The laid-back Beach House Café (01202 423474) is sand-spit central – the hub of the community. Hang out on the sheltered terrace overlooking the marina and enjoy a huge variety of modern British grub, including a children’s menu. It also offers an amazingly well-stocked kiosk selling cereal, booze, toiletries, plus anything else that you might have forgotten. For a change of scenery, the Haven Café (01425 272609) on Mudeford Quay offers lattés, teas and standard tourist stuff. Fish fanatics will appreciate the stall on the quay. Buy locally caught turbot, whiting and skate in season to frazzle on the BBQ later, or some fresh snacks to nibble on there and then – polystyrene cup, plastic fork – you know the drill. For Sainsbury’s or Waitrose drive to Christchurch.
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