The Larder House
4 Southbourne Grove Southbourne Bournemouth Dorset BH6 3QZ
This is just the place that Southbourne needed to push it into the up-and-coming category. The Larder House has the look of a rustic, European bar-restaurant – with wine barrels, hams hanging from beams on the ceiling, retro bar fittings and a small coffee bar – but with the addition of some very modern British flair – and a certain boozy enthusiasm. Much of the produce emanates from the wood oven in the open kitchen, with artisan pizzas and dishes such as oven fired skate wing (£17); other dishes feature homemade breads and flat breads, to enjoy with sharing platters of sumptuous cheeses, charcuterie and terrines. You can also pop in for a drink: the cocktail list is as tantalizing and imaginative as the food, though vegetarians beware – some of them have been infused with cured meats (bacon infused vodka, anyone?). Upstairs there's a wonderful drinking den, a great place to gather for an aperitif, or to chill after dinner over a post-prandial brandy or two.
