Jenkins & Sons is a neighbourhood bar and grill in Penn Hill, a leafy pocket of Poole between Parkstone and Ashley Cross. It's housed in a converted 1920s fishmongers and butchers on Penn Hill Avenue, a fitting touch given the kitchen still centres its menu on quality local meat and fish. Part café, part cocktail bar and part restaurant, it has grown into a genuine community hub rather than a single-purpose dining room.
The food
Cooking over fire sits at the heart of the operation. Locally sourced meat and fish are chargrilled over charcoal, while a wood-fired oven produces pizzas alongside the grill's output. Expect steaks and burgers, chicken wings and generous plates, plus a well-regarded Sunday roast that draws a loyal weekend crowd. At weekends the kitchen opens early for breakfast and brunch too, so it works as well for a morning coffee as for an evening meal. Vegetarians and vegans aren't overlooked either, meat-free choices run across the menu, including plant-based options on burger night, though as the offering shifts with the seasons, check the restaurant's website for the current menu before visiting.
Drinks play an equally important role. Alongside the food, expect British craft beers, cocktails and a thoughtful wine list, and the venue embraces its bar side with a daily happy hour and a changing programme of themed evenings through the week.
Atmosphere
The mood here is warm, informal and slightly quirky. The décor references the building's history while still feeling firmly rooted in the neighbourhood, with community noticeboards announcing local happenings and a well-loved "Dogs of Jenkins" photo board celebrating regulars' four-legged companions, a clear sign that dogs are welcome. Themed nights, live music and a quiz keep the calendar full and the room sociable, making it a reliable option for friends catching up or a larger group after somewhere relaxed. It's built for lingering rather than a quick, formal dinner.
Where it is
Jenkins & Sons is located at Bank Chambers, 7-8 Penn Hill Avenue, Poole, BH14 9NB, set within a parade of independent shops that gives Penn Hill its village character. It's an easy trip from Poole Quay, Parkstone and the golden sands of Sandbanks, fitting neatly into a broader day out in Poole. The restaurant sits on a residential high street with on-street and nearby parking, so check local signage for restrictions, or ask the team for their recommendations when booking.
Good to know
Booking ahead is sensible, particularly for weekends, Sunday lunch and the busier themed nights, reservations can be made online through the restaurant's website, though walk-ins are often welcomed at quieter times. Prices, promotions and opening hours are all subject to change, so treat any offers you've heard of as a guide and confirm the details directly. For the full picture on menus and dietary needs, the venue itself remains the best source.
Wondering where else to eat while exploring the coast? Browse more of our food & drink guide to pair a meal at Jenkins & Sons with the rest of a day around Poole and Bournemouth.