IT seems Dorset is the “plaice” to be as far as Dermot O’Leary is concerned. This July the presenter will open a new restaurant in Poole, which he hopes will have the coveted “X-Factor”.

Dubbed Fishy Fishy (no prizes for guessing what it specialises in), the brasserie is a joint venture with two of Dermot’s best pals – James Ginzler and Paul Shovlin – and they hope it will enjoy similar success to its sister restaurant in Brighton.

“Opening our own restaurant was something we’d dreamed of for a long time… and we’re loving every minute of it,” says Dermot.

“We know that there will be a lot of hard work involved in making a success of Poole and maintaining Brighton’s reputation, but we feel ready for the challenge and very fortunate to have the opportunity to do what we love in another town.”

The restaurant on Dolphin Quays (formerly the Bamboula Café and the old Poole Pottery site), which overlooks the marina and Brownsea Island, has been unoccupied for eight months and is set to be renovated to seat 130 customers, offering both inside and al fresco dining.

“Like Brighton, Poole has a great fishing community at the heart of it and a fresh, seaside feel,” says James.

“The Quay is a busy, prosperous area and we hope to be able to contribute to that by working alongside other local businesses.”

So why Poole?

“When I visited Poole, I fell in love with it. The local people have been very welcoming, great fun and made us feel at home,” says Paul.

“The restaurant location is ideal, with beautiful views overlooking the marina.”

Dermot is the latest celebrity to “mussel” in on Dorset’s hip culinary reputation. Over the last few years the county has become the trendy place to be for foodies, with a number of high-profile chefs opening restaurants in Dorset including Gary Rhodes, Hugh Fearnely-Whittingstall and Mark Hix.

So what can we expect from Dermot’s latest venture? Well the reviews of his Brighton restaurant are mixed but generally favourable.

In her critique Tracey MacLeod of the Independent gave it three stars, concluding: “As they say on The X Factor, Dermot, you’re going through.”

Guardian writer, Matthew Norman, was slightly more measured in his praise: “By no means is this a bad restaurant, or one without potential. It means well (sustainable fish) and is eager to please. But what this show is all about is discovering real talent, and on this early form Fishy Fishy is rather more Same Difference than Leona Lewis.”

Meanwhile Lisa at View Brighton Review waxed lyrical about the establishment, giving it five stars. “With their commitment to sustainable fish, local suppliers, superb prices and superlative cooking and service, the restaurant deserves to be one of the most successful in Brighton,” she gushed.

Watch out for the Daily Echo’s very own review when the restaurant opens in July.