Oak Room in West Dorset

I Had a family evening with cocktails to start,unfortunately they had not a clue how to serve or make these,by a friendly young girl,the food was the worst i have had for a long time,and although i told the elderly lady she seemed to listen but shrug it off with no effect,totally overpriced for what we had ,very small meals,missing the main ingredient FOOD.I hope they can improve and get a barman in to make the cocktails,they need to be shaken,not just pored!!

When I first moved to Dorchester two years ago my husband and I went for a coffee and lunch. It was dreadful we wanted a toasted sandwich but the toaster was broken. It was awful and we said we wouldn’t go there again. Well the week before this Christmas my cousin and I met up for lunch. My cousin had said that she had never been in there so for a treat we decided to give it a go. Oh bad mistake. It was cold and uninviting. We ordered two coffees mine just black and my cousin wanted a cappuccino. They only did filter coffee but could do warm milk we were informed. There was only a very small amount of milk bought out in a jug. Barley covered the bottom. When poured into the tepid coffe it turned a nasty colour of grey. My black coffee was just tepid. We ordered soup. Parsnip and carrot I think. We were not offered a choice of bread but received a slice of white bread neither of us could eat. The soup was tepid and extremely lumpy. I couldn’t eat mine it was so awful my cousin attempted to eat hers. I didn’t complain because the “nippy” just didn’t seem interested just surly. I just paid and vowed never ever to go back again.

Visited here two years ago and had a terrible experience with horrible doughy undercooked scones, lukewarm tea and surly, uninterested waitresses. Decided that after a day Christmas shopping should perhaps give it another chance. Climbing the stairs was like approaching the gallows and the atmosphere at the top was little improved! We sat down and waited......and waited and the pre-occupation with chat and indifference to customer service was evident. As I do not suffer fools, we walked out and went to Wetherspoons where we were served immediately! Forget the waitresses and the shambolic excuses of Lyons Corner House service. It is a joke! The whole lot lot would have been dismissed on the first day! If under pressure on a busy day - acceptable, too disinterested to even show an interest to paying customers - totally unacceptable!

Went there to catch up with an old friend. Wonderful old panelled room, oozing history, and two Lyons Nippies . Sadly, the welcome was almost as cold as the room itself, and the rather elderly plastic tablecloth was woefully underwhelming. There were only half a dozen customers which gave it more if a funeral parlour atmosphere than a bustling happy cafe. Such a shame, as the surroundings are badly let down by the atmosphere. I am old enough to remember Lyons Corner Houses, where the Nippies were perky young gals who were friendly and outgoing...a contrast to the two who were in evidence that day! I am afraid, with the plethora of other options in Dorchester, i shan't be visiting this sad relic again.

Called in here with a friend for a late lunch but really wish we hadn’t bothered. At 2.45 the place was completely deserted and with hindsight we should have heeded the warning but we were pretty hungry and a surly waitress said she was still able to serve lunch. We both chose jacket potatoes with cheese and homemade coleslaw which ought to be safe enough. We hadn’t expected the potatoes to have been hanging around since Judge Jeffries day but they were so dried out maybe they had. The coleslaw was the best bit of the offering. The salad that came with the jackets was horrible the cucumber was completely dried up and the tomatoes were sort of furry looking. Despite looking overdone the potatoes seemed to have bits that weren’t quite cooked and were only luke warm not hot enough to melt the tiny bit of butter that accompanied the spud. We considered sending them back to be reheated but the waitress seemed so unfriendly we thought better of it. We could only stomach about half our meals and the tea we had ordered and when the waitress cleared the plates away she made no comment enquiring if we had any issues with the food. Only one other prospective patron came in during the hour we were there and she had the right idea and thought better of it and left without ordering. Two jackets and two teas came to over £18.00 with the frosty service and dirty toilet with no hot water thrown in for free. The room was the best bit about the visit so my advice would be pop up, have a quick look and then run for the hills.

I would love to have given this charming cafe, tucked away in Dorchester 5 stars but on a very chilly Monday it was a bit too cool for comfort. It must cost a fortune to heat! I was here for lunch with two friends. We all had different things to eat and were delighted with the choice, variety and quality on offer:all at a very reasonable cost. Service was very efficient and friendly. The Oak Room may not be to everybody's taste. Its probably not a young person's place and one does need to to be able to climb the stairs. Anyone wanting a great taste of history, wrap up warm like our forebears, and go in search of The Oak Room. I don't think you will be disappointed.

A lovely old building with historical associations. Waitress dressed in 'quaint' style but very unfriendly. Food reasonably priced. I had a sandwich (not impressed with quality) and my daughter had a jacket potato which was ok, I would rather have paid more and had a better sandwich - I chose bacon and brie and there was very little bacon in it. Although it was a lovely sunny and warm day outside, it was quite cold in the restaurant - both regarding the actual temperature and the waitress' disposition. I doubt if I will visit again as there are many other cafes/restaurants in Dorchester but thought I would give an independent one a chance.

I think Victoria Wood got her inspiration for that sketch with Julie Walters as the ancient waitress from this place! Visited with a friend for morning coffee. We were the only couple there when we climbed the stairs, the waitress was sitting with a friend chatting but after a few minutes she came over and asked if we wanted to order. Two coffees and a sad scone were plonked down unceremoniously, oh dear we had obviously interrupted her conversation! When we went to pay another unsmiling (and miserable doesn’t begin to describe her) waitress took our money. I then climbed another two flights of stairs to the loo, past a roped off section telling me the toilets were only for customers, they were clean and fresh but once again plastered with notices saying the facilities were only for the use of customers. The waitresses wear Lyons Corner Cafe type of uniforms which should be quaint but unfortunately their attitude is horrible and unfriendly so neither my friend nor I will be returning.

The place is beyond quaint . Oak panelled dining room , waitress in costume , connection with Judge Jefferies and the Monmouth rebellion .Looking down onto an alleyway I imagined I would see Chares Dickens wandering down. The waitress worked incredibly hard, she seemed to be on her own , yet was charming and efficient. I love Moussaka and have travelled all over Greece , sadly the one here was not even in the top 50. Perfectly edible but disappointing. There a mixture of local regulars and tourists and I heard several of the locals comment how good the food was so perhaps I just made a bad choice or it was not up to their usual standard. Despite this I will return and try another dish , the place is certainly worth a visit

Stumbled across the Oak Room; very quaint and historically interesting with its association with Judge Jefferies. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The meal (Lamb Moussaka) was well presented and very tasty.

Lovely home cooked food with very friendly staff. Whenever we go to Dorchester we always eat in here as the food is so good with great service.

You have to know this place is here. It’s well worth discovering. The surroundings are gloriously old-fashioned and the lovely waitresses are dressed like Lyons ‘nippies’. The coffee was superb and the cherry shortbread was a real treat. It was a shame to step back outside into the 21st century!

We usually head to the usual suspects on the High St, but we decided to head up the Antelope Arcade and spotted this delightful tea room. It's a lovely place, steeped in history - we loved it (and the cakes!) Give it a whirl.

What a lovely little cafe. An oasis of calm and cool on a hot day. Lovely menu at very reasonable prices! Attentive sweet waitress dressed in a proper nippy uniform.

We had a delicious Dorset Cream Tea in the historic dark wood paneled Oak Room - excellent warm scones with clotted cream and jam - with friendly service. Manageress Tracy is a gem - she quickly arranged the return of my wallet which I inadvertently left there and refused a reward for doing so. Thank you again.

We dined here as we found it to be a good eating place last time we were in Dorchester. Just the sort of place we like!

Just stopped for a coffee - eat your heart out Starbucks! Worth climbing the stairs for a different break in interesting surroundings.

As a family we have been visiting the Oak Room for over 30 years , now 3 generations ! Today I was visiting Dorchester on my own .On entering the Restaurant I was greeted by a smiling young waitress who took my order , toasted...

Visit this oak-panelled place only for its historical associations with Judge Jeffrey’s “bloody assizes”. Feel the gloom descend as you trudge up the - many - stairs. Don’t expect a coffee machine (unless it’s a filter one) and whatever you do avoid the historic pastries.

we were staying close by at a holiday park and decided to visit Dorchester and we came across this beautiful little tearoom, we walked up the stairs to the tearoom and were pleasantly surprised by the old fashioned feel to the place, the waitresses were...

Called in for a coffee break on Saturday 16th February 2019. Staff were dressed in 'nippy' waitress uniforms reminiscent of decades past. I was very interested in the Judge Jefferies connection and the bloody assizes. Was able to take some pictures of the room. Coffee...

We called in for lunch. The room is all oak panelled hence the name. Waitresses are dressed like ‘nippies.’ All very historical. Only coffees are black or white frothy and we chose the latter. Sandwiches - I had a special - Brie, chicken and pear...

Don’t expect a greeting or welcome here. The staff are rude and have zero customer service, they don’t smile or engage with customers at all. Even got blanked when we left, no goodbye, thank you or anything. Even though the place was empty - except...

Didn’t expect service with a smile here. Don’t expect to be able to order what you want if there are more than two tables taken. We could have a high tea because ‘it was too busy’. Staff were quite unfriendly and rude too. We almost...

We visited here in need of a bite to eat at lunchtime. We were greeted by a lovely waitress in a gorgeous 20's style uniform who couldn't have been more attentive. Prices were very reasonable and although food was very basic, we only had sandwiches,...

Why can’t other tea rooms be like this... takes me back to 1979... excellent food drinks very well presented by beautifully turned out staff... and they have sugar mice

first ever visit to Dorchester , thought this place looked nice for lunch, how wrong. On walking in the older waitress of the two ORDERED us to our seat , as she did with others that we saw whilst having lunch, no manners whatsoever. we...

Lots of history to this room which is why we came and interesting to read about Judge Jeffries We were a party of four for lunch and found the tables way too small and the chairs a bit hard. Although there were not many customers...

This is the essence of 'historical Dorchester' - knocks other coffee houses out of the water! The staff are friendly and helpful. The food and coffee is good and the surroundings take you back to 16th century Dorchester! The only downside is possibly the stairs,...

Was one of the few places in Dorchester that we had not yet tried. so though we would give it a go. The Oak Room is a lovely building / setting but really does lack a bit of atmosphere. Maybe some light music (could be...

I love this slightly quirkly place. Tucked away in one of the three arcades in Dorchester this traditional tea rooms is upstairs. With an interesting history from the time of the Monmouth uprising, it's a delightful oak panelled room with waitresses dressed in black dresses,...

The name of this tearoom accurately describes the oak-panelled dining room, where black-and-white clad waitresses take your order for coffee and cakes or light meals. Never have I seen so many laminated warning notices – multiple prohibitions about not using the loos unless you are a customer, or ‘No customers beyond this point – Health and Safety’. Despite this slightly forbidding atmosphere, the food was very reasonably priced and served promptly, and the bread and salad were very fresh. I had a pear, bacon and stilton sandwich with a side salad that included cress – when did you last see cress on a plate? Formidable cakes lined the sideboard, but we didn’t get that far. Different, but recommended!

Just popped in for cream tea with our young son. V pleasant welcome from staff who took an interest. We liked the atmosphere and the tea & scones were delicious. Would recommend.

We went in for lunch but settled for Dorset afternoon teas. They were pleasant enough at a reasonable price, the scones were warm, we had a choice of teas, one of us had decaffeinated and the other Earl Grey. The room of course is steeped in history being the location of 'the bloody assizes'.

Popped in yesterday as we'd never been (it's quite well hidden) Thought the waitresses were very friendly and polite. The cream teas were lovely. We'll be back

Called in for soup at 2.30pm. The sign indicated to wait to be seated but nobody came so I went in and up to the counter as far as sign which said 'no customers beyond this point'. Still couldn't make myself heard so a passed this point and asked in the kitchen if anyone could help me. The nippy lady was clearly not pleased and immediately told me how busy they had been (only three people in there!) which is why she couldn't be in two places at once I suppose. I asked if they were doing soup and she told us to sit down and she would bring it to us (by this time she had a face like thunder). As we sat down my wife remembered that I had forgotten to tell them she was gluten free and so I went back to see if they had any gluten free bread. No she didn't was the answer and then asked 'is one of you gluten free'? which I would have thought had been obvious! She also said the soup was not gluten free but would go and check - by this time she seemed at boiling point so we left!! Big lesson needed in customer service here and people skills. If you cannot multi-task when requesting customers wait to be seated and served then better let them enter like any other decent tea room. Would never return. Disgraceful and disrespectful to even suggest they were anything like the old 'Nippies' in the Lyons tea shops. They were smart, courteous, clean and tidy and above all respected the customer. Anything short of this and they were dismissed. I know as I can remember them! This woman was the complete opposite!

Hidden away upstairs above Antelope Walk Courtyard is hidden the Oak Room on the first floor. Apparently it was once famously used by Judge Jeffreys (see below). Table service is provided by waitresses in ‘Nippy’ uniform, based on the old style Lyons Corner House service - and our waitress was certainly nippy! We had a light lunch of sandwiches, sparkling waters and a pot of tea. All very good and reasonably priced at £22 for 4. Also do cream and high teas. Worth a visit just for the history - but the toilets on second floor left a bit to be desired!The Oak Room dates back to 1589 and was famously used by Judge Jeffreys ‘the Hanging Judge’ as the courtroom of the Bloody Assizes when in September of 1685, 302 cases were heard, of which a total of 74 of the accused were executed, 175 transported, 9 fined or whipped and 54 discharged. Jeffreys didn’t believe in half measures and hanged, transported, whipped and fined hundreds of the unfortunate accused. The ghost of Judge Jeffreys is said to haunt the Antelope courtyard.

I popped in for spot of lunch with a friend, I ordered a ham salad & my friend ordered a cheese salad. The service was good but the food looked & tasted like it had been bought from the economy section of a supermarket. Cheap sliced reformed ham, mild tasteless cheese , salad out of a bag, dollop of economy coleslaw & a chopped tomato.The wedge of wholemeal bread looked like it came from a sliced loaf & had a slightly stale taste. We won't be making a return visit.

La camarera nos ordenó a una mesa en una forma desagradable su actitud era de un profesor estricto insultos a sus hijos en el aula. Ella nos apresurado con nuestro ordenamiento. Pedimos un curry de verduras y una chaqueta de patatas. He tenido curry vean hecho un vegetal que sabía mejor y peso la patata era como una playa de guijarros de chesil. Ella nos dio las comidas y bebidas que habíamos equivocado a invertirlos durante todo el año. Escuchamos a los clientes sobre su quejándose sobre cómo sus otros clientes paninis no eran muy agradable y se rió de este y dijeron que estaban mintiendo y otros clientes se habían quejado sobre los baños están sucios y dijo que esa era también una mentira. La comida era trajo un minuto después de que pedimos era simplemente zapped en el microondas. Nos hizo sentir prisa e incómodos que ella es un aspecto barato limpieza victoriano de té. El viejo lugar es precioso simplemente todo lo demás que te defrauda. No recomendamos evitar como la peste.

Visitamos para tomar el té y pasteles y estaba un poco decepcionado con la recepción y el ambiente del lugar.Había un montón de historia en el lugar y fue para "como del viejo mundo" con la camarera vestida elegantemente en frío uniforme de lo que podría ser una ventaja, pero la entrada tenían una bicicleta por las escaleras y parecía un poco desaliñada con un armario antiguo. Lo que podía ser un lugar encantador necesita tener un aspecto más acogedor en el nivel de la calle, así como el personal.

Visitamos hoy en una visita a Dorchester y cautivó la historia. Paso atrás en el tiempo al entrar en la habitación de té y encontrar música antigua, las camareras vestidas como tradicional y sillas de moda y nippys mesas. No comimos, pero tenía té y café. Muy agradable y mucho que ver mientras se sienta. El servicio era bueno y amable camarera

Visitamos aquí para el almuerzo con mi marido.

Found this by accident when we wanted a lunchtime snack. It is an amazing oak-panelled room with a superb oak fire surround and over mantle. It is just like a cafe in the 1930s. Apparently the room was used by Judge Jeffries for the 'Bloody Assizes' in the 1600s. So ... history as well. Food was simple but nice. Go there for the experience.

We ordered pasties. The pastry was tough to the point of being inedible with very little meat and served with stale lettuce. But the cakes looked nice Both M & F toilets had problems.

Just been here for lunch, thought it would make a achnage as haven't been her for quite a while - really wish we hadn't bothered. Steak & kidney pie - well almost! small square of pastry, most of which was so hard I couldn't cut it let alone eat it, three pieces of meat and no kidney. came with lumpy mash and tepid peas and carrots.

Llamado al azar un poco nublado visita a Dorchester un Domingo mientras buscábamos un lugar para comer algo rápido. El lugar era la mitad lleno y atendidos por una sola camarera que aparentemente era el responsable de las personas de estar, pedidos, llevando comida, limpiar las mesas y tomando el pago! Para ser justos, en mi opinión hizo un gran trabajo en las circunstancias, amable, eficiente, amable, discreto y la comida llegó muy rápidamente. La comida en sí parecía estar bien, mi sándwich era sabrosa aunque no pack bastante el ponche que yo esperaba, a mi esposa le encantó el paté y mi hija pulido un buen trozo de su chaqueta muy generoso que es alabanza de atún patatas bastante alta. Todo en ella es simplemente más de 20 libras que por la comida en sí es un poco alto, pero el entorno, de factoring el ambiente relajante y el excelente servicio que yo estaba muy feliz.

We are relatively new to the Dorchester area and sought this tea shop out from trip advisor although we were willing to be impartial and make up our own minds. On a positive note the surroundings are quaint, there is lots of history surrounding the building and the waitresses were smart with uniforms from a by-gone age. Maybe it was the fact that the young lady who served us was new and maybe still finding her feet?? I asked for a small Dorset cream tea for two and we were served a huge pot of tea and two scones (hot and a little too doughy for my liking) each with clotted cream and jam. Far too much to manage and the bill at £14.70 I felt was extortionate!! Good grief, this is Dorchester not The Ritz in London!! Perhaps, there was a misunderstanding, but with all the competition there are perfectly good cafes serving cream teas at half the price. I think this place is more theatrical than practical and if we had wanted lunch as well I would have had to re-visit the cash point!! Nice but overpriced!? As a couple from London we are aware of price margins but feel this place does itself no favours.

Everything from the music, the surroundings and the 'nippy' styled waitresses sets you up for food a la the 1940s. All very interesting. We were allowed to pick our own table by a helpful 'nippy' next to the window, with a view over Antelope Walk. We took the Cornish Pastie and the Brie and Bacon Panini, with a diet coke and a sparkling water. Now, here is where we get a mixed review. I like my bacon crispy - and what a good job they did. A hot panini with crispy bacon, melted brie, a few crisps and a bit of salad. Wonderful. I really enjoyed it. My wife's pastie, however, was bland an full of gristle. Unpleasant. A shame really. At £14,50 it's not too cheap either.

We called in while holidaying in the area. A waitress quickly ordered us to a table, there were plenty of vacant ones! Had light snacks, soup, sandwiches and dessert. All very nice, soup could have been a little hotter. Customers following us also got the glum waitress directing them where they didn't want to go. Shame, odd that the menu mentions the friendly staff.

The panelled tearoom has quite an interesting atmosphere as it is like stepping back in time but everything is somehow a little jaded. We just ordered sandwiches which were perfectly ok but nothing special. Prices however are very reasonable. It was fine for a quick lunch stop but I wouldn't rush back. Nice for those who can remember the days of the Lyons Corner Houses I suppose.....

The Oak Room located in Antelope Walk in Dorchester (County town of Dorset) is a traditional tearoom retaining original oak panelling. Carpeted flooring. Appropriate soft music.

This was like a trip back in time to a Lyons corner house tea room. (It deserves 3 and a half stars really as the prices were very reasonable ). Sandwiches were nice, service good. A bit of history and old world charm at below average prices.

What a great atmosphere and great customer service, the food was really tasty, we will be back when we come to Dorchester again

A stunning location (where Judge Jeffries passed judgement on those convicted in 'the bloody assizes') with oak-paneled walls. The waitress was polite and helpful, and the the and coffee were fine. However the jacket potatoes we ordered were very dry and one actually had mould growing on it, which was quite upsetting. Although there was an offer of an alternative meal being provided, understandably, we did not feel comfortable with the hygiene levels in the kitchen and fdeclined. A real shame, as there are clearly issues using out of date food.

As you enter the oak wood walled rooms, everything you have heard about the tea room, becomes apparent. As you wait to be seated, the walls are decorated with the history tea rooms. You are seated by a traditionally dressed waitress, wearing what is known as a nippy. A fantastic choice of tea and sandwiches, with a delicious scone with of course cream and jam. Not to mention the generous portion of fruit cake to really fill you up.if you wish, your uneaten cake, or cheese, can be wrapped and taken away for a later treat. A must see visit of Dorchester, and experience a little bit of our English tradition.

We have been having lunch at the Oak Room whenever we are visit Dorchester for about 10 years but probably won't again.

A very dated and shabby room up a flight of stairs. Plastic table cloths, plastic menus, faded oak surroundings. Came for lunch about two o' clock. Don't come late or your choice may cause you disappointment as there may well be ''non left, we've been busy'! Worst steak and kidney pie I have ever had the misfortune to encounter: rock hard pastry and congealed 'meat' which also included some tubular parts...School dinner veg. Portion small. Service slowish by a stressed/trying to be pleasant waitress dressed up as...a 'nippy' waitress. Felt I would have been better doing Macdonalds for half the price (as an emergency). Toilet facilities up more stairs and not clean. Disappointing.

Lovely old fashioned tea rooms hidden away upstairs in antelope walk. Staff all wear old fashioned 'nipper' outfits complete with apron and hat. The room itself is where judge jeffreys bloody assizes were held, and the tea and cakes are excellent. What more could you want?

Visited the Oak Tea Room today and almost immediately wished we hadn't.What some will no doubt see as a traditional historic decor I found depressing. The member of staff being dressed in old tea room attire added to the feeling you were in a rerun of 70s show Sapphire And Steel.

The Oak Tea Rooms serves relatively straight forward dishes, but it's absolutely perfect for a lunch or cream tea. There's a good selection of jacket potatoes, soups, sandwiches and cakes, and pretty much everything you'd expect from a cafe. I've been there many times, and would recommend.

These tea rooms have changed name. But it's a must visit when in the area. Great value and quality here. I know it doesn't look much from outside but going in send you back in time. With amazing staff and a friendly atmosphere.

Took my husband here today 8 March, wish I hadn't. I had the spinach and lentil curry which had disappeared into a mound of tasteless white rice. Very disappointing, very little flavour, Naan bread was cold, tough and tasteless. I wondered if it was just me but my husband said 'school dinners' came to mind. He had the steak and kidney pie with flavourless boiled cabbage, bland white potato and glutinous gravy. I tried it and had to disagree, I don't remeber eating anything so bland and flavourless for my school dinners or I would have taken pack lunches!

I visited the Oak Room for a light meal at 3.30pm. Although they were now only serving tea and cake they agreed to do me a quiche salad. What a disapointment! I've never experienced a quiche like it. It was not homemade. Soft pastry and I'm still not sure what the filling was supposed to be. It had the consistency of mashed potato. I think it WAS mashed potato mixed with an egg and with something green added. No seasoning,No taste at all. The salad was the old fashioned lettuce, cucumber, tomato, with raw onion, no dressing. I'm not sure what time tea finishes in Dorchester but it felt as though they were about to close. The waitress put her coat on and declared that she was going to the Post Office and didn't know how long she' be. I had to try and get the attention of a member of the kitchen staff to pay. Oh and they charge 50p extra if you pay by card. The building is full of character but it's all a bit tired inside. I shan't be making a return visit.

Had a very enjoyable lunch. Reasonable price, friendly waitress (dressed in Lyon Tea House style) Great room too, was courtroom fro Judge Jeffreys - the hanging Judge.

Visited yesterday for lunch as our preferred venue was closed. First impressions were not good as the place was cold and a bit 'tired'. The menu folder was really mucky and dirty inside. I had soup (good) with a slice of white bread (could have been better). My husband ordered the Stilton, bacon & pear sandwich on brown bread. It arrived with white bread (we didn't complain as we were in a hurry) - he also expected the bacon to be hot but it was cold. We probably won't return. Shame as it could be very good.

I've been here a few times and am never disappointed. Climb up the stairs and you go back in time in many ways. From the oak panelled room to the history of the building and the black and white uniformed waiting staff this is a little gem if you have no time for modern, clattery branded coffee houses. On a trip to Dorchester, I chose here for lunch. Couldn't resist the Christmas lunch deal along with a glass of white wine. All quickly served by a smiling waitress, the portion was excellent and the food very hot. A great place but if you struggle with stairs, just be aware that as well as the climb up to the restaurant, there's a further climb to the toilets in the next floor.

I have now written more than a hundred reviews and all are fair and accurate. Most are positive and encouraging but just a few have been necessarily critical and negative and curiously this latter group has a high proportion of 'tea shops' among it's failures. Now I am adding another. I do not have a 'down' on tea shops by the way; quite the reverse I love a good one but they are as rare as cheerful staff happy to serve a good cream tea! But wouldn't it be nice if the south west could offer the best of British in this delightful and essentially English catering field?

What a delight these tea rooms are, plenty of history to the building and excellent service from really friendly waiting staff all dressed in traditional waiting outfits of black blouses and skirts with white frilly aprons and hats. Delicious sandwiches and cakes all served on traditional 2 tiered cake stands with bone china vintage crockery. Very atmospheric.

Decided to stop here for lunch while in Dorchester to get out of the pouring rain and hoping it might be one of those old-fashioned dining rooms that are becoming rare. We weren't disappointed. It's well named, as the room has oak panels all around, making it feel warm and cosy. The waitresses are attired as 'Nippies', the slang term for tea-room staff from the first half of the 20th Century (black dress, white apron, cap etc.) and they offer decent service. The room itself has a long history, and though some of it may be apocryphal, it was used for some of the Bloody Assizes in the 17th Century, featuring 'Hanging Judge' Jeffreys.

Went in as the hoardings outside said about the history of the place and we were certainly not dissapointed, lovely oak panels and very old fireplaces gave it a very nice atmosphere, the staff were dressed in traditional victorian type attire which is a nice touch. However the same cannot be said about the food which had obviously been microwaved and was nothing special, the desserts looked nice but we gave up waiting for the solitary waitress to come and clear and take the order so we went..shame though could be really nice.

Love this place and we frequently visit for lunch. Excellent sandwiches and lovely soup too. Quaint 'Nippy' style waitresses in their black and white uniforms add to that sense of 1930's chic. The tearoom itself is the old court room where the 'hanging' Judge Jefferies sentenced poor souls. Huge inglenook fireplaces and oak pannelled walls, creaky floors and wonky windows. Be warned though, you have to climb a flight and a half of stairs and this can prove tricky for those of us with walking difficulties.

Visited the Oak Room Friday Oct 23rd 2015. Having read some reviews, I did think about not bothering, thankfully it was well worth the trip. I had a nice Vegetable Curry, my wife had a nice Steak & Kidney pie with Veg. Dessert for me was a nice Chocolate Fudge Cake with plenty of thick chocolate sauce. The wife had a nice Fruit Crumble. For the two courses with a pot of tea for two it came in at £24.40. Quite reasonable compared to some pub prices and the food was good quality. You get a proper teapot with proper cups & saucers.

If you can climb the stairs you will find a delightful tea room which also does lunch. Very pleasant, tables well placed and excellent tea in a china pot and cups! Toasted tea cake also slipped down. The cakes looked appetising but I resisted.

Fancying a light lunch we found this place while walking through Dochester. It is what it says on the box, An Oak panel lined upstairs restaurant. Service was very good with reasonable service. Three our of four or our meals were very good. They did however make a bit of a hash in overcooking a cornish pasty until it was too hard to cut. Overall a pleasant lunch. We would visit again.

We arrived in Dorchester and wanted lunch, so we went into the Tourist Board office for a recommendation and were directed down the path to The Oak Room (which we would have never found on our own). We were glad we arrived a little early because the room quickly filled up!

The Oak Room in like stepping into the set of Downtown Abbey or UpstaIrs Downstairs. The waitresses wear black uniforms with White aprons and lace hats. The room is oak lined and beautifully decorated. The food is traditional English fayre. Friendly waitress and great food.

Appeared to be understaffed when we visited, as I only saw one waitress trying to cope with all the tables. She did well, although there was one table that wasn't served in turn.

After seeing the Oak Room on TV we decided to visit. First we visited for coffee at around 1030 am. Excellent coffee, we also looked at the menu to see what food was served.

Excellent olde worlde café. Could be back in time in the war for instance. Waitress dress in period clothing. Excellent service.

We had lunch here on a rainy August day. The restaurant was almost full when we arrived and we got one of the last 2 tables. Subsequently they had to stop serving new customers firstly as they ran out of clean cutlery and needed to wash up and secondly when they ran out of bread and sent someone to Waitrose.

when we go to Weymouth we always go in to Dorchester and have a meal at the Oak room it is always very good

We visited The Oak Room just for a coffee while we were visiting Dorchester. It was a very nice Olde Worlde cafe with interesting pictures and information about local dignitaries. The service was excellent the serving staff very friendly and made our visit special and personal. We felt like valued customers and would recommend this cafe to anyone in the area.

I arrived here for a late lunch and for most of the time was on my own. I chose it because of its fascinating history and it's definitely worth seeing, but I'd only come for a coffee if I visited again.

Shame as this place is in a lovely area but there was a whole group of people and we were expected but there wasn't enough staff to cope with them all. Enjoyed a latte and a packet of peanuts

A fine location steeped in history with a good traditional menu - very well supervised by Tracey and her team. Excellent value for money.

I always pop in every time I'm in Dorchester. Staff are always friendly & welcoming With a great atmosphere & themed room. I always recommend for guests' days out where I work in a hotel on weymouth sea front

quaint little tea room. friendly staff dressed in Victorian costume. plenty of selection from jacket potato to cakes large and small. Panini's or sandwich. we chose cakes. we were not disappointed. large quantity of cake along with a pot of tea for two. lovely and value for money.

As part of Tracy's Saturday 'gang' we just love the atmosphere and welcome as well as the great food and value for money. Just wouldn't consider anywhere else.

We visited for lunch what was a regular haunt, but unfortunately will be no longer. Coffee was like dishwater, convinced it was made with skimmed milk. The bacon and brie Panini (a sliver of brie to say the least) was open, with very doughy bread suitable only for taking home for the chickens, an expensive treat for them at over £5. We will not be back.

Stumbled upon this place by accident whilst trying to get away from some horrendous wet weather.

The Oak Room in Dorchester is the perfect location, if you are looking for a good old fashioned cream tea. This oak panelled room with its chandeliers and its waitresses dressed in traditional black dresses and white aprons and caps is full of ambience and the food and service is excellent. The history that it is reputed to be the court room of the infamous Hanging Judge Jeffires adds interest to the experience. Yes of course it's dated, that is precisely what it is meant to be. I would highly recommend this to any visitor to Dorchester.

Since our favourite cafe has gone(cups and cakes) in Dorchester we decided to give this a try as there is not much choice in the way of cafés. Once we had negotiated the step staircase we were met with a very very dated concept. It gave the impression of trying to be a quaint olde worldly tea room and failing. It could be charming if they paid a little attention to detail. New menus, nicely laid tables, proper china, not worn village hall style crockery and a good clean would be a start. The waitresses were not particularly welcoming and were rather sullen, mind you I don't think anyone would be too happy having to wear such a ridiculous uniform. This is a cafe in Dorchester in 2014 not a Lyons Corner House from the 1930's. I am all for tradition but this is missing it by a mile. The food was ok, but nothing special. Would we go there again? The answer was unanimous...............no!

Looking for afternoon tea in Dorchester we came across this first floor tea room that really was a trip back to yesteryear. An Oak panelled room (hence the name) made for a dark atmospheric place, brightened by the large chandeliers, but more so by the great service delivered with charm and broad smiles from the staff who were dressed in period waitress costume. The welcome from the lead waitress was warm and genuine and we did not have to wait long for our tea. When it came we were not disappointed. Delicious moist fruit scones, and ample jam and clotted cream...not the tiny portions that predominate in many places these days.

To find soup of the day was not leek and potato or tomato and basil! Had a lovely bowl of goulash soup with crusty bread and then treacle sponge and custard - just what was needed on a rainy day. The whole point of eating out is to treat yourself - and this certainly was a treat. Friendly staff too!

It doesn't really bear thinking about what might have gone on in this room, but whichever way you look at it an oak panelled tea room is somewhat unusual. Mixture of time scales - Monmouth's Rebellion on one hand and thirties' Nippies on the other: It is worth going here for these reasons alone. I wouldn't go over the top on the food, though it and the service were perfectly good.

We are new to the area, my husband discovered this hidden little gem this afternoon, where we were delighted with a charming and lovely waitress, but to top it all the one of the best cream teas. We had a scone each, along came a healthy bowl of strawberry jam, a little bowl of clotted cream. The scones were divine, light, hot and just enough. Absolutely no waste here, except for the left over cream and jam. Truly thrilled and delighted, as we have walked along this little arcade on numerous occasion's.

The Oak Room is located on the second level of an old shop among many in the Antelope Arcade.

We recently visited this place for tea & cake/scones.The building /room was lovely but sadly the service wasn't !

One of the few eating establishments in Dorchester that hasn't been 'got at' (modernised). Lovely atmosphere, good, honest food and pleasant staff. Always first port of call for a pot of tea and a bun, usually go there for lunch also. Reasonable prices. Love the 'nippy' uniforms but the staff must be hot in them.

Popped in for a coffee as we had never been but always heard great things, The service was excellent and the prices very reasonable. We have been in twice since for lunch and would highly recommend.