It's easy to miss the quaint Portmouth Hoy amidst the many other restaurants on Poole Quay, says Sherwin Coelho, but its food and atmosphere set it apart from the rest.

On first glance, The Portsmouth Hoy has the setting of a typical English pub and in many ways it is, with the usual beers on tap and marine pictures of Dorset’s yesteryears adorning the walls. But when it comes to the variety on the menu and the jovial atmosphere, this place is a class above the average tavern.

There's a whole gamut of seafood, meat and even vegetarian options to choose from. With my meal I enjoyed a Badger Pear Wood cider, something that's only served at the Hoy. For starters I had the scallops with bacon crisp, which literally melt in your mouth.

For the main, I ordered the pan-seared pork steak with apple sauce which was too big even for my voracious appetite. Other popular favourites are Dorset mussels (cooked in white wine garlic cream sauce) and scallop linguine (for which there is a vegetarian alternative as well).

Offering mousse, apple pie, Eton mess… you can take your pick of desserts. Furthermore, everything on the menu is served with a side order of entertainment, with regular live music, stand up comedy and open mic nights each month.

This restaurant has it all: perfect ambience, some unique drinks, local caught fresh fish, great food and excellent service.

Portsmouth Hoy is located on Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ. For more information, call 01202 673517 or visit www.portsmouthhoy.co.uk.