Q&A Sage Bristo - Old Town Poole

Few places hold our attention quite like Sage Bistro in Poole, which opened in July last year. This little place is helmed by Neil and Katy, a couple effortlessly showcasing some of Dorset’s finest local produce. But they do it in a way that really makes sense, and makes you feel at ease too, because dining is all about how you feel right. Laid back, relaxed, comfortable. These guys have nailed it, they offer it in spades, and we can’t think of a better date night spot this month. Book a table, hole up in there for the evening, and have your heart stolen for a few hours of epic eating.

We caught up with Neil in between service for a few quick fire questions. Here he is:

Getting the mood in the dining room is no easy feat. What’s your go-to tunes to set the tone?
Anything bluesy really. That’s the way we usually go. White stripes, Jo Cocker, The Stones.

And post service clean down, what’s the kitchen playing then?
Something loud and fast like Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd is great clean down music.

How do you brew coffee at home?
At home we brew in a cafetiere, usually Shaka. At work Katy keeps us caffeinated with espresso from the coffee machine.

Unsung Dorset produce, tell us. What should we be paying attention to?
In the restaurant we use Candy’s Farm in Corfe Mullen for our meats, and Greenslade for local fish. Then for drinks we use Sandbanks Brewery Bitter and Cranborne Chase for cider, and we have a sparkling wine from English Oak Vineyard in Lychett.

Finally, what’s your tips on seasonal produce, what’s hitting its peak in February?
Mackerel, Yorkshire forced rhubarb (not local, but it’s the best), also Muntjac, which is a small deer. Purple sprouting broccoli is in too.

Neil And Katy run Sage Bistro in Old Town Poole, find them on Instagram @sagebistro