Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole

We recently enjoyed dinner at Hotel du Vin, and as always, it was a fantastic experience. The hotel is practically on our doorstep, and over time it has become a place we return to again and again—from champagne and canapés on the patio in summer to cosy evenings playing Scrabble by the fire in winter. What truly sets this hotel apart is the team. The staff are consistently warm, attentive, and welcoming—often remembering us by name or face (for all the right reasons, I promise!). Sam, the events coordinator, deserves a special mention for always being so friendly and helpful. We’ve also hosted several business events here over the years, from champagne and cocktail parties to using their beautiful function rooms, which are a spectacular setting for any occasion. Each event has been seamlessly executed, and it’s a venue we trust completely to look after both us and our guests. Following the recent renovations, the hotel feels more beautiful than ever. The interiors are elegant and opulent, with thoughtful, bespoke touches—right down to the wallpaper—which make it feel truly special. On this occasion, we dined as a table of four on a Sunday evening and chose the tasting menu with wine pairings. Each course was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, and we felt it offered excellent value. Ann looked after us throughout the evening and provided impeccable service from start to finish. From the polished staff uniforms to the refined dining space, every detail reflects a true 5-star experience. Whether for drinks, dining, or hosting events, Hotel du Vin continues to impress us time and time again—we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

4 months ago · via Google

Bistro Review We sat outside on their terrace - this was pleasant as the weather was unseasonably warm. Food quality was average to good (3.5 out of 5). If you order the cheese selection beware that each piece of cheese is about the size of a Dairylea triangle! Also beware if you order drinks from the bar - we paid £24 (full price) for one Bloody Mary and one Virgin Mary!

2 months ago · via Google

I recently visited Hotel du Vin Poole with a group of friends and, while there were some genuinely positive aspects, the overall experience was disappointing. On the plus side, the location is excellent and the setting itself is spacious with lovely décor, creating a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. The menu offered a good variety of options, which suited our group well. A thoughtful touch was the birthday chocolate gesture for my friend, which was appreciate, so thank you for that. Unfortunately, the service on a Saturday night was very slow and noticeably poor, despite the restaurant not being particularly busy. We repeatedly struggled to get the attention of waiting staff, for ordering food, drinks and even clearing plates. It became a running joke within our group, but ultimately it detracted from the experience. We were also initially given incorrect wine glasses for our red wine and had to request the appropriate ones (ironic as the hotel/restaurant theme is wine!). I was dining with friends who have been loyal customers for over 20 years (including hosting a wedding here), and it was disappointing that all of them said they would not return. While we understand there may have been staffing challenges, the issues felt more related to a lack of training and attentiveness. A real shame, as the venue itself has so much potential.

4 months ago · via Google

Beautiful hotel. 2 nights running the service was very slow and extremely slow. Waited over 15 mins for a drink whilst we were the only ones their. Altho breakfast was absolutely amazing we felt rather rushed as hostess was taking our plates literally the minute we finished

a month ago · via Google