Years ago- many many years ago - pubs were for drinking, playing darts, shoveha'penny and skittles.

Then, drinkers and darts players were so long in the pub they became hungry. Publicans discovered food - and what food! Smith's Crisps and Pickled Eggs.

Later followed Berni Brothers with their steak houses starting at Bristol until now we have gastropubs and eateries of all kinds from Macdonalds to Cafe Rouge and Toby carveries. But new isn't necessarily an improvement. 

Occasionally you can find a gem that you could pass by quite easily if you just looked at the outside. Here's an example:the oldest pub on Poole Quay dating from the 1600s. And it is still just a pub as you may see when you step down inside.

But take a glance around the walls!

 I can recommend the scallops with black pudding, frizzled bacon and a touch of salad followed by the hake with a red pesto and black olive crust.In truth, I could recommend anything they sell.

What is more you can sit outside on the quay and watch the world go by, or inside in a corner by the window and still watch the world go by.

It is not a bad life by the seaside in Poole, even if it is only April.