Jenkins & Sons is a neighbourhood bar and grill in Penn Hill, a leafy pocket of Poole between Parkstone and Ashley Cross. It occupies a converted 1920s fishmongers and butchers on Penn Hill Avenue — a fitting bit of continuity, given the kitchen still builds its menu around good local meat and fish. Part café, part cocktail bar and part restaurant, it has grown into a genuine community hub rather than a one-note dining room.
The food
The heart of the operation is cooking over fire. Locally sourced meat and fish are chargrilled over charcoal, and a wood-fired oven turns out pizzas alongside the grill. Expect steaks and burgers, chicken wings and hearty plates, with a well-regarded Sunday roast that draws a loyal weekend crowd. At the weekend the kitchen also opens early for breakfast and brunch, so it works just as well for a morning coffee as an evening out. Vegetarians and vegans are catered for — there are meat-free choices across the menu, including plant-based options on burger night — though the menu shifts with the seasons, so it’s worth checking the current menu on the restaurant’s website before you go.
Drinks matter here too. Alongside the food you’ll find British craft beers, cocktails and a considered wine list, and the venue leans happily into its bar side with a daily happy hour and a rotating set of themed evenings through the week.
Atmosphere
The mood is warm, informal and a little bit quirky. The décor nods to the building’s past while feeling firmly of the neighbourhood, with community noticeboards flagging what’s on and a much-loved “Dogs of Jenkins” photo board celebrating the regulars’ four-legged companions — a fair sign that dogs are welcome. Themed nights, live music and a quiz keep the diary busy and the room sociable, which makes it a reliable choice for friends catching up or a larger group after somewhere relaxed. It’s the kind of place designed for lingering rather than a quick, formal dinner.
Where it is
You’ll find Jenkins & Sons at Bank Chambers, 7-8 Penn Hill Avenue, Poole, BH14 9NB, tucked into a parade of independent shops that gives Penn Hill its village feel. It’s an easy hop from Poole Quay, Parkstone and the golden sands of Sandbanks, so it slots neatly into a wider day out in Poole. The restaurant sits on a residential high street with on-street and nearby parking — do check local signage for restrictions, or ask the team about the best options when you book.
Good to know
Booking 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 fine at quieter times. Prices, promotions and opening hours all shift, so treat any offers you’ve heard about as a guide and confirm the details directly. For the full picture on menus and dietary needs, the venue itself is always the best source.
Planning where else to eat while you’re on 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.