Aruba

If you’ve been enjoying a day at the seaside and don’t want to leave the beach vibes behind, a visit to this charming eatery is a must. Situated at the head of Bournemouth Pier, the views from Aruba are truly stunning, but it’s worth turning your attention away from the breathtaking vista to check out the menu.

We started with a sharing board of duck spring rolls, barbecue chicken wings, calamari, chilli cheese fries, mozzarella sticks and rustic bread served with dips. Tastebuds duly tempted, we moved on to mains. For me it had to be the truly delicious southern-fried chicken, while my friend selected the classic burger served with bacon, Cheddar, relish and crispy fries. Finally, we succumbed to the temptation of a brownie sundae sharer, adding a shot of Baileys for extra indulgence.

Feeling pleasantly satisfied, we wandered out to the terrace to watch the sun set over the harbour and enjoy a selection of cocktails – my favourite being the spiced-berry Mojito. With its unsurpassed ocean views and great-value food, Aruba is a fantastic place to bring all the family. After dinner on Friday and Saturday, it transforms into a late-night bar with a DJ, giving you the perfect opportunity to try out the extensive selection of rum cocktails.