Lambs Green Inn, Wimborne

A former farmhouse, now owned by Vintage Inns and well described by PSM below. The car park is cramped, the garden is large and the bar is atmospheric although there was a strange smell of disinfectant at the end near the fireplace. Dogs are tolerated in the garden rather than welcomed. We were asked somewhat officiously, by a grumpy lady who appeared to have nothing else to do, to move away from the food end of the bar as it was reserved for diners, though there were plenty of empty tables which remained empty until we left. There were 5 ales on. I eventually obtained a pint of Exmoor Ale from another humour-challenged lady who seemed unable to acknowledge more than one customer at a time. The beer was in very good condition, as good as I would expect from a GBG pub, which this is. I would be happy to come back here to drink the beer, but I wasn't impressed with the attitude.

This pub, located to the North of Corfe Mullen and just a short drive from Wimborne, was a farmhouse up until the 1980’s when it was converted to its present use. I had always associated this place with food, but was interested to read that it was named East Dorset CAMRA pub of the year 2012, as well as making the 2011 Good Beer Guide. The building still retains something of a farmhouse feel, with plenty of flagstone floors, exposed beams and brickwork throughout as well as some decent partitioning helping to create a number of secluded areas and break up what would otherwise be a large main room. Drinkers are confined to the right hand side of the pub which, as well as housing the servery, also provides some comfortable seating underneath a couple of bay windows, with a handsome fireplace on the far wall for the winter months. The middle and left hand side of the pub is set up more for those wanting food and this was certainly evident when we arrived for Sunday lunch. The left side of the pub is in a separate room on a lower level and looks like a more recent extension to the building. It is certainly decorated in a more contemporary fashion than the rest of the pub. There is a nice patio to the rear of the pub which gives you good views over the fields towards Wimborne Minster, but the benches out the front are just as appealing thanks to the colourful flowers on display. The ale selection was pleasingly varied with Ringwood Best, Sharp’s Doom Bar, Hop Back Summer Lightning (£3.30), St Austell Tribute and Brains Milkwood on the hand pumps. The Summer Lightning was in good condition and we were served by a very helpful young waitress. The Vintage Inns menu was nothing you haven’t seen before, but the food we ordered was of very good quality and seemed like decent value for money. This is one of those pubs that will appeal to a wide range of people by providing good food and well kept beer in a pleasant environment. I’m not sure that it’s the most interesting pub in East Dorset or that it has the best beer, but as an overall package it will tick a lot of people’s boxes and is therefore worth consideration if you’re in the area.

Simply, do not go here for food – high risk (if you get any), poor service and terrible value from what we saw. Avoid like the plague - plenty of better other pubs nearby that are worth your money. Don’t risk it. A Special Day for my wife and I. Arrived at the Pub early to ensure availability - one of the first people there. Nice setting and good outside area. 1 hour for food to arrive! those who arrived after us where on their desserts. #1 No pate as described. #2 Bread going stale. #3 Bread not chunky as described as served in a bowl/cup #4 4 Gujons small and burnt #5 4 Kings prawns (1 very small) and burnt. #6 small amount of defrosted prawns, #7 smoked salmon was small and brown/end pieces. Poor service throughout. Not enough for 2. Price of £12.95 is unacceptable and should be subject to Trading standards investigation. Immediately sent it back on quality, quantity and value grounds. Staff made no attempt to recover by offering an alternative or complimentary products. Had money refunded (eventually) and left having experienced the worst meal and service I have ever had across the world (and I have had a few!). Avoid and go elsewhere.

Official pages of the Lambs Green Inn contains menu and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Lambs Green Inn contains menu and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk