MY favourite places to eat are always ones where you have to shake sand off flip-flopped or booted feet at the door.

Whatever the weather, and however humble the food, it’s always better enjoyed with a view of the sea.

At Sandbanks Beach Café there’s the added bonus of a double view of the water – plenty of glass in the building at this thinnest part of the peninsula means that Poole Harbour is just as easily viewed across the road at the back of the café as the wide sweep of the bay is in front.

Café describes exactly what it is – a place where you queue up to order food and drink, self-service tray in hand. But, of course, the location – in one of the most valuable real estate areas in the world, and on a fantastic stretch of beach – means it also has illusions of something a little bit grander, with prices to match. But views like this are worth paying a bit more for.

Three of us went for a mid-week lunch on a breezy, overcast day just before the hordes of holiday-makers began their sojourn for the season.

It’s a relaxed, popular place for locals to linger over a coffee with the papers, or to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. A huge array of cakes, scones and meringues tempts from a very impressive display, and there’s a special offer of tea or coffee for two with two slices of cake for £6.95.

The lunch menu includes paninis, a pie of the day, a burger and the traditional favourite fish and chips.

We chose a vegetarian panini, the goat’s cheese and caramelised onion tart, and fish and chips.

The haddock was well cooked in a very light batter, with mushy peas on the side and plenty of chips – served wittily in paper and judged very good.

The panini, served with chips, was tasty. The goat’s cheese tart was a puff pastry version, served with salad leaves on the top and accompanied by chips. It was light and delightful, but slightly spoiled by the surprisingly odd salad dressing, served in an accompanying tiny pot, which was full of Asian flavours and sesame seeds and sat strangely with the Mediterranean-style tart. I’d recommend a sachet of mayonnaise in preference.

One excellent thing about the café’s upmarket leanings is the availability of a good glass of wine to go with lunch – which helps towards the feeling of a holiday treat on your own doorstep.

Children are well catered for with a great idea - their own packed lunch-style meal served in a brightly coloured sandcastle bucket.

Our lunch, including two glasses of wine and a soft drink, came to £37.10.