The Riverside is a country pub and restaurant set beside Tuckton Bridge on the eastern edge of Bournemouth, where the River Stour winds its way down towards Christchurch Harbour. Part of the local Eat Drink Meet group, it trades on a simple, winning combination — a generous garden right on the water and a broad, crowd-pleasing menu that runs from stone-baked pizzas to aged-steak grills.
The food
The kitchen keeps things familiar and comforting, blending traditional British pub cooking with a few Mediterranean-inspired touches. Grills are a real draw, with steaks such as a 30-day-aged rib-eye taking pride of place, alongside gourmet burgers, hand-battered fish and chips, steak and ale pie and stone-baked pizzas. There’s usually a good showing of seafood too — dishes like king prawn, crab and chorizo linguine have featured — and the menu shifts with the seasons. Sundays bring proper roasts, from sirloin of beef to slow-cooked pork belly with all the trimmings. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, and there’s a dedicated children’s menu, though as recipes change it’s worth checking the current menu and flagging any allergies with staff.
The setting
The big draw here is the water. The pub has its own courtyard, garden and decked terrace looking out over the River Stour — an easy, unhurried spot for al fresco dining in warmer months, or for a drink from a well-stocked bar of real ales, wines, beers and premium spirits. Inside, it keeps a relaxed, homely country-pub feel: warm, casual and geared towards long, lazy meals rather than anything formal. It’s dog-friendly outside, family-friendly throughout, and equally happy hosting a quiet lunch or a larger celebration, with private dining and function space available.
Where it is
You’ll find The Riverside at 220 Belle Vue Road (BH6 3BA), right by Tuckton Bridge on the Bournemouth side of the Stour. Its position makes it genuinely handy — a short hop from Southbourne and Wick, moments from the peaceful green of Tuckton Gardens, and just across the water from Christchurch with its priory, quay and harbour. Central Bournemouth is roughly a fifteen-minute drive, and there’s plenty of on-site parking, a rare luxury this close to the coast.
Good to know
This is a reliable, good-value all-rounder rather than a special-occasion splurge, and it draws a steady, loyal local crowd across the week. You can often walk in for a casual meal, but weekends, sunny days and Sunday lunch get busy, so booking ahead is sensible — especially for a table in the garden or for larger groups. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served, and takeaway is available too. For current opening hours, the full menu and to reserve a table, it’s best to check the restaurant’s website directly.
For more places to eat along this stretch of coast, browse the rest of our food & drink guide — and if you’re making a day of it, pair a meal here with a riverside walk or a trip across to Christchurch Quay. For the latest menu, opening times and bookings, contact The Riverside directly.