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hand picked restaurants

It's all pretty traditional at the Carlton, as one might be tempted to expect. Classic British and European dishes grace the menu and everything is smart and proper, including the staff. Expect lobster and crab salad with salmon caviar, Scottish beef with parsley creamed potato and some pretty exotic desserts. A well-traveled wine list offers decent house wine at £13.50.

Undoubtedly one of the best Chinese restaurants in Bournemouth. The cuisine is Peking and Szechuan and there is clear evidence of more than just ordinary care in the preparation of the food, which is cheerfully served by staff who have the wit to know that it may be just another night for them but for their customers it is special. It is often not appreciated that Peking cuisine was created in the Imperial Kitchens and now serves as the premier style of food in China. Certainly in the transition from China to Dorset it has not suffered, though if you prefer something spicier and more salt-baked the Szechuan is there to delight you.

Oozing with character and charm, Koh Thai Restaurant flaunts its artistic taste with dark wood flooring, exposed brickwork and deep orange hues that accentuate the beauty of the traditional Thai artwork and the modern murals covering the walls. Stylish in décor yet comfortable and relaxed in feel, Koh Thai makes for a fine casual dining alternative.

A buzzing kitchen brings to the table an inspiring range of Thai cooking in the tapas style that includes tofu and mushroom satay, mussels wrapped in bacon, and Thai grilled pork. Amongst dishes that go well with both noodles and steamed rice, Penang curry, rich peanut gravy with coriander and fine beans, infused with lemon grass and simmered in coconut milk, is a popular choice.

Amazing concoctions of premium ingredients, the freshest fruits and quality garnishes consequence into heavenly cocktails to enjoy.

Based on a Hollywood theme, Starz Diner is a chic and stylish American restaurant that opens into a room, with walls dripping with monochromic classic film memorabilia. The ceiling painted with giant film reels depicting actors from the 1950's and 60's create an ambiance of nostalgia and wonder. Retro music fills the background as you admire Marlon Brando - a scene from Godfather - or the stunning poster of Marilyn Monroe vying for attention with that of Ingrid Bergman's Casablanca.

Opened early enough for breakfast, expect grilled Scottish kippers and a stack of three American pancakes topped with butter and maple syrup to start the day. Other local favorites include the likes of grilled tuna steak glazed with honey, lime and ginger and baby back pork ribs in barbeque sauce with corn on the cob and fries. Sandwiches, salads and light bites are to hand throughout the day as are the New Yorkers’ cheesecake and American apple pie.

Spend some time at Starz Diner's lively and well stocked bar to unwind after a tough day at the coalface.

With five years in the fish and chip trade already behind them, father and son team Peter and Fred Capel bought the premises at 10 Seamoor Road, Westbourne in January 1989. There had been a fish and chip shop at this address since 1968 - as little had changed in the intervening 20 years, a major refurbishment was called for!

The refurbished shop opened on April 3rd 1989. The Capels' formula of offering great food with friendly service in pleasant surroundings proved an overnight success. Many fish and chip shops already offered good food, but none did so with quite the panache and emphasis on quality that Fred brought from his early years as a professional chef at some of London's finest establishments. This winning combination has remained the cornerstone of Chez Fred's success ever since.

Still in their first year of trading, Chez Fred scooped the coveted "Best Fish and Chip Shop in the South West / Southern England" title, as well as being runners-up in the "Best in Britain" award in the Seafish Industry Authority's prestigious competition, in 1991 Chez Fred were crowned, and therefore retired from the competition, as Best Fish and Chip Shop in Great Britain.

Chez Fred do not take restaurant bookings, as they work on a first come first served basis.