EST.2019
Going Dutch
Our Story
Dicky’s Brasserie & Bar was founded by Dick and Paul in 2018, opening its doors to guests in July 2019 after a full refurbishment of our Southbourne home.
Dick, originally from the Netherlands, brought a touch of Dutch influence to our menu — including our much-loved Dutch Biefstuk and bitterballen. His passion for great food and hospitality began back in 1989 at The Woolpack Inn, Sopley, where he turned a struggling pub into a thriving local favourite. Paul joined the team soon after, and together they went on to run several successful pubs, including The Rising Sun in Purewell and later in Poole.
When the chance came to open a new place in Southbourne, Dicky’s was born — a welcoming, family-led brasserie built on years of experience and a shared love for great food, great people, and great service.
In November 2020, Dick sadly passed away after a short illness. Paul and his team continue the journey ensuring that every guest experience lives up to the passion, standards, and spirit that Dick inspired.
Bitterballen
Bitterballen are one of the most beloved Dutch snacks — small, round, deep-fried croquettes filled with a rich, savory beef ragout. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and are almost always enjoyed beer and some mustard for dipping.
Biefstuk
A pre-opening trip in 2018 to Noordwijk in Holland for Dick & Paul to get ideas for the menu and the love affair started with the famous Dutch Biefstuk, thanks to the wonderful cafe Thomas! A Dutch biefstuk is a traditional Dutch-style beef steak — a tender, pan-fried steak that’s known for its simplicity and buttery flavour. The word biefstuk literally comes from the English beef steak, but in the Netherlands it refers to a very specific style of preparation. Pan fried in butter, the outside is browned but the inside is served medium rare, with a unique gravy, fries and of course bread for mopping.