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Incorporated in 1994 as one of the first pubs in Britain to serve Thai food, The Rising Sun located in Purewell, Christchurch still remains a unique gastropub, having evolved at so many different levels. Its well-travelled head chef Poon, brings his rich colourful experience to the kitchen, leading to inventive preparations that are artistically presented. The ambience is cosy and intimate and the warm, friendly service is more reason to hang out in this pub. There is an outside dining area in Mediterranean style with comfortable sofas and a large heated gazebo that makes dining outside a round-the-year affair.

Begin with giant king prawns in sweet chilli sauce and a wasabi Kikkoman soy dip. For mains, sample pork fillet and Thai holy basil or sizzling sweet and tangy crispy chicken. Authentic Cha Sui, Miso glazed duck breast and Mr. Poon special noodles are also top of the charts, among many other delectable inventions unique to this place. The bar is well stocked with a fine selection of real ales, premium lagers and new and old world wines from the most exotic parts of the world. The Rising Sun has also bagged several awards in its lifetime, so if you're in the mood for good food and great service, this might just be the place.

The restaurant within The Russell Court Hotel in Bournemouth delivers a menu of traditional British dishes with international influences. With an emphasis on using fresh ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, the restaurant is equally popular with hotel guests, local diners and holidaymakers. Close to many of the local attractions and beaches, the restaurant is the perfect location for a quick lunch or a more leisurely evening meal and diners can enjoy a drink in the hotel bar before or after their meal.

The restaurant is open for breakfast everyday and offers a range of dishes from lighter continental pastries to a hearty full English breakfast with tea, coffee and fruit juices. The all-day menu also includes a range of sandwiches, while the lunch and dinner menus are more formal and include a range vegetarian, meat and seafood dishes.

The hotel also offers a number of fixed price meal deals and a Sunday lunch menu that serves a traditional roast dinner with all the trimmings.

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

The fun doesn't seem to end at Rubyz on West Hill Road in Bournemouth where guests can enjoy cabaret with a comic twist and of course, there's plenty of tasty modern British food on offer too. The decor strays towards the exotic and there's a strong Moroccan influence with the tented ceilings and plush sofas while diners there might be excused for training their eyes solely on the stage since the performances there tend to run between quirky to, well, a bit naughty.

However to ignore the food completely could be unwise because there might be chicken and duck liver parfait with peach chutney and bruschetta toasts for starters.This could be followed by a roasted rump of lamb on a bed of puy lentils, carrots and celeriac with thyme infused gravy finally ending with a coffee crème brûlée. Group events, parties and occasions acquire a special glamour when held at Rubyz.

The Overstrand on the Boscombe Promenade is where you would find the Urban Reef, a funky bar, deli, cafe and restaurant, known for the stunning views of Bournemouth Bay and the surf reef. The atmosphere at this remarkable eatery is restful and you could linger over a deliciously prepared meal or maybe just a drink. The furniture might appear functional but it's a simple representation of the 1950's sense of quirky and fun, and the decor is punctuated by leather banquettes and candle and oak lined walls, creating a delightful retro feel.

Walk in for a tasty breakfast of eggs Florentine or probably brunch with a bowl of fresh mussels and coffee. Come evening there could be a starter of pan fried scallops with curried cauliflower, tamarind and ginger dressing, set off perfectly by a main course involving grilled Hampshire lamb served with new potato, okra and bok choi. Finish with a lemon and mascarpone tart and choose from the wide selection of Old and New World wines at Urban Reef to complement your meals.