Edge Restaurant at Studland Dene, Bournemouth

If you’re looking to have an exquisite meal with stunning sea views to match, then I can thoroughly recommend the Edge restaurant, at the Studland Dene in Bournemouth.

Opened in December 2009, the Edge restaurant boasts a lofty location at the top of Alum Chine, meaning you have got superb views over the whole of the coastline from Old Harry Rocks, right up to Hengistbury Head.

Redeveloped recently, the Studland Dene is a far cry from the building that preceded it.  The modern building houses its’ Edge Restaurant on the fourth floor, meaning customers are sat in an ideal dining location.  As well as this fourth floor, is an extra dining area on a higher level, which again, has windows on all four sides, so you can savour some stunning views.

Service wise, Edge was second to none.  We were served by Chris, a model example of how any waiter should be – knowledgeable and attentive – plus, he had that all too seldom trait of actually being able to strike up a decent conversation, therefore, from the beginning – we were more than satisfied with the overall feel of the restaurant.

To start, I had the lightly curried parsnip soup, and my partner had the home smoked duck breast, with a
prune & Armagnac puree, and herb & nut crisps.  The soup was very tasty, and plentiful.  The duck, although at first it looked a tad sparse due to the artistic way it was presented, was more than enough for a tasty entrée into the main course.

For the main course, I chose re-constructed braised belly of pork & black pudding, with pease pudding fritter, sautéed spinach, cider & braising liquor veloute.  It was hard enough me saying it, let alone the chef who actually cooked it!  It tasted fantastic, and the liquor veloute successfully entwined the different tastes and textures – and this ensured that the meal as a whole was very fulfilling.  I ordered this with a side-order of garlic mash, which, to be honest was probably not needed given the portions I had!

My partner had the seared sesame seed crusted tuna, with pad thai stir fry, wilted ginger & chilli, bok choi, hoi sin reduction.  I’m not much of a tuna fan, however from the sounds I was hearing across the table, I can confirm that her feelings toward the dish were more than positive.  I haven’t heard the words “lush” and “amazing” so many times in a sentence.

Finally, to finish, I had the deconstructed strawberry and cookie cheesecake, whereas my partner had the fruit and nut hot chocolate fondant.  Again, these were sublime.  If you’re looking for a filling dessert, I’d recommend the fondant over the cheesecake – however, given the main course I had, I ended up pleased with my choice.  Presented on a slate… I literally managed to “wipe the slate clean”.

During the meal we drank rosé wine (for her), a lager shandy (for myself), still water, and afterwards we had a couple of liqueur coffees to finish.  Once again, in terms of drinks, the waiting staff were attentive without being obsessive with regards to topping it up/offering another.

We arrived at the restaurant at 7pm and didn’t leave until about 10.15pm.  It is not a place where you can pop in and pop out (although I’m sure if you were in a rush they’d happily oblige) – however, when you put together the good service, excellent food, and the tremendous views – it is the general experience which gives this restaurant (and here’s comes the pun)… the Edge.

Our meal came to just over £90.  More expensive than the usual “meal for two”, however in my opinion, the price is justifiable when you consider the whole experience.

If I go again soon, despite the awesome views on the “extra” floor at the top, I would probably opt to sit on the main fourth floor – as I do like the hustle of the bar, and the general chit-chatty atmosphere as you would expect from a busy eatery.  Although the area where we sat was busy, it did slightly lack atmosphere – but then towards the end of the meal some music was played softly into our area – so that was my one negative remark lambasted!

The Edge toilets were are definitely worth a visit if you get the chance – fantastically designed, contemporary and stylish décor, and gorgeous smelling hand soap which, perhaps ironically, makes you not want to wash your hands again. PLUS, they had The Spy Who Loved Me Bond movie showing on the LCD TV in there – genius.

Chris, our waiter, told us that Edge is now open for breakfast in the morning, and also during the day if you want to pop in for a drink.  On the fourth floor is an outdoor balcony, and this will be a great location for sitting outside with a glass of wine, soaking up those evening summer rays.

Their website is http://www.edgerestaurant.co.uk/ and it provides more information, as well as a gallery, plus you can access their menus too.  It is well worth checking out, and I certainly would recommend the place for a superb meal in a top location to match!

Address: 4th Floor, 2 Studland Road, Alum Chine, Bournemouth, BH4 9JA, UK.
Tel: 01202 757007