NESTLED in the heart of Poole, just a stone’s throw from Poole Quay, is the Guildhall Tavern. As you step off the quaint cobbled streets you are greeted in to an authentic French milieu, set inside this pretty listed building. It is here where husband and wife Frederic and Severine Seweryn have developed their love of food and a love of fresh local seafood.

The Guildhall Tavern has been run by Frederic and Severine since 2000. Over the last 13 years their hard work and quality French cuisine has not gone unnoticed. They were ‘Highly Commended’ when they won the Bournemouth Tourism Award in 2012 – the Daily Echo people’s Choice Award – and have been awarded two prestigious Michelin Forks. They are also listed in the Michelin Guide 2013 as well as the esteemed Harden’s Guide and the Good Food Guide.

Head chef, proprietor and father of two Frederic, 40, was born in Cannes in the South of France. He trained in the French Riviera at the renowned Cannes Nice restaurant in Marseille, a famous city along the beautiful Côte d’Azur.

Frederic said: “I came to England 15 years ago and worked in a French restaurant called Le Petit St Tropez on Bridge Street in Christchurch for two years. I wanted to learn English and made some good business connections which helped us set up the business.

“I came to England for experience and I wanted to see something else. “People dream of going to the South of France but I had spent 25 years there and I wanted to see something different. “When I saw an advert in the paper for a job in Christchurch I came here. We have lots of friends in the community now.”

As head chef, Frederic is passionate about bringing French specialities to the seaside town of Poole and is excited to work directly with local fishermen, utilising produce right on our doorstep.

“I love my food, especially fish. We do simple things here. It’s not too complicated and that’s what people like. “People can spend a lot of money in some places and they get a tiny scallop, or they pay for the surroundings. “Here, we keep it simple. When people come here they get no fuss, just fresh local produce, quality, quantity in lovely surroundings.

“I’m also very proud of our excellent customer service. The front of house staff are well trained – some have been here for 10 years – and they have a great rapport with the customers. Attention to detail is very important,” enthused Frederic.

“I am here cooking every day and I look at each plate before it leaves the kitchen.

“This is my only business so I don’t delegate, I am very hands on and I’m very proud of that.”

With an extensive menu including house specialities of locally landed fish, oysters – caught just a few miles away from the restaurants – squid, Dover sole, crab and lobster, meat, vegetarian dishes, an extensive wine list and cognacs, and a new Fruit De Mer takeaway service, there is an abundance of classic dishes to suit everyone.

Frederic and Severine also host popular French Evenings that give you the chance to immerse yourself in French culture with a special menu, live music and a French Quiz. Upcoming dates include August 7-8, September 11-12, October 16-17 and November 16-17.