SACRÉ BLEU! Did you know that 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 into 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 particularly, 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, pictured inset, 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.

“People dream of going to the South of France but I had spent 25 years there and I wanted to see something different.”

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.

“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.”

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 September 11-12, October 16-17 and November 16-17.