Premier Gastro Pubs in Dorset

Here is a comparison of Gastro Pubs based on food quality, atmosphere, and additional services like accommodation or outdoor seating

The Greyhound Inn in Sydling St Nicholas offers a cosy, traditional vibe with hearty pub classics, possibly featuring local ingredients, given its village setting. Its service might lean towards warm hospitality with a community feel.

The Acorn Inn in Evershot stands out with its 16th-century charm and award-winning status. It offers dining (modern British cuisine), a bar, and accommodation with individually decorated rooms, making it a full gastro pub experience with a focus on quality food and overnight stays.

The Anchor Inn in Seatown, is located near the coast & specialises in seafood alongside pub staples, with a seasonal menu. Its seaside location offers a relaxed, scenic atmosphere, with outdoor seating for views of Lyme Bay.

The Kings Arms in Stoborough, a historic inn, offers a mix of traditional British dishes and a welcoming bar, with a garden area, catering to both locals and visitors exploring the Isle of Purbeck.

The Rose & Crown in Trent, dating back to the 14th century, provides a rustic setting & serves classics like fish and chips alongside more inventive dishes, appealing to foodies seeking a historic vibe.

The Old Thatch in Wimborne, near Stapehill Abbey, likely boasts an award-winning menu with fresh, foraged ingredients, plus a strong drinks selection. Its 17th-century roots suggest a quaint atmosphere, possibly with a beer garden.

The Three Horseshoes in Burton Bradstock offers a friendly, village-pub feel with well-executed pub grub, offering local ales and a garden or terrace for outdoor dining.

The Ship Inn in West Stour, a family-run spot, could prioritise homely service with a traditional bar and hearty meals, possibly including locally sourced produce, in a peaceful rural setting.

The Castle Inn in West Lulworth, close to Lulworth Cove, likely combines a 16th-century inn atmosphere with seasonal menus and accommodation, appealing to walkers and tourists with its courtyard or garden seating.

The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers, known for its fossil museum and coastal views, might offer simple, high-quality pub food (think pasties or ploughman’s) with a focus on local ales, in a quirky, history-rich setting.

The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton, an 18th-century thatched pub, probably excels with innovative, seasonal dishes by its chef-owner, alongside live music and a scenic garden by the Piddle stream.

The Wise Man Inn in West Stafford blends rustic charm with modern British cuisine, possibly offering twists on classics, in a setting ideal for Hardy fans near his cottage.

The Museum Inn in Farnham provides a premium experience with gastropub dining, fine dining options, and stylish rooms, catering to foodies and those seeking a countryside retreat.

The Stapleton Arms in Buckhorn Weston delivers gourmet pub food with boutique rooms, retaining original features like beams and fireplaces for a chic yet traditional stay.

The New Inn in Cerne Abbas offers seasonal, high-quality dishes in a modern-traditional space, with suites for overnight guests, focusing on local produce.

The Chetnole Inn in Chetnole provides straightforward, hearty fare with a modern twist, simple rooms, and a dog-friendly, community-driven atmosphere.

The Greyhound Inn 26 High Street Sydling St Nicholas Dorchester Dorset DT2 9PD  

The Acorn Inn 28 Fore Street Evershot Dorchester Dorset DT2 0JW  

The Anchor Inn Seatown Bridport Dorset DT6 6JU  

The Kings Arms Stoborough Wareham Dorset BH20 5AB  

The Rose & Crown Trent Sherborne Dorset DT9 4SL  

The Old Thatch Stapehill Road Wimborne Dorset BH21 7NF  

The Three Horseshoes Pub and Kitchen Burton Bradstock Bridport Dorset DT6 4QZ  

The Ship Inn West Stour Gillingham Dorset SP8 5RP  

The Castle Inn Main Road West Lulworth Wareham Dorset BH20 5RN  

The Square and Compass Worth Matravers Swanage Dorset BH19 3LF  

The Thimble Inn Piddlehinton Dorchester Dorset DT2 7TD  

The Wise Man Inn West Stafford Dorchester Dorset DT2 8AG  

The Museum Inn Farnham Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 8DE  

The Stapleton Arms Church Hill Buckhorn Weston Gillingham Dorset SP8 5HS  

The New Inn 14 Long Street Cerne Abbas Dorchester Dorset DT2 7JF  

The Chetnole Inn Chetnole Sherborne Dorset DT9 6NU  

The White Post Rimpton Yeovil Dorset BA22 8AR