The Haven

Once the home of radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, this art-deco era hotel stands at the southernmost tip of the Sandbanks strip overlooking Poole Bay. He chose his spot well: on a sunny day, the views across the waves from the tables on the waterside terrace make for a special setting with a real Riviera touch. Inside, the stylish operation ticks all the right boxes for 21st-century visitors, with spas, bars and the appealing La Roche restaurant. The sharp, French-influenced menu makes the most of local ingredients from sustainable sources, especially spanking fresh locally-landed fish and shellfish. Dorset crab with quail's egg salad is one way to start, or there may be fillets of pigeon with braised borlotti beans and artichoke. Fish makes a strong showing in main courses too - say fillet of John Dory with brown shrimps and sherry saffron essence, or a straight-up grilled sole served on the bone with new potatoes, green salad and herb butter.