Hermitage Hotel

The Hermitage is ideally located opposite Bournemouth's famous pier, seconds from the beach and right in the middle of town. It's a smartly refurbished, rather grand hotel, particularly handy if you're going to an event at the Bournemouth International Centre, which sits just across the way. The majestic, high ceilinged dining room with its duo of decorative fireplaces has a real sense of occasion. Once comfortable, expect unfussy classics cooked with accuracy. Start with ham hock terrine with piccalilli and crusty bread, move on to braised Hampshire lamb shank with creamed potato, pancetta wrapped green beans and a rosemary and redcurrant sauce, and conclude with lemon posset with raspberry coulis.