Sunday Roast with a View at Riggers Restaurant RNLI Poole

If you’re in Poole and looking for a Sunday roast that goes beyond the ordinary, Riggers Restaurant at RNLI College is the place to be. Perched on the waterfront with stunning harbour views, this unique restaurant combines hearty, delicious meals with the chance to connect with the heroic work of the RNLI. From generous portions of roast vegetables and a perfectly cooked lentil Wellington to indulgent desserts, every visit is as memorable as the setting itself. Whether you’re stopping by for a bistro lunch, afternoon tea, or a full three-course roast, dining here is an experience that feeds both body and soul—and every pound you spend helps save lives at sea.

Discovering RNLI College: More Than a Restaurant

The RNLI College in Poole serves as the headquarters for the RNLI, a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea. Visiting RNLI College allows guests to not only enjoy outstanding food but also to connect with the heroic work of lifeboat crews and seasonal lifeguards. For those curious about the RNLI's mission, it stands for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a lifeline for anyone in peril on the UK and Irish coasts.

RNLI College is more than a restaurant. Guests can stay at the RNLI hotel Poole, indulge in afternoon teas, enjoy meals from the bistro menu, or explore the RNLI Discovery Tours to see behind-the-scenes training in the Sea Survival Centre and lifeboat simulator. Every pound spent here directly contributes to life-saving work at sea.

The Setting: A View Like No Other

Upon arriving at RNLI College, you are immediately struck by the location. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the RNLI harbour and lifeboats ready for action, providing a living backdrop of bravery and maritime heritage. The combination of sea views, the bustling RNLI activity, and the comfortable interiors of the restaurant makes dining here an immersive experience.

Whether you are seated by the window in Riggers Restaurant or enjoying afternoon tea in the bright, airy rooms, the views create an unforgettable atmosphere.

A Sunday Roast at Riggers Restaurant

I visited RNLI College on a Sunday, specifically to enjoy their renowned Sunday roast. During my visit, I opted for the three-course roast meal priced at £30, including a drink—a remarkably reasonable price given the generous portions and quality.

For starter, I enjoyed a beautifully crafted root vegetable soup. It was rich, comforting, and prepared with fresh ingredients, perfectly warming on a crisp day by the sea.

The main course, a lentil and vegetable Wellington, was an impressive highlight. Served with all the trimmings—broccoli, carrots, potatoes, a massive Yorkshire pudding, and cauliflower cheese—it was hearty and satisfying. The Wellington itself was perfectly cooked, showcasing a flaky pastry encasing a flavourful and well-seasoned vegetable and lentil filling. The portions were generous, making the meal excellent value.

Dessert was a showstopper: sticky toffee pudding paired with chantilly cream. Moist, rich, and indulgent, it was the perfect end to a thoughtfully prepared meal. Riggers Restaurant clearly pays attention to quality and portion sizes, offering dishes that leave guests full and impressed.

For those considering one course (£17) or two courses (£23), the options remain excellent, though the three-course roast is the full experience. Please see menu here.

Bistro Menu and Afternoon Teas

In addition to the roast menu, RNLI College offers a bistro menu with lighter options, fresh salads, and sandwiches. The bistro provides a relaxed dining experience ideal for lunch or casual visits.

Afternoon teas are another highlight, offering a traditional treat with cakes, finger sandwiches, and freshly brewed teas, all served in a charming setting overlooking the harbour. Every bite and sip supports the vital work of the RNLI. For bookings and details, visit the RNLI College afternoon tea page.

Why RNLI College Stands Out

What makes RNLI College unique compared to other restaurants in Poole is not just the food. It is the context, the history, and the cause behind every visit. Founded in 1824, the RNLI has been saving lives at sea for nearly two centuries, relying entirely on donations and volunteer support.

By dining at RNLI College, guests contribute to this vital work. Every £1 spent supports training, equipment, and the operational readiness of lifeboat crews. It is a meal with purpose.

The College itself is a centre of excellence for training lifeboat crews and lifeguards, making it more than a tourist attraction. Guests can book tours of the training grounds, interact with the staff, and take part in Discovery Tours that provide a rare glimpse into the day-to-day lives of RNLI crews.

RNLI College Hotel Poole: Extend Your Visit

For those seeking a complete experience, staying at the RNLI hotel Poole transforms a simple meal into a mini-break. Harbour-facing rooms offer spectacular views, allowing guests to wake up to the sight of lifeboats and the sea. The hotel also hosts conferences and private events, blending the practical with the memorable.

Local Significance and Tourism Appeal

Poole is known for its maritime heritage, and RNLI College fits seamlessly into this narrative while standing out due to its unique combination of gastronomy and charity work. Local restaurants offer excellent food, but few can match the layered experience of Riggers Restaurant. Guests not only enjoy a meal but also gain insight into the history and operations of the RNLI, enriching their visit to the town. This makes RNLI College a must-see for tourists and a point of pride for locals.

A Commitment to Sustainability

RNLI College demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. From sourcing ingredients thoughtfully to maintaining environmentally conscious operations, your visit supports not just lifesaving at sea but also broader community values. It is a destination where you can enjoy responsibly, knowing your contribution has multiple positive impacts.

Pricing and Value

Riggers Restaurant offers impressive value. A single course starts at £17, two courses are £23, and the full three-course Sunday roast is £29. Considering the portion sizes, quality, and view, this is exceptional. My own meal, at £30 including a drink, felt like a feast that could rival fine dining establishments in the area, with the added bonus that my spend supports a life-saving charity. Meals cater to a variety of tastes, with options including seasonal vegetables, hearty roasts, indulgent desserts, and bistro dishes.

More Than a Meal

Dining at Riggers Restaurant in RNLI College is an experience that engages all the senses and leaves a lasting impression. The combination of stunning sea views, generous and delicious meals, and the opportunity to contribute to a charitable mission makes it a destination like no other. Whether enjoying a three-course Sunday roast, afternoon tea, or a stay in the RNLI hotel, every visit supports the essential work of lifeboat crews and lifeguards, ensuring they remain ready to save lives at sea.

RNLI College is not just a restaurant. It is a gateway to understanding the bravery and dedication of lifeboat volunteers. It is a place where hospitality meets heroism, and every visitor becomes part of a story that has been unfolding for nearly 200 years. It is this unique blend of gastronomy, history, and philanthropy that makes RNLI College a must-visit when in Poole.

Key Details for Visitors

• Location: RNLI College, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ

• Dining Options: Riggers Restaurant lunch and dinner, bistro menu, afternoon teas, drinks at Slipway Bar

• Accommodation: Harbour-facing rooms at RNLI hotel Poole

• Tours: RNLI College Discovery Tours

• Website: RNLI College Website

Getting There

RNLI College is easy to reach, whether you are driving, walking, or using public transport.

By Car: There is an on-site car park for visitors, with a pay machine where you register your stay. The car park provides direct access to RNLI College and Riggers Restaurant, so you can enjoy your visit without worrying about parking further away. Directions from Poole town centre and surrounding areas are clear, and the RNLI College website provides detailed guidance for first-time visitors.

By Bus: Several local bus routes stop near RNLI College. From Poole bus station, it is roughly a 20-minute walk to the College, or a short taxi ride if preferred. This is a convenient option for visitors planning to enjoy a leisurely Sunday roast, bistro meal, or afternoon tea. Full bus route information is available on the Poole Transport pages.

By Train: Poole railway station is approximately a 10-minute walk from RNLI College, making it extremely convenient for visitors travelling by rail. From the station, enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront leading directly to the College, or take a quick taxi if you prefer. This makes RNLI College an ideal destination for day-trippers from London, Bournemouth, or other parts of the UK. Detailed walking directions are available on the RNLI College website.