It’s the view, of course.

Yes, the food is superb. Yes the standard of service is exemplary. Yes, the décor is delightful.

But no matter how you wrap it up, it’s the view that will set your heart racing.

And what a view. By day the rolling sands of Poole Bay stretch away beside a hopefully azure blue sea, with uninterrupted views from Hengistbury Head near Christchurch to Old Harry Rocks at the tip of the Isle of Purbeck.

By night the lights of the Dorset coastline come to life, the Bournemouth Pier looking like an ocean liner shimmering into the water.

The cliffs on either side of the famous Dorset resort have been crying out for a venue to take advantage of their vantage point ever since the resort was founded in Victorian times. Why it has taken this long heaven only knows.

But the wait may have been worth it.

Sitting atop a brand new complex of apartments, The Edge restaurant is now the place to see and be seen.

True, finding the restaurant is a little tricky in the maze of residential streets that front right up the edge on the town’s Alum Chine, West Cliff area. So I would advise a satnav. Coming from central Southampton the journey should take no more than 45 minutes.

A lift takes diners to the fourth floor restaurant itself set on two floors.

The upper floor boasts 360-degree views, and is compact enough to create an intimate dining area for a private function or party. But once seated the panoramic windows are above head height. So my advice is to reserve a table on the restaurant’s first floor, preferably close to one of the full-height windows.

If the weather is warm you could also plump for a balcony table, surely the most dramatic of settings for a romantic date or special occasion.

The décor is a modern classic, a smooth blend of calming colours, rich fabrics and dramatic shades and patterns.

But ultimately any venue, no matter how marvellous the view, must rely on its food and standards of service. The Edge doesn’t fail to live up to its promise.

Cuisine is a fusion of classical favourites and modern, contemporary dishes.

Starters include seared king scallops, oxtail and bone marrow risotto, home smoked duck breast or truffle infused soft poached duck egg.

Mains tempt with fillet of turbot with roasted chicory wrapped in Parma ham, paupiette of skate wing, reconstructed braised belly of pork and black pudding, or spinach ravioli filled with ricotta, spinach and garlic.

Before our starters Mrs M and I enjoyed a selection of home made bread and roasted garlic bulbs (£4) as well as home made crisps, marinated olives, sun blushed tomatoes and feta cheese (£5). A brilliant way to whet the appetite.

For my starter I chose the local crabcake with capers and crème fraiche, watercress and lemon vinaigrette (£9). The effect was delightful, the taste mouth-watering – and I’m a hard man to please when it comes to crabcakes.

Mrs M chose the soup of the day which was mushroom with truffle oil (£6). Fabulous.

For my main course I plumped for the rack of local lamb with light broth of peas and broad beans finished with apricot and mint (£19). I added a serving of French fries (£4). Superb.

Mrs M chose the catch of the day, cod. She described it as lovely.

From the extensive dessert menu I chose the selection of three cheeses (£8) and Mrs M the Edge de-constructed strawberry and cookie cheesecake (£7) which she accepted was almost a dish too far, so rich was the offering.

Throughout the service had been superb.



Edge Restaurant & Bar, 4th Floor,
2 Studland Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, 01202 757007
enquiries@edgerestaurant.co.uk