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  1. The Rope & Anchor is a beautiful pub and restaurant which is tucked away in the Old Town area of Poole.

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    Although the establishment is well known locally for an excellent Sunday roast, I visited with a friend on a Friday night and received an outstanding meal and service.

    We received a friendly welcome when we arrived and chose to sit on a small table near the front door.  Looking around, the pub has a modern and nautical feel which is apt considering it’s located close to the Quay.  I especially loved the large hemp rope light which you’ll see at the entrance.

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    After reading the menu, we had a glass of crisp white wine and started with a bread and olives board to share which had the most delicious toasted sourdough with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip.

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    For our main course, my friend had an enjoyable Ale battered Fish and Chips while I had the Cheeseburger.  I must say though, it wasn’t just any cheeseburger as this one had 2 homemade beef patties, American cheese, bacon, salad and fries.  It was very tasty and big enough that I had to eat it with a knife and fork!

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    The current dinner menu also offers traditional meals like Sausage and Mash, Steak and Ale Pie, Gammon Steak, Rump Steak, plus more unique meals like Crab and Mascarpone Ravioli.  There are also vegetarian options which included Pan Fried Gnocchi and a Vegan Haggis Burger plus specials on the night like a Pork Tomahawk with chilli and mango salsa and Mediterranean cous cous and a Cod Fillet with braised fennel, parsnip puree and crushed potatoes.

    Whilst everything was really scrumptious, my favourite was a pudding from the specials board which was an incredible Orange and Ginger Crème Brulee with candied ginger and the best homemade coconut shortbread ever!  I kept putting a little of the crème brulee on the shortbread and nibbling each bit not wanting it to end.

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    The pub has a very relaxed atmosphere and we spent a delightful couple of hours relaxing and chatting.  Our food was of an outstanding quality and the staff we met were very attentive and friendly.  I’ll look forward to returning on a summers day to sit out the front with a glass of wine or chill in the courtyard garden at the rear.

    For more information and to view their menu, please visit The Rope and Anchor.

    ‘Discover Food in Poole’ is a dedicated month-long campaign celebrating the town’s vibrant and diverse dining scene.  Visitors and locals alike can look forward to exclusive dining deals, exciting competitions, and the opportunity to explore an array of gastronomic experiences across Poole.

    During April, Poole BID are giving you the chance to win some amazing prizes which include an afternoon tea for two to your door from Premier Bites, a meal for two at The Guildhall Tavern, and a bread making class and meal thanks to WhitePepper Chef Academy.  To enter, please head over to the Poole BID on Facebook or Poole BID on Instagram.

    For more information on 'Discover Food in Poole', please visit the Poole BID website.

    Discover Food in Poole BID

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    Dorsetmums was invited to the Rope & Anchor for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

  2. First Bus have partnered with Weldmar Hospicecare as the Transport Partner for their 'Stampede by the Sea' art trail!

    Families can discover an amazing collection of elephant sculptures which are painted by local artists and displayed across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis from 28th March - 27th May 2025.

    Hop on and off the local buses to experience the full trail and help raise awareness and vital funds for Weldmar Hospicecare, who provide specialist end-of-life care for local adults with a life-limiting illness and support for their loved ones.

    To make it easier for you to explore the trail, First Bus are offering Group Saver Tickets on their Jurassic Coast buses for the duration of the trail.

    Prices:

    • Weymouth Group Day for £10
    • Dorset Group Day for £15

    We bought our tickets through the First Bus App and started our journey on The Esplanade in Weymouth, catching the X53 to West Bay.  The coast road is particularly beautiful with rolling hills passing by and stunning sea views.  It took us about 50 minutes to arrive in the centre of West Bay and the second we stepped off the bus we spotted our first elephant.

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    While my husband and the kids went off to get a drink I stopped by The Salt House which is currently Stampede by the Sea HQ.  Inside I picked up an official trail map for £2 and found a Memory Elephant where you can have the name of a loved one hand painted onto the sculpture.  Instead of going to auction, the Memory Elephant will find a forever home, after the trail, in the grounds of Weldmar's Inpatient Unit.  Children can also have a go at colouring their very own elephant to add to the gallery wall plus you can buy official merchandise and crochet animals which have been made by supporters.

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    We walked around the harbour and found several impressive elephants, all with unique designs.  We visited the Customs House Emporian and the West Bay Discovery Centre which is full of local information and hands on activities for the children to enjoy.

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    We then had just enough time for a play in the arcade before heading back to the bus stop.  The First Bus App has a handy live checker to access real time information which is really easy to use plus you can purchase tickets, view the journey planner and more.  When I checked the First Bus App in West Bay I could see our bus was due to arrive bang on time so we waited patiently on a bench close by in the sunshine.

    We had such a brilliant day in West Bay, the sun shone for us and the elephants are incredible to see.  Now we just need to do the same again and head to Bridport or Lyme Regis!

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    Please note, these tickets are only available on the First Bus App and are valid from 28th March to 27th May 2025.  The First Bus App is free and makes it easy to plan bus journeys with ease.

    Travelling by bus is a convenient and affordable way to get to many local destinations.  You’ll never pay more than £3 for a single journey, it’s better for the environment and there’s no car parking fees to pay!

    For more information and a chance to win 1 monthly Adult Dorset Ticket and 1 monthly Child Dorset Ticket please visit First Bus.

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    AD #FirstBus #StampedebytheSea