosphere was great. The food was lovely and the staff and service were amazing. It’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly too. We’re coming back for bingo on the last Thursday. Thanks, guys.

We went for the soft play, not the bar and kitchen. Getting a pushchair into the lift is incredibly awkward because of where it sits in the arcade. At the next floor, it’s hard to get out unless someone opens the door. You can’t take a pushchair up the stairs into the play area either, so my friend and I spent the whole visit juggling our very young babies while keeping an eye on our toddlers. It’ll be easier when our other baby is old enough to play. I’d come back another time, but not on a hot day. The staff were really welcoming. At first there was confusion over whether I’d have to pay for my three-week-old while my toddler played. A staff member was going to charge me, but when we asked, the manager confirmed the baby would be free. We were glad, since babies being held are usually free at soft plays. The play area itself is great for little kids. My girl always enjoys it, and parents can see the children as they go around. It was generally clean, though there was something that looked like a poop nugget on a table. I assume another parent had changed their young child there and not cleaned up. That isn’t the staff’s fault, but checking the soft play and surrounding areas more often might prevent it. It gets incredibly hot inside. There are fans in the frame, but for parents it feels like a sauna. A few more fans or a portable air conditioner would help. The food was good, portions were generous, and it came fairly quickly. The Coke came with what seemed like lemon cordial in the glass. I don’t mind that, but my friend would have preferred just ice.

We were looking for a bite after visiting Brownsea Island and wandered along the quay among all the pubs and places to eat. Harbour View Bar & Kitchen is above an arcade, so we nearly missed it, but a window seat drew us in. Glad it did: the sunset view over the harbour from up high was stunning. We wanted something light and chose a cod flatbread and a chicken one. Wow, both were seriously tasty, with chunky fish and delicious accompaniments. The staff were friendly and chatty, which added to it all. What a cheeky little find. We’ll definitely eat here again next time we’re in Poole. Don’t let the arcade put you off, this place is a gem 💎

The view was fantastic and the coffee was great. Mum and I came for a late breakfast, and the food was perfect, cooked just right. A must-visit. Thanks to all the staff for the great service.