Dorset's pubs are more than just places to grab a pint, offering a mix of history, character, and top-notch hospitality. Here’s an exploration of five standout pubs in Dorset, each with its own unique charm, comparing their food, drink selections, locations, ambience, atmosphere, child and pet friendliness, events, parking, and what keeps customers coming back.
1st May 2025
Dorset's pubs are more than just places to grab a pint, offering a mix of history, character, and top-notch hospitality.
Here’s an exploration of five standout pubs in Dorset, each with its own unique charm, comparing their food, drink selections, locations, ambience, atmosphere, child and pet friendliness, events, parking, and what keeps customers coming back.
Square and Compass in Worth Matravers
This pub is a gem perched near the Jurassic Coast. What makes it unique is its no-nonsense, old-school vibe—think stone floors, wooden benches, and a fossil museum tucked into one corner, a nod to the area’s prehistoric past.
The food is simple but spot-on: homemade pasties and pies, often paired with local cheeses, showcasing Dorset’s produce without fuss.
Drink-wise, it’s a real ale and cider paradise, with a rotating lineup from nearby breweries like Hattie Brown’s and homemade ciders that pack a punch.
Its location, a short stumble from the South West Coast Path, offers sweeping sea views that amplify the rugged, timeless feel.
The ambience is laid-back yet lively, with a crowd of walkers, locals, and musicians creating a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s not overtly child-friendly—there’s no play area—but well-behaved kids are welcome, and dogs are practically part of the furniture, often sprawled by the fire.
Regular live music nights keep the place buzzing, and while parking is limited to a small gravel patch, it’s manageable outside peak times.
Customers love the authenticity—reviews rave about the “proper pub feel” and the unbeatable combination of ales and scenery.
Greyhound Inn in Corfe Castle
This pub sits in the shadow of the iconic ruins, making its location a standout feature. It’s unique for its blend of history and modern comforts, with a 17th-century exterior hiding a sleek, updated interior.
Food here leans towards gastro-pub territory—think wood-fired pizzas, seafood platters, and hearty roasts, all crafted with local ingredients. The drinks menu is broad, featuring cask ales like Ringwood Best, a solid wine list, and even cocktails for a twist.
Nestled in the Purbeck Hills, it’s a postcard-perfect spot with a garden offering castle views. The ambience strikes a balance between cosy and contemporary, with exposed beams and plush seating, while the atmosphere hums with a mix of tourists and villagers.
It’s notably child-friendly, with a kids’ menu and space to roam, and dogs are warmly welcomed, often with treats on hand.
Events like quiz nights and seasonal festivals add a lively edge, and a decent-sized car park takes the stress off arriving.
Punters adore the friendly service and the view—many call it “the best pub garden in Dorset.”
The Acorn Inn in Evershot
This pub steps into the spotlight with its literary pedigree—Thomas Hardy namechecked it as “The Sow and Acorn” in his novels. This 16th-century coaching inn oozes character, from its oak beams to its inglenook fireplace.
The food is a cut above, blending pub classics like fish and chips with refined dishes like venison or crab risotto, all sourced locally. Drinks are equally impressive, with Butcombe ales, a deep wine selection, and local gins stealing the show.
Tucked in a quiet village in Hardy’s Wessex, its location feels like a step back in time, enhancing the snug, rustic ambience. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, perfect for a fireside chat.
It’s child-friendly with a kids’ menu, and dogs are not just tolerated but celebrated, with water bowls and treats aplenty.
Occasional live music and themed dinners keep things interesting, and a small car park fits the village scale.
Customers rave about the food quality and the “cosy, historic charm”—it’s a place where you linger.
The Brewers Arms in Martinstown
This pub offers a quintessential village pub vibe with a 17th-century twist. Its uniqueness lies in its unspoilt simplicity—think low ceilings, flagstone floors, and a log fire that’s the heart of the place.
Food is hearty and honest: Sunday roasts, homemade pies, and fresh fish, all using Dorset’s bounty. The drink offerings lean traditional—Palmars ales dominate, alongside farm cider and a modest but decent wine list.
Just outside Dorchester, its rural setting adds to the peaceful, homely ambience, with a garden for summer days. The atmosphere is pure community—locals trade stories over pints, and newcomers feel like regulars fast.
It’s child-friendly with a play area out back, and dogs are a fixture, often snoozing by the hearth.
Events are low-key—think quiz nights or the odd folk session—and parking’s easy with a good-sized lot.
Reviews highlight the “friendly landlord” and “proper pub grub,” making it a local treasure.
The Anchor Inn in Seaton
This pub rounds out our list with its jaw-dropping position overlooking Chesil Beach. Its uniqueness is all about location—a clifftop perch with sea views that pair perfectly with a pint.
Food is a seafood-heavy delight: think crab sandwiches, moules marinières, and daily fish specials, though meaty options like burgers hold their own. Drinks shine with local Palmars ales, Dorset spirits for cocktails, and a solid wine lineup.
The coastal setting near Golden Cap fuels a breezy, nautical ambience, with a modernised interior that keeps things comfortable. The atmosphere is relaxed yet buzzing, especially in summer when the garden fills up.
It’s child-friendly with a kids’ menu, and dogs are welcome inside and out, often with a bowl of water waiting.
Live music and seasonal events like seafood nights add flair, and a small car park (plus nearby roadside options) keeps access smooth. Customers can’t get enough of the “stunning views” and “fresh fish”—it’s a coastal classic.
Our Summary
Comparing these five, the Square and Compass wins for raw authenticity and ale variety, while the Greyhound Inn edges out on family appeal and parking.
The Acorn Inn takes the crown for food finesse and historical allure, the Brewers Arms for village soul, and the Anchor Inn for unbeatable scenery. All offer strong local drinks, but the Anchor and Acorn push the boat out with cocktails and spirits.
Ambience-wise, they range from rugged (Square and Compass) to refined (Acorn), with atmospheres that shift from lively to tranquil depending on the crowd.
Child and pet friendliness is universal, though the Greyhound and Brewers Arms cater best to kids with extras like play areas. Events vary from music-driven (Square and Compass) to gastro-focused (Acorn and Anchor), and parking’s adequate across the board, though tighter at the Square.
What ties them together—and what customers love—is their deep Dorset roots, delivering experiences that feel both timeless and personal. Whether you’re after a pint, a meal, or just a slice of county life, these pubs have you covered.
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