The Clipper Restaurant in Poole

A large and varied menu, choice of maybe 50 desserts, all at fair prices. Lunchtime only place and is fairly busy.

Good selection of food and was lovely . Staff friendly. Will be back soon 😊

Excellent choices can't fault the food and prices very reasonable Definitely recommend the Clipper Restaurant

Super selection of cakes and sweets. Key Lime pie was just right.

Amazing!! 1st visit and we're very impressed fantastic selection of hot and cold food Inc carvery and the most amazing cakes! Lady at carvery & guy on till were very friendly can't wait 2 return def worth checking out if in poole

Sub-standard food, very bland with no taste. Overpriced. Avoid and find somewhere elsewhere.

Great food options and quality, just a touch expensive.

Visited at 1pm today. As expected there was a long queue of silver haired patrons at this time of day. So the staff were pretty busy. The coffee was "freshly" made for me at the till but it was only luke warm when I sat down. Come to think of it, I didn't hear the steamer going so how long the milk that was used for my coffee had been sitting on the counter is anyones guess. The chips came pretty quickly, they were hot but soaked in cooking oil, so not very appetising.

They have a notice saying to make sure that you have a table before purchasing food. So being in my own I found a table and put my coat on the chair .went and got my food to find that on returning that my coat was gone and my table had customers sat at it .they told me that the waitress had taken my coat so that they could sit down. I found another table and asked a waitress to find my coat. When she return it pointed out that it was not fare that I had put my coat on the chair to reserve a seat. She said I should have found a member of staff and told them that what I had done. Then I started to eat my food when another member of staff came up and was complaining that she had a member of her staff crying because of me. I got upset because all I wanted was a quiet no hassle lunch I had spent the morning at hospital with my sick husband. I was unable to eat any of my meal I left not having any lunch and very upset.

Used to go here a lot with my gran when I still lived in England an it's one of the places I miss, good choice of hot freshly made food an yummy cakes/coffee- love the old fashioned American diner feel although it could a bit of a tight squeeze in there when busy. Hope it keeps on going💗

On this occasion I went in for breakfast, which was reasonably priced. The £5.95 small breakfast also includes toast and marmalade. Pleasant, cheerful and personaable staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the breakfasts, they do a huge choice of food at other times of the day, from salads and sandwiches, to light bites and pasta dishes, and a carvery (highly recommended). They also have a wide range of desserts, with options to suit all dietary needs. A perfect place to stop for breakfast or lunch when in Poole. Beware, however it gets extremely busy at lunchtime, with a possible wait for a table. Get there early. Closed on Sundays.

Just popped in here for a coffee. Amazing selection of cakes and other lovely looking treats to eat the restaurant was so clean and tidy. Definitely worth reading the over 50 year history of the place on the walls. Staff here are so friendly and helpful Definitely recommend Coming here.

First I would like to say the food was perfectly fine but had I not had our daughter and a hungry 18month grandchild with us I wouldn't have even got as far as trying the food because I would have left due to the attitude and plain rudeness that we received from the person taking our food order. I was absolutely disgusted with their attitude towards us. I will not be returning as there are plenty of other places where I can spend nearly £40 on breakfast and not be treated like an inconvenience by a member of staff who clearly thinks they are above taking food orders.

Ordered jacket potato with chicken coronation, the potato was warm and the chicken coronation was cold. Ordered this meal with a large cappuccino and the drink was more enjoyable than the meal. Don't recommend and such a shame as the price £12 was value for money but the quality of the food was a let down.

Really good and I have been visiting here for 11 years now. Service is excellent and for anyone who can't carry their tray to their table, then the staff are super helpful and very friendly

Good food and great service from the friendly helpful staff always busy.

Lovely cheese send onion toastie, and clottedcream cheesecake 😋 and great coffee, cant wait to go again, service was quick and clean table, thanks

Excellent breakfasts every time been here for years and have never been anything but happy with quality of food .. plus the cakes are the best locally .. go and enjoy

We love the clippers lovely meals drinks great service

Me and my mum love coming here for breakfast and dinner and we love it and it such a clean and nice environment and such a relief after covid it was open!

A really good variety of very good home cooked food at realistic prices. Great salads, the best stuffed baked potatoes anywhere, carvery, pastries, cakes, great tea and coffees I could go on and on. If you're hungry (even if you're not) there will be something there that will tickle your fancy. I'm not even going to talk about the fantastic breakfasts. All this and so many memories from growing up. The Clipper is to me what makes the Dolphin Centre or should I really say the Arndale Centre. It's a fantastic place, great view, lots and lots of seating just for me a very strong memory of the 1970's that's still there and only there because frankly it's so good. Love it.

Came in for a coffee and had a piece of lemon merguine pie as well and enjoyed the piece of lemon merguine and coffee very much indeed

Always a warm welcome. Good everything

Went in for a carvery, to me a carvery is something you get given the meat and help yourself to vegetables, the bloke serving us who didn't smile once just piled the food on top of each other, probably because the plates are too small, then we went to pay for it and another bloke who didn't want to smile took our money without one shred of friendliness, so the service was bad, then when we started to eat the food was so bland the veg was frozen or seemed to be as it was mushy, worst sprouts I've had, the potatoes were rubbish, it laid on our stomachs all afternoon into the evening, get a chef who can cook, but we definitely won't be coming back

Good variety of menus at reasonable prices. Service quick considering the number of diners.

This place is an institution. Every Poole generation loves it. It's huge with seating for at least 150. Everything from a carvery, bakery counter, pies, pudding, sandwiches, and salad bar. Their cakes are incredible. Homemade and perfect. So much choice. You can get takeaway options if you want to take a cake or pastries home. Staff are warm, kind and friendly. They keep the place spotless. Cannot recommend highly enough. Legendary.

Very busy place very clean lots of staff food is good

We fancied sharing a cream slice (they are huge) after a blustery walk. There were none available so the nice chap behind the counter went and made one for us. How fabulous! It was delicious. Filter coffee is always good here too.

Fantastic service along with a superb array of delights! Super clean and organised, and the staff were all so very helpful and friendly. Special thanks to Amy who took my order and then brought the dishes around to me and placed on my tray. What a lovely lady! Thank you so much and please 'keep it up'! Miles of smiles to you Amy and your fellow colleagues!

Went for lunch on Monday and had a small roast dinner, it was lovely apart from the swede , I think they must have dropped the pepper in the pot it was really over powering. Apart from that it was lovely

Very busy but the staff remained calm and efficient. Food was very good and service very good.

Lovely place! Superb staff very friendly and helpful. Tasty breakfast prepared after order. Restaurant full at 75% when visited =well run business. Please cheaper filtered coffee next time :-) Will visit again for sure.

Great place to eat. Straight forward, reasonably priced food. Staff are brilliant and very helpful

Food was great ,good value for money

Lovely selection of cakes Great atmosphere and great service and so friendly

I challenge anyone to find fault with this fabulous eaterie. From the moment you enter it is like stepping back in time. The food items are attractively displayed on an island and the selection and variety on offer is very impressive. Everything is squeaky clean. Hot food is served carvery style. This is an exceptionally well run establishment where the emphasis is on freshness and quality. The atmosphere is great and always full of customers! My Cheese and onion salad wrap was perfect. So well made. We also had salad from the salad bar and Lemon meringue pie. The lemon and ginger tea was lovely. Chairs are soft and very comfy. I glimpsed into the kitchen which was running like a well oiled machine. Even dogs are allowed - dog ice cream, treats & dishes .

I challenge anyone to find fault with this fabulous eaterie. From the moment you enter it is like stepping back in time. The food items are attractively displayed on an island and the selection and variety on offer is very impressive. Everything is squeaky clean. Hot food is served carvery style. This is an exceptionally well run establishment where the emphasis is on freshness and quality. The atmosphere is great and always full of customers! My Cheese and onion salad wrap was perfect. So well made. We also had salad from the salad bar and Lemon meringue pie. The lemon and ginger tea was lovely. Chairs are soft and very comfy. I glimpsed into the kitchen which was running like a well oiled machine. Even dogs are allowed - dog ice cream, treats & dishes .

I had scrambled eggs on toast, and my other half had fried egg. Breakfast was hot and fresh. People were very friendly and helpful .

Well, it's cleaner now than it used to be. Cake was OK coffee OK somewhere to sit after the experience of Poole. Such a waste. Poole has got so much potential. Let down by greedy business or councils.

What a friendly calm and happy place for food and drinks. There is something for everyone. The team are extremely friendly and welcoming, even to newbies here. The only hardship is trying to leave room for dessert. ( if you get a chance to try the banoffee pie, it's delicious and homemade, a real treat). I can't wait to return. Its also clean and family friendly.

This place was a fantastic find , everything looked amazing on the counters staff couldn't do enough and food was lovely . Was shocked for a shopping centre restaurant . Well done guys 😊

Only came upon this page by chance but what a find, the good was delicious - the best steak pie that I've had for a long time! The choice of cakes and desserts was amazing! And service with a smile! We'll definitely be back.

Food was tasty & affordable. Good location

Afternoon cold drinks.Clean and pleasant atmosphere.Plenty of cake and large scones to choose from.We did'nt partake this time.Will be back.

Food was disgusting and dry, You can tell they were left out for a long time, Wouldn’t recommend very over priced Very dirty spend your money elsewhere.

Love this place but wish food was a bit hotter! I always ask for piping but never is. Otherwise it's great!

We came in today for a late breakfast. Massive selection of food choice! Huge! Reasonable cost, plenty to choose, from a full English breakfast to a roast dinner! Lovely staff, very friendly and helpful, the waitress with the dark hair was so accommodating today (5th July) what a lovely lady.

Lovely staff , self service, excellent cakes

Thank god for the Clipper!! It's one been my go-to place since my kids were little, so that's getting close to 30 years!! OK, cordon bleu it isn't and doesn't pretend to be, but as a café it excels and their chilled desserts are the stuff of legend!! But equally there are times when only a cup of good tea will do, and there's the Clipper filling that requirement too. A café for all seasons and all requirements!!

The moment staff noticed me pushing my friend in a wheelchair they immediately helped out. Helped us find somewhere to sit and helped to carry trays with food on it etc. The food was really nice (especially the cakes) and are at a decent price. Plus the majority of the people who dined there were also really friendly. Definitely going again.

Cappuccino is not a real cappuccino. The spoon should stand up straight in the milk foam, but it doesn't.

A really friendly and polite restaurant with a huge choice of food. I go here with my elderly mother and disabled daughter, and they couldn't be more welcoming. We don't get rushed or hassled when we are taking our time to choose and pay. The staff are calm, polite and friendly. Highly recommended.

Excellent service and food to match. I had the carvery and was offered a choice of several meats - very tasty . Very clean restaurant , tables cleared very quickly after people leave - can’t fault it.

My family and I visited this restaurant several times recently whilst on holiday in the area. Very good value for money and very friendly/helpful staff. Mum and I are both Coeliac and the chef was very knowledgeable and helpful explaining the Gluten Free options for us. The carvery option is very popular and very tasty. Dad who is not gluten free enjoyed his Lasagne. Great restaurant for locals and anyone visiting Poole.

Always clean, mini carvery is fab value. Huge cske selection! Helpfull staff.

Wow , what a choice of lovely looking food I had the cauliflower and broccoli bake. It was a tough choice because the roast looked good

Went in today for the first time, with dog in training. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. They even offered biscuits and a water bowl for my pup, really appreciated. Only had a cake but all food looked amazing! Will definitely become my new favourite place.

Been here before had lovely breakfast. Today was no different had soup of the day and a roll . Delicious broccoli and blue viny smooth and creamy, choice of brown or white roll. Plentiful and good value .

Amazing choice of food. Very reasonably priced. Staff were all very pleasant, good customer service & helpful. Can honestly say it won't be our first & last visit. It was so lovely to see a (no disrespect) lovely 'old fashioned' cafe/restaurant. I can see why they are busy.

Not very welcoming. Staff need to be trained in customer service. Food ok though. Probably won't go back.

Wow. First time here after living close for over 10 years. The breakfast and tea was amazing. Lovely staff and great food selection. I will be back soon.

Always great for lunch. Their selection of fresh cakes is always outstanding. Their carvery and daily specials are also delicious. Great restaurant, the staff are always so friendly and helpful.

Good value, good food, friendly staff.

We're there are pensioners you know the food is going to be good, and the clipper has them in abundance, yes the food is really good, reasonably priced and the service is good, restaurant is lovely and clean, really recommend this place.

Food lovely, had very fresh scones at 4pm, nice to have Apricot jam and not the usual strawberry. Good deal with scone and coffee ☕️ . Lots of different unusual scones too,like coconut and raspberry! Not many people in, so not much atmosphere I suppose, but 3 very loud men talking extremely loudly ruined it for us..obviously not the fault of the cafe. Would recommend.

I had steak pie dinner with all the trimmings! What a plateful, pie had loads of steak in it and the red wine sauce was delicious! Also, my coffee was still red hot after the meal and how often can you say that? Afternoon nap 😴 time for me. I came from Halifax visiting relatives, so a wonderful surprise…. The Clipper!🥰

This is our second visit to this little gem of a shopping centre restaurant. It was such a pleasant change from a fast food lunch. A wide range of dishes that were fairly priced and delivered by happy staff that looked happy to serve you your lunch. Cakes to die for and a fine cup of coffee served the way I like it. A little Jewel in the Dolphin at Poole.

Nice daytime eatery in Poole's shopping center. The team are friendly and helpful. The dining space is significant, clean and tidy. The menu is adequate and the food well cooked and tasty. Good value for money. Best not for me.... orange juice!

Really love this restaurant in the centre of the Dolphin Centre. Staff are always helpful and pleasant and food and drinks are always very good. The only point that is a let down is that for a busy shop centre it closes too early at 4pm leaving little other alternatives...

Good value. Dated decor, couldn't see any changes in 20 years I've known it.

It was ok there, my mum used to take me there when I was a kid about 24 years ago and it's not changed much - or at all haha. The queue was long all for hot food while all the cold food counters are ignored. I think they need to think how to speed things up with the hot food and childrens food was a bit of an after thought. The children's counter was too high up for my daughter to see what she wanted, could add some photos at children's eye level perhaps (?). The selection was poor and the juice carton we picked was missing a straw and the only sandwiches were grated cheese(!?), quite a lot of cheese for a child, and it all fell out of the sandwich which was also annoying as just want her to eat independently. I ordered a small English Breakfast as it looked like a good deal on the menu, but yeah it was small :) and the sausages were not anything premium and was overall adequate, nothing special. Not in a rush to go back but was nostalgic and feels more humble and relaxed than going to KFC or Subway, probably main reason I'd go back.

We were looking forward to have a coffee and cake here on Saturday afternoon, their busiest day, only to find they close at 4! Can you believe it! 4pm on a Saturday when the dolphin centre was packed! How silly are they to lose so much business. Also very annoying for working people who work everyday in the week to not be able to have a coffee on a Saturday afternoon. You should rethink your opening times and cater for everyone, not just oaps or people who don’t work!

We were hoping to have a carvery which looked good however they ran out of meat as we got to the counter. So, we ordered fish and chips very disappointed, plenty of chips fish was small and peas were cold, would not have that again!

Dog friendly, lovely cooked meals and amazing choice of cakes for afternoon tea. Staff very good with offers of help carrying trays and serving. Lovely place to meet up with friends.

I couldn't believe my eyes when entering this restaurant. I was a bit confused as to what to do but the staff were friendly and efficient.

Good basic food if you are in the town centre shopping

Good tasty cake, nice family atmosphere with friendly and efficient service

We had the smaller of the choices which was plenty for me, filter coffee. Served well. Hot hot, and quick loved the toast in it own toast rack with butter and marmalade

It's a good old cafe/restaurant, been around years, you get a good choice of food from roast to cheese toasties, plenty of cakes.

Been dining here with my family since almost 2 decades ago. Really a lovely place to visit and eat. Plenty of food to choose from, the staff are wonderful. The place is popular with the elderly and almost always full. Two thumbs up.

Lovely All Day Breakfast is available here.

We were really disappointed in Poole generally but this place made us feel a little better about things. Situated in the shopping centre, tis range of offering was endless and the food looked so fresh and tasty. We had a sausage roll and a sandwich...

Very friendly and helpful staff. Told the staff that we both needed gluten free meals and they were very informative on what didn't contain gluten. The roast dinner was really lovely with good sized portions of meat and veg. All gluten free cakes were individually...

Visited whilst in Poole dolphin centre. Nice surroundings food was good, chilled coffees were very watery though needed more milk. Nice place

Has some vegetarian options as well .. tasty dining with multiple food options - sandwich , cakes , coffee , cool drinks and Icecreams

This place is a treasure!! Excellent selection of food, great value for money, really tasty home cooked food. Can’t wait to go back!! Milkshakes are to die for ! Venue is spotlessly clean.

Such lovely food and very friendly helpful staff.. we love the lovely choices of hot and cold meals and cakes. The tables are cleared and cleaned straight away. We certainly will go there every time we come to Poole.

Dog friendly! Which makes a big impact with us. Food was good (had a carvery roast), prices reasonable, very friendly staff and the place was spotlessly clean with staff constantly going around cleaning tables. Did I mention its dog friendly?

My very best friend and I always have lovely food and the staff always help us to a table thankyou

Excellent food, excellent service.

had 2 cream teas; excellent; put them on a tray and got to the till to collect the teas next minute a young lady of staff took the tray said follow me to a seat;;made my day;

This place has been here years. It is a great place to stop and have a cuppa and a cake or a full meal. The food is really tasty and good size portions. The price are really reasonable. The cakes are really tasty.

A step back in time but very relevant today good meal reasonable price in fact goud value for money as generous portions lots of different choices

Always enjoy going in Clippers. Why have you got a hideous shutters up ?, I thought the place had closed down . Some people told me you’re still there.

Excellent cafeteria type restaurant with a wide range of meals and cakes. All food was piping hot. Very good traditional English cuisine. Another mention to the fantastic, helpful, obliging staff. The icing on the cake is having a good gluten free choice!

Be coming to this place for donkey years, just love the vibe, staff, food is terrific and great value for your Wallett. Great selection and portion, Sizes to fit anyone.

I have been going to this restaurant for many years now, and i have always had a good and very happy visit. All the food is wonderful, particularly the carvery ! I have a large plate full every week, lovely ! Also it has a...

Great price, loads of options. Easy access for the pram. The loaded jacket potato was fantastic

Hair in my Daughter's ham salad baguette, called owner/manager over & we were dealt with in an off hand rude manner. Will not return ever.

Nostalgia I'm glad to see some things don't change