The Merchant's Cellar

29 Market Close, Poole BH15 1NE
$$ European

Enter Mr Adey’s 18th century vaulted wine cellar. He was a local wine merchant who sourced the best wine and port from across the globe, brought it back to Poole and stored it in this room. We thought we would follow in his footsteps…

Indulge yourself in unique surroundings surrounded by old oak barrels and bottles of wine. Our food menu offers more than 40 different cheeses, a selection of charcuterie, seafood and vegetarian and vegan options. There is something for everyone to enjoy. What better way to accompany world-class wine than with a great selection of sharing boards, and home-made dishes?

The idea to create the Merchant’s Cellar came from many years of travelling to France and seeing how the locals of Toulouse and Bordeaux enjoy fantastic food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere, no plates full of fancy food, just cheese, meat, wine and lots of fresh bread. When the opportunity arose to take on the Blue Boar, we found the ideal place to recreate those bars under the streets of Poole.

We are all about being a place to sit down, relax and enjoy the company of others while taking time to eat and drink between storytelling and laughter.

Reservations

Business Info

  • Address: 29 Market Close, Poole BH15 1NE
  • Cross Street: Poole
  • Cuisine: Continental | European | French | Oyster Bar | Seafood | Spanish | Vegetarian |
  • Cost: | Inexpensive
  • Category: Casual Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual
  • Meals Served: Dinner |
  • Parking: Public Lot |
  • Payment Options: VISA | MasterCard | Cash | Apple Pay | Android Pay | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Phone: 01202677785
  • Features: Late Dining, Live Entertainment, Takeout Available, Winning Wine List, Lounge / Bar,
  • Occasion: Romantic Dining, Meet for a Drink, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Trendy / Hip, Date Night,

Photos

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
False

Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.9 out of 5 stars based on 108 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 11, 2023
Tara W.
Excellent evening, wonderful atmosphere and great music! The venue is gorgeous and the food and wine is really good value for the quality it is. Will definitely be back for the next event!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 26, 2022
Andrea L.
Enjoyed greatly. Love ambience. Will return

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 24, 2022
Linda T.
This is a fantastic place. Cheese and meat sharing platter is amazing!! And great value. Can’t recommend highly enough

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 13, 2022
Simon W.
Loved it. Really cosy and atmospheric. The staff member, Amber was brilliant throughout.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Sep 29, 2022
James B.
Very nice food & very strong drinks

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 29, 2022
Claire P.
A fab evening with friends. Food was great and very good value too.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 24, 2022
Luci L.
Great food, great hosts and yummy food!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 16, 2022
Nichola W.
The waiter was so knowledgeable and the food and wine generous in portion and tasted amazing! An incredible ambient venue 5 stars

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 05, 2022
Andrew T.
First visit, really enjoyed the cosy candlelit ambience of the cellar. James explained immediately that staffing was tight due to COVID illness, so he was pretty stretched, but despite this the service was excellent and attentive when necessary, and he was a very welcoming and warm host. It was a nice touch to have complimentary olives and balsamic dip with a few toasts while we considered the mouthwatering menu. We didn't want the boards exactly as they were described, but rather a mix and match, which was readily accommodated. Each of the meats and cheeses that arrived were explained, and they were all delicious. The Soignon goat's cheese, and Cashel blue were a particular revelation. Along with the pickles and fresh bread (which was topped up for us) it was an ample share. Both carafes of white and red were excellent, and we were even treated to a couple of 'tester' wines, just because they were available. Great value, great experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 20, 2022
Lauren G.
From the moment we walked through the door the service was absolutely exceptional. The food was excellent and the selection of wines we had were some of the best in the world. We highly recommend your establishment and thank you James for going above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and welcome. We will definitely be back again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 14, 2021
Darren R.
Fantastic night great venue,food drink and service Thankyou

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 01, 2021
Leanne T.
We had a wonderful visit for my husbands birthday, a great experience just the right amount of attention from staff. The food was delicious and had a delightful variety, a few items missing from the menu on the day were pointed out straight away and alternatives offered when on the sharing platters. A great place, wish we lived closer and could come back. If ever in Poole again without doubt will book in again.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 31, 2021
Julian B.
Couldn't fault anything from the greeting on entry, the service and advice, nothing was too much trouble, had a great evening

Overall: 9/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 31, 2022
Chris P.
This is an unusual restaurant. It’s situated in wonderfully constructed brick cellars which have been tastefully fitted out. The menu is fairly limited but with a good selection of smaller dishes and tapas. The food is extremely well prepared. There’s a good drinks selection and a very good value wine list. The service is very friendly and efficient. A must try if you’re visiting Poole.

Overall: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Aug 27, 2022
Lorraine W.
2nd visit and have really enjoyed both visits. Feel it just needs a little marketing to get its name out there