The Poachers Inn, Dorchester

Once a traditional village pub, the building has been hugely extended and transformed into an hotel-like inn. It has kept some of the pub feel in the bar area, but the rest of the establishment is definitely a small hotel business. There is limited parking next to the road, while the majority of the pub’s land is taken up with a pleasant garden with tables and benches, a series of holiday chalets surrounding a swimming pool and a raised outdoor paved terrace with more tables and chairs. The old bar is carpeted and has been opened out on one side onto two raised areas with a mix of comfy chairs and small dining tables, while French doors open from the top level onto the outside terrace. There is also a restaurant area with beamed ceiling, flagstone flooring and a brick fireplace. Food is excellent, gastro-style but cheaper, and is freshly cooked. There is WiFi in some areas, while soft background music prevented the large space echoing too much. The staff were very easy in the eye and, more importantly, helpful and welcoming. Two ales on draft, Ruddles County and Doombar, both in very good condition. Maybe not a typical ale pub, but it was nonetheless a very pleasant experience, and I would be delighted to return to eat, drink or use the B&B facilities.

Official site of the Poachers Inn - www.thepoachersinn.co.uk

Official site of the Poachers Inn - www.thepoachersinn.co.uk

My daughters stayed there last summer and tell me the food is great, the accommodation very good and the staff very friendly. We intend to go there later this year and will then give an up to date report.