Restaurant at Plumber Manor in North Dorset

Visited for dinner for belated birthday. Have been coming here since I was little (now 55!) and it never disappoints. Warm welcome, so nice to sit and enjoy drinks and nibbles in the comfy bar whilst choosing from the menu. Food was delicious all 3 courses. Service friendly and professional. Wine recommendation spot on. Only wish would be to bring back the dessert trolley.

We went for Sunday lunch and must say the location is wonderful but we both felt it was downhill after that. The food was average, a real shame as we had great expectations. Sorry!

Wonderful place to eat. Food was excellent as was the service. I would highly recommend this for a special dinner

We visit Dorset several times a year and always visit Plumber, it’s become tradition and there is no place like it. Just special.

We had pre booked the day before for my birthday meal. Initially we felt a little underdressed when we got there. Compared to many of the local country folk. However, we were greeted well by the staff and owners of the Manor. We had a good amount of time to choose from the menu and the extensive wine menu. Starters were excellent, we had scallops and trio of mushroom parcel. Starters we exquisite. We opted for beef Wellington for main. Wellington was minimum order of two. Never had this before. Portion size was good with 2 choices of potatoe dished out and some spinach and hollandaise. We chose the madeirea sauce over the Bernanise. Was very good and very filling overall. Everything was all cooked perfectly! Beef was soft and delicate. Pastry soft and a little flakey. Dessert choice was good. One of us managed a creme Bruele. Which was quite good. There was an option to get a trios of desserts to try 3 options. Overall probably the best meal I have had for a very long time and possibly even ever! Would recommend to anyone who likes good well cooked quality food.

The menu was extensive and the wine list excellent. The food was of good quality and well cooked, but played safe and harked back to earlier decades - which, of course, is absolutely fine if that is what you want.

Superb Sunday lunch - Staff very welcoming and attentive.Plentiful choices on menu for all courses. All three courses were delicious.Highly recommended.Salted caramel creme brulee - yummy.

When the sun came out after lunch we took a walk through the beautiful grounds, along the stream and admired the fabulous setting of the manor house - and reflected on the really pale and uninteresting Sunday lunch. Even a traditional roast can be made interesting - this wasn't. The meat was sliced wafer-thin which made it almost impossible to tell the difference between beef and lamb. The flavours were so subtle as to be almost absent.Dull, dull, dull. Having said that, some of the starters were excellent and the wine memorable. Perhaps it is better to visit during the week when an a la carte menu is in place?

Went for a pre Christmas dinner with friends and booked a table for 8pm. Arrived at 7.30 for drinks in the bar and we were given menus and canapés which were delicious. Great choice on the menu with 3 courses for £40. We were taken through to our table where we were served homemade bread with butter. Our starters arrived and we enjoyed prawn cocktail with a vodka based sauce, smoked salmon and trout with beetroot salad and mushroom mille fueille. All delicious. After a little rest our main courses arrived and we enjoyed steak, lemon sole and pork loin. There was a great selection of vegetables to accompany the meals. Desserts are presented on a trolley and the choice is amazing. We chose a lemon roulade, chocolate mousse, creme brûlée and salted caramel cheesecake. We then went back in the bar and were served decaf coffee with House of Dorchester chocolates which were really special. A super evening with great service and food. Cant wait to return.

Really delicious food, well thought out and carefully put together with many local ingredients. Portion sizes are big enough to fill you up, but still leave a tiny space for pudding.

Nice menu, excellent service, good food and desserts to die for. Very relaxed atmosphere while retaining a bit of style. Highly recommended.

Having eaten at PM before for Sunday lunch, albeit it several years ago, I remember the food being very good. I decided to book for 2 nights for me and my boyfriend, and dinner on one of the nights (Sunday). I did find myself wondering what the stay would be like, having read a few disgruntled customer reviews on here. We had a Coach house room (number 9). I must admit after checking in, and seeing the room, my initial thoughts were of disappointment. However, this place sort of grows on you. I'd agree with a few comments on here, it's a bit over priced, and if you're looking for state of the art and ultra modern, forget it. Here, the staff are lovely and friendly and welcoming, yes its a bit "tired" and needs an update on the decor, but it's very charming, peaceful and a has real "get away from it all" tranquility. The grounds/gardens are lovely and it is like staying in the home of the owners! The room decor is a little old fashioned, no duvets, but the bed was very comfy. Plenty of hot water and a nice big bath and lovely Molton Brown shampoo and body wash and nice thick fluffy towels. The breakfast is fine, yes, it's not a massive spread of breakfast items, no jam (just marmalade in a pot), and snail trail marks on the carpet in the dining room! The dinner on Sunday evening was excellent. Plenty of it and good quality food. So all in all, slightly over priced, but I definitely would come back, it's rather charming and quite refreshing to stay somewhere a little quirky and different. In today's fast world of Premier Inns and Travel Lodges, it actually makes a change to stay somewhere different with some character. Not for everybody, I can see that, but we enjoyed our time here!

Had a lovely evening meal here recently. Drinks and canapés to start, whilst perusing the menu and wine list. Lovely food, something for everyone without endless supplements.

If you're staying in or visiting Dorset and fancy somewhere special for dinner or a Sunday lunch that's not going to break the bank, I highly recommend you go to Plumber Manor. It's a delightful jacobean manor house that has been owned by the same family since the 17th century. Richard, the host and his team are extremely welcoming and offer delicious food (and very reasonably priced wine list too) in a relaxed but efficient manner. You have drinks and nibbles in cozy chairs or sofa in the bar/lounge area while you place your food order and are taken to your table when the starters are ready - with a bread basket waiting for you. Good selection for both starters and mains on the reasonably priced set menu with an additional charge of £4 for chateaubriand. If you've still got room for dessert there's a very well stocked 3 tiered dessert trolley offering delicious homemade temptations. Coffee is served with melt-in-your-mouth homemade petit fours. Top notch food, elegant surroundings without being 'stuffy' and lovely ambience. Hardly surprising that it's very popular.

This is a fine country house hotel in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the river Stour with an excellent restaurant. We had a separate room for our party and and pre-ordered our choices from a balance menu which catered for all tastes. We were greeted by the owner with a warm and personal welcome and had a room for ourselves for pre lunch drinks with delicious home made canapés and meet in portrait filled room, oil paintings of generations of owners. The food was of the finest ingredients, beautifully presented, perfectly cooked and delicious; it was served with excellent wine. Time was allowed for a speech between first and second course and the service was delightful- friendly but unobtrusive and, importantly, timely. A big ‘thank you’ to all the team for making a special occasion memorable for all the right reasons.

Menu varié et bien équilibré. Tres bien preparé et digne de tres bons restaurants. Un chariot de dessert memorable!

Had dinner here for early birtday treat. Greeting on arrival was good and drinks served in comfortable lounge where owner comes and takes meal order. Choice of food was excellent and was really good. Service was good with staff looking after customers well. Cost was reasonable and wine was not overpriced. Happy to recommend and look forward to return visit

Superb as always. Genuine warm welcome and attentive young staff at table. Delicious food and relaxing ambience. What’s not to like!?

Really delicious food for dinner, very attentive staff and a great place to stay in a peaceful atmosphere

This beautiful Jacobean Manor House has been owned by the same family since the 17th century and has been run as a restaurant/hotel for 40years by the present occupants. Far from being regulars we are always made to feel such by Richard and his team, the house is welcoming, warm and a real Dorset country house appreciated by real Dorset people. I could ramble on about how comfortable the rooms are, how great the food is, how good the service is and it all really is but the best way is to try it yourself, you will not be disappointed.

The greeting and ambience from the owner and his team relaxed everyone although the English "Champagne" may have helped !

It was a bit dark when we arrived but the Manor still looked impressive on the outside, just as impressive inside, i'm sure the grounds would be the same. We were looked after very well, a very friendly greeting and excellent service throughout our dinner made us feel like we weren't just customers, something a bit more special and personal. The food was top notch, starter, mains and desert were tasty and served in a timely manner. The Gluten free options were plentiful, most of the menu was adaptable, some places still struggle with deserts but we weren't let down here. 10 out of 10!!

Mine Host and his team made us feel so relaxed and welcome. Drinks in the gardens, Cocktail for Mother had her "tight" in no time! before going in to a handsome dining room, with mullioned windows, well spaced out tables, so you didn't feel you were squashed in, made for a very positive dining experience. Carpet too, so the noise level was perfect for chatting, without having to shout at the hard of hearing Father. Sherborne Castle White wine was stunningly good.

The place and the ambience are just perfect every member of staff was superb it makes an evening out so memorable when you are looked after so well. The food was very very good and the sweet trolley was a site to behold. We shall be returning soon.

Booked this restaurant well in advance for a family meal and had a great evening.

Plumber has long been a family favourite and birthdays are a perfect opportunity to visit again.

This is a fantastic place to visit - lovely spot, high quality ingredients, good cooking, the dessert trolley ( oh yes indeed ) - all done with style by the owners and their young wait-staff. And the service - long story short - on my last visit all I could face was a poached egg on dry toast. Absolutely no problem, served with a murmured wish for a speedy recovery. Highly recommended.

The Sunday lunch menu looked very inviting and as a non meat eater I had a good choice. Drinks before lunch in the bar and orders taken and no problem with removing the meat element of the brill main course for me.

Another great night at this beautiful restaurant. Superb staff, with great service, and food served to a great standard. Venison is cooked to perfection and is a favourite of mine when dining here. As I live local I have never stayed here but had the pleasure of seeing one of there new renovated rooms last week, well this has to have 5 star rating and now tempted to have a night here next time instead of a taxi home!! Just to say some food has changed slightly and it is even better, looking forward to our next meal here!

We have been going to this hotel over a number of years and always find it excellent in every way. The food was great value, plenty of choices with super friendly staff!

This restaurant has a timeless ambience and charm that makes for a very relaxing Sunday lunch. The main courses include game, and the partridge served with bubble and squeak was delightful - as were the roast potatoes. The wine list is eclectic and not necessarily very expensive. The service is very friendly and attentive.

We were recently treated on 2 occasions to an evening meal at this restaurant.

I have been here many times and have never been disappointed. This is a great location to go for that "special" meal, as a couple or with friends. The food is is all fresh, everything prepared by their own chef and is always very well...

If you are looking for an upmarket gastro pub experience or a trendy country restaurant, the Restaurant at Plumber Manor is not for you. This is a gracious restaurant that celebrates good honest country cooking. Expect generous servings of traditional English food in a relaxed...

We booked for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Everything about Plumber Manor is fabulous and from the minute you arrive it is like going to friends for dinner. The staff are great, we were invited to take a seat in the bar area to...

We have been coming here as a family every year or two for the last 15 years. The hosts are always friendly and welcoming and the service very good. The food good, solid country cooking with the desserts being a highlight. There is a trolly...

We have been coming here for many years and have never been disappointed. High standards in all departments.

We eat out a lot and have never come across a place like this. You are welcomed in to their home and served with such high standards, it is refreshing. I really appreciated how hard the family must work to achieve this.

could do with a freshen up. staff very young and need some training. would not recommend

Simply the nicest, most delightful country restaurant in Dorset.The whole dining experience is welcoming, perfectly presented and the attention to detail - out of this world.

Our favourite restaurant for a special occasion by far. The food is always outstanding and the welcome warm. Excellent service and atmosphere in the lovely surroundings of the beautiful house and grounds. Second to none!

We took our relatives to Plumber Manor as a treat, since we knew from our own experiene years ago that it was a very good restaurant, and this has become the place where our Dorset relatives go to celebrate. We were not disappointed. The service and the food were just as good as they had been when we last visited, if not better. Everyone loved the food, and even though we all had 3 courses we did not feel "bloated" afterwards. It was a lovely experience from start to finish, and I have no doubt we will be back when we visit our Sturminster relatives again in the future.

Lovely old family run hotel with beautiful grounds, had a beautiful room but being October we found the room a bit cold. One thing I did not like was the window in our Bathroom was overlooking a field but had no blind or curtain and at night I found it a bit un-nerving. The food in the Retsuarant was delicious but they didn't start serving until 7.30pm and that is a bit late for us, would have preffered a choice from 6.30pm onwards. Lovely old building, could be a little more Grand for the price they charged us, but very pleasant owners and a very friendly Lady in Reception.

Deliciou hotel just a little fane, but gorgeous with a fantastic restaurant.I was arrive very late for Enghish standaed but they serve me a completly dinner!A great cheese in the owen a the best duck of my life!The menu is 30 pound!

First class restaurant, first class food and service. Strongly recommend. Beautiful surroundings and gardens.

We had been invited to dinner by friends and decided to see if we could also get accommodation. They offer a special rate for last minute availability so we enquired by telephone and got a 15% discount.On arrival we loved the look of the gardens and house which is a family run business. It is so quiet and peaceful, you can only hear the birds singing which is so tranquil.Reception was warm and friendly, we were given a card to complete with our details and then taken to our room. At the top of the landing there is an impressive collection of art work not dissimilar to what you might find in a National Trust property.The room was lovely, real country feel with every amenity, beautiful view of the garden and a huge bathroom.We went to the bar for drinks and again the staff made us feel welcome. We chose a table and were brought menus plus some lovely nibbles which included olives, prawn tarts and mini cheese on toast.The menu was fabulous and it was really hard to choose. We decided on asparagus with a poached egg and goats cheese to start with. For main we both chose the pork loin with celeriac mash, is also came with dishes of fresh vegetables including broccoli, dauphinois potatoes and carrots. Almost forgot to mention the bread basket which was filled with a wonderful choice of the freshest bread and came with real butter.To finish we chose from the incredible sweet trolley which was loaded with a selection of the most wonderful desserts. We chose the chocolate mouse cake which was light and delicious.Everything was cooked to perfection and the service good but non invasive.We ordered coffee and were invited to have this in the bar, the coffee came with a lovely selection of chocolates.The whole evening was fantastic, best food I have eaten for years, the nearest comparison I could make is going back to the days of The Mansion House in Poole.We had a good night in a comfortable bed and went for breakfast in the same dining room. Staff again were bright and cheery. We ordered coffee and mixed toast. There was cereal, juice, fruit etc which was self service. We ordered cooked breakfast and there was a choice of Full English or select the items you wanted which were cooked to order.A completely fabulous dinner, accommodation and breakfast, came away feeling like we had been on holiday even though we had only stayed one night.Will definitely be returning and would highly recommend. If you want to dine make sure you book early as they are booked weeks in advance and I can see why.

Fantastic grounds well maintained. Warm welcome. So friendly. Great cocktails and extensive wine list. Food was incredible. Service was second to none. A true hidden gem.

We visited the Manor last evening 6th March with friends celebrating their wedding anniversary-and were greeted by a very warm welcome and invited to sit by the log fire whilst waiting for our meal to be prepared. Drinks were served as we waited. The food was superb and the sweet trolley wonderful..Our waiter was very efficient and friendly. Coffee once again served by the fire. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening. Carole

Everything was perfect. The starters and main course were beautifully cooked and presented. The desserts were to die for. The service was wonderful and the total atmosphere made our anniversary celebration special.

Having left it far too long we returned to Plumber (previous visit 2009) for another winter Sunday lunch and to our delight nothing had changed. Welcoming, warm and winsome, an incredibly varied choice on all three courses, complimented by the delights of the dessert trolley choice and the reasonably priced availability of wine by the half bottle.

We recently visited Plumber Manor for Sunday lunch. First impressions always mean a lot and to be greeted by the somewhat brusque, "name ?"as we entered the building was less than welcoming.The dining room is an elegant light filled room and the tables are placed far enough apart to be able to converse without having to raise your voice even when all the other tables are taken.The menu, as well as the usual roast meats, also offered a good choice for non meat eaters both for starters and main courses which is not always the case in a traditional country house hotel restaurant. The dessert trolley offered an array of traditional choices, my only criticism being the strawberries which, being January, were completely tasteless and could maybe have been substituted.

Have been meaning to try this restaurant ever since we moved here. Eventually found a reason and time and now wonder why we took so long. Everything from the ambiance to the coffee was outstandingly well done. Welcome, Hospitality, drinks, food, everything made this a very good celebration of our anniversary.There was a large family party going on but we were not parked and ignored as is so often the case in such circumstances. The team work amongst the staff was impressive and was one of the reasons why the country house atmosphere works so well. The menu has a few different dishes as well as different takes on restaurant fayre. The food is impeccably cooked and presented. The wine list is considerable and good quality and the laid back English country house atmosphere make this somewhere worth a visit if in this part of the UK. They actually make it a reason to visit this part of the UK.

It is always nice to return to a favourite hotel and restaurant and find that nothing has slipped or fallen in standard for five years at least.Plumber Manor is somewhere that you still put your best clothes on to go to and whilst it is not restrictive in dress code it is obvious that the standard of the food coupled with the ambience of the Manor House seem to invoke a natural respect from its clientele. The food is high end English cuisine with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced products so expect game and fish to be favourites. We had steaks which were perfect in both taste and presentation.We look forward to returning in years to come and can only hope that the restaurant maintains it's high standard.

A wonderful evening had by all, when my family spent the evening at Plumber Manor. A friendly welcome on our arrival. Drinks in the lounge, followed by a delicious meal, chosen from a menu with plenty of choice from a two or three course menu. Faultless service, from very polite staff. We were allowed to enjoy our meal, without being rushed through our courses like some restaurants do. The quality of the food was first class, cooked to perfection. All three courses had good sized portions. My main of Guinea fowl with a black pudding bubble and squeak was beautiful. A would recommend Plumber Manor for top quality dining. We will be back. Thank you

Plumber Manor has been THE place to go since my parents were my age. It has unparalleled food and service, with the most amazing atmosphere. Cuisine is traditional English and French, with local produce, game and all the old favourites. There is a reason we all rave about the Beef Wellington.Best of all is the welcome you get when you walk through the door, even if you haven't been for a year or so. Chances are, they'll even remember what you drink. For special occasions, or just for the hell of it, this is my number one restaurant ever. Nothing else comes close.

Sunday Carvery at the Crown is a must....All laid out ready to help yourselves.Choice of 4 meats and I had a vegetarian nut roast with veggie gravy that was delicious..Roast and New potatoes,Yorkshire puddings with stuffing and a massive choice of vegetables,especially the green beans in a garlic and creamy sauce.Well presented by young staff who were very professional..Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you all again.

I have been coming to this house, for over thirty years. The memories we have made here, have been the very best.The warm welcome by Richard is sincere, and always amusing. The food cooked by his brother, Brian, has always been of the very highest quality. It is amazing, that over the years, they have never lost their enthusiasm. We had Sunday lunch here this week, I started with the crab mouseline, then the Pork, and finished with the famous sweet trolley, another wonderful Lunch, followed by a nice drive home.We will keep using Plumber, until the end, for them or us.Thank you for making a difference to our lives.

The welcome at Plummer Manor is warm, friendly, efficient and unfussy. 4 of us had Sunday lunch on a warm sunny day in Spring, ideal for appreciating the lovely setting. Drinks in the sitting room followed by a 3 course meal in one of several small dining room. The 4 of us all had different courses throughout the meal and we were all very pleased with the quality and presentation of all that we ate (with one small exception). The waiting staff are efficient and smile. Overall, 4 very different but very good meals. Additional bread was provided when needed and more than generous desrts from the desert trolley. For food that was beautiful cooked and presented, it was unusual that something went awry with the potatoes - the roasties were dry and the texture of the new boiled potatoes strange. It did not in any way detract from the meal as there were more than enough other vegetables, fish and meat. We will be going again soon! Price £30 for three course meal without drinks.

Outstanding food and service and although not cheap (but not outrageous) it is worth every penny. Although no formal dress code, I would suggest smart casual as it is that type of establishment.You sit down in comfortable arm chairs in the bar over a drink to study the menu and order. You only go through to the dining room when you food is ready. Being ex military, the dining room is reminiscent of those found in an Officers Mess (pictures, table mats etc). What food! I dined with my wife, we both had 3 courses and every one was outstanding. The staff were attentive without being intrusive and we had an excellent evening.If you have a special occasion, splash out and go and see for yourself.

Been here twice now very busy on our last visit & very nosiey but thankfully the large party there were in a seperate dining area. The staff all super friendly & helpfull, beautiful food well presented, very old fashioned way to serve deserts all on a trolley, you can see everything but once several deserts are served it can look a bit messy. Mind you they taste lovely just personal preference to choose from a menue.

A beautiful old country with the Owner playing mine host.Typical country house with a great feel roaring fires the lab laid out in front of them, Great Bar/Lounge area big restaurant ideal for cosy two some or a family party. Varied menu often with addition of local game but always plenty of options for those that prefer more something slightly less rich. for what you get and where you are getting it good value for money

We went to Plumber on Friday evening, not our first visit. We have always been made welcome, and enjoyed our canapés with a pre meal drink. We have never been disappointed with the food and the service. My favourite place.

Really, just as it says on the tin. It is a lovely country manor still owned by the same family from the early 17th Century with family portraits, log fires, comfortable sofas and general air of luxury. Ours was a birthday celebration and one feels cosseted from the start, wonderfully friendly and helpful staff and a most enjoyable meal. The menu choice is select, not massive, but original and a fixed price for two or three courses with each dish most attractively served. It is pricey but for that special celebration, I loved it.

We were taken out by neighbours for a special treat. It was a classy meal served in a beautiful setting. Champers in the bar were supported by lovely snacks. The meal was in the lovely environs of classically olde world dining room.The menu is well executed with flair and flavour. Service was attentive. Great wine list and a sweet trolley to die for.Coffee back in the bar with homemade chocs ended a lovely evening. We shall return in daytime to enjoy the house and grounds at their best . A classic Dorset hotel.......gun dogs, green wellies and tales of hunting and fishing expeditions seep from the walls

Had dinner there with family and friends. Lovely welcome to this venue, drinks and nibbles before taken to your table. Food was amazing, plenty of choices and very good value for money. The sweet trolley was a 70's revival, an extremely good idea.

A good quality restaurant over many decades.Consistently good dining in comfortable classy surroundings and a clientele to match. The usual management was absent on our visit and it showed. The food and service were fine, rather than the 'exceptional' we expected - the Manor knows its customers and presents them with their desired dishes.

Beautiful food from start to finish just as well I have no beach holiday planned the trio of fish starter as always was excellent followed by roast beef and cheesecake and coffee to end a beautiful evening.

Our last visit to Plumber Manor left us a little underwhelmed though we were not sure why. We visited recently with family and were not disappointed. Everything was faultless from the welcome to the canapés and olives, to the delicious savoury food and the stunning sweet trolley. The service was quietly efficient and the grounds of the hotel immaculately maintained making a pleasant out look from our table overlooking the garden. The four of us sampled a variety of staters including a wild mushroom filo tart with a brandy and cream sauce(much enjoyed and talked about by my other half!) a goats cheese salad, gradvalax and horseradish and seared scallops with pea purée. All delicious and accompanied by very good bread. Three filets of beef and a slow cooked pork, with apparently excellent crackling,were all very good. No dainty portions here.The main course, as always, served with a hearty dish of daupinoise potato and tasty al dente carrots and broccoli. The sweet trolley was as good as ever with a fantastic choice of home made desserts served with berries and cream. We sampled chocolate torte, New York cheese cake, millefeuille and lemon meringue roulade. Our only regret was not having sufficient room for coffee and the usual home made chocolates. A great evening.

Getting a bit dated now and food not as good......nice setting though but probably our last visit as we have such a great choice of good country restaurants in Dorset.

As always the service was welcoming, friendly, and prompt. Lovely to sit and choose from the menu over a drink with family. The meal can not be faulted, we came with family from Wimborne, and they now want to visit more often! as they love the atmosphere and felt really at home. I had guinea fowl for my main, it was cooked to perfection, and made a nice change for a Sunday roast, the vegetables were plentiful and nothing is to much trouble, especially when the sweet trolly comes out. Super meal will back for more!!!!

So we went for a 30th birthday party 10th April for 18 people, we then went for Sunday lunch 31st May, then 4th June for my mums wake, what a fantastic lunch we had, Richard and staff as always, looked after us, and lets not forget the chef who never fails to deliver, i rest my case!!!!

Visited this venue knowing it had been trading for many years. Food very good a little on the pricey side been would not return

I have eaten at Plumber Manor a couple of times now and the ambience is the first thing that strikes you. In the summer, the gardens are glorious; in the winter the fires are welcoming. The staff and owners are also warm, helpful, and discrete. The bar area is a comfortable place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. The dining room is laid out to give diners space to talk but without being cold. This time, the starters, amuse-bouches and puddings were all excellent. My main course was a bit too heavy for my liking - a Stilton filo parcel - but my husband enjoyed his main (the beef) immensely. I haven't been to many places where the note between "special treat" and "relaxing and welcoming" has been hit so well. Highly recommended.

Celebrated my Mum's 70th birthday here and very pleased we did. She has some specific dietary requirements and I was really impressed at the care and attention the staff gave to ensure these were being met. The food was very well prepared and tasty and the atmosphere in both the bar area and the restaurant relaxing. It is a wonderful location and venue in a lovely part of the country and I will look forward to more family occasions there in the future.

Went here last night to celebrate our wedding anniversary which was on Tuesday but they were too busy then,the bar,food,wine,atmosphere were all excellent,staff very good,nice too chat to the owner,wish we had tried it sooner,the prices were very good as I had heard it was very expensive(well it's not) so a big thank you to all as we had a lovely evening

We spent a pleasant evening here with family and friends. The set menu is £30 for 2 courses or £38 for 3. We are used to London prices so this was not too much of a surprise for us. The setting is lovely and you are in grandly proportioned rooms. We had a pre dinner drink in the bar. Surrounded by lovely old oil paintings and the centrepiece is a lovely grand fireplace which I imagine comes into its own on a cold winters day complete with roaring log fire. The owner and his wife very friendly and efficiently deal with drinks and then dinner orders. The dining room is again on quite a grand scale and quite formal but not "stuffy". Our starters were all really well prepared and delivered by careful, friendly young staff. We all tried something different and all were enjoyed, trio of seafood, mushroom parcels, goats cheese and salmon and gravlax. The mans left us underwhelmed.Fillet steaks were an extra £4 as was the fish of the day. The fish proved the most popular. The fillet steaks whilst cooked exactly as ordered lacked a really meaty, beefy flavour. The accompanying vegetables lacked imagination, bland potato dauphinoise, broccoli and new carrots without even a knob of butter to add a little flavour!A couple of us went on to have dessert. The trolley lacked colour but they were all wonderful homemade creations and fresh raspberries or strawberries were offered with every dessert. Overall a pleasant evening but over priced for the quality of food delivered.

We were taken to celebrate our wedding anniversary by very special friends and it was a magic evening the food is so special.The staff are attentive and caring and the whole feel of the place is gracious, full of style and yet so comfortable. If you want a special meal do give this lovely restaurant a try.

This is a wonderful place with excellent food. The Chateaubriand is the best I've ever had! They have an extensive wine list too. The dining room is lovely with family portraits. The manor has remained in the family from the early 17th century and is run by them as a restaurant and hotel. The desserts are homemade, loved the lemon pie with ginger crunch. This is the American version of key lime pie, absolutely delicious!

You can go to a wonderful pretentious place elsewhere but for a genuine reception, generous hosting, atmosphere, characters and great English country food, they don't come much better. Plumber Manor is one of my all-time favourites - I just hope it goes on and on. PS if you ask nicely, they give you a bit extra for pudding! PPS they stock some really big Italian wines and for the special occasion, it's always worth pushing the boat out.

We have been to Plumber Manor on a few occasions in the past but not recently and were looking for somewhere to host a small family celebration. They did not disappoint, with excellent service in a country house ambience which was delightful. The food is very good - traditional but very well prepared and served with attentive but not overbearing service. One of the highlights has to be choosing dessert off the trolley with some excellent, freshly made choices which were perfect for the setting. Relaxing after dinner in the bar with the hotel black labrador rounded off a perfect evening.

This is a "special occasion" place for us. The ambience is gracious and the welcome very friendly. We were there for a Golden Wedding celebration, and were treated like royalty! The food is quite exceptional, superbly served by attentive and charming staff. The wine list is, as one would expect, extensive but one can still have a really good wine at a reasonable price. In all, one of our favourite restaurants to visit for a special treat.

Great food, Superb host and fabulous location and gardens.Good car parking and rooms comfortable and luxurious.Very good wine list and knowledgeable bar staff

If you like "proper" food, appreciate atmosphere, good service and being in the Dorset countryside surrounded by history, spiced with a little repartee, you will probably want to just stay forever. Love it!

Lovely evening meal, in this very appealling, attractive, though slighly old fashioned establishment.

It was the first time last Sunday ,we visited plumber Manor it was for a pre wedding family party.the welcome was great and the food was smashing.the service outstanding .

Went for sunday lunch on 21st Dec 2014, it was everything we expected and more, the service and food go together like a horse and carriage, super food, will be returning next week for new year, can’t wait!!!!!

We visited this place for supper last night for the first time. We have known of it for ten years but never got round to going before.The Fillet of beef was like no other I have ever had. It was fabulous.I must say there were not many dinners. We booked for 8.30 and everybody had gone more or less by the time we were seated.We thought the ambiance was a bit lacking for that reason. However if you want fab food and don't mind the lack of atmosphere. We thoroughly recommend it.

We've been visiting Plumber for nearly 20 years now and love it every time we go. The food is outstanding, the service friendly, efficient and top class rounded off by the charming Richard as host. It's lovely to relax in the sitting room/bar in front of the log fire with a welcome drink while selecting from the menu and then after the meal to return to the same setting for coffee. The perfect place to round off the evening. Like others I have to recommend the pudding trolley with a fantastic selection and you can try as many as you wish. All in all this is a top class restaurant, fairly priced giving very good value for money. If you are looking for somewhere to go for that special treat then give Plumber a go.

I visited Plumber Manor recently with my elderly Mother and whilst we enjoyed a wonderful meal and super service, the facilities for disabled guests were non existent.Having asked where the disabled facilities were I was directed with my mother to the gents which was not very pleasant to say the least. This was not suitable for disabled persons male or female.Considering the number of elderly guests in the restaurant at that time I would suggest that some updates are made to ensure this situation is not repeated.

Run by three brothers this house has been in their family for generations. It was renovated 30 years ago but has great style, graet food and above all a supercalifregilisticexpialidocious pudding trolley.... This is reknowned and you can pick several puds at one session.....Need to book.

Old English Gentle charm.Have eaten here many times and love the fact that men are expected to wear a jacket and tie in the evening...it's nice to spruce up once in a while.Sit in the sitting room in front of the fire and enjoy a drink while perusing the menu. Brilliantly trained staff offer friendly, efficient service.The food is excellent, and the pudding trolley is exceptional.This is a top quality restaurant and while prices reflect that, they are by no means expensive, and I would say you get excellent value for your money. I wish I could afford to eat there more often but it is a special treat when we go there, and I never ever feel ripped off.

We had a fabulous meal at Plumber Manor last Friday evening. Both the chateaubriand and the beef Wellington were cooked to perfection..the beef melted in your mouth..divine.....and of course my favourite the sumptuous sweet trolley...Cannot wait to come back

We returned to Plumber Manor after not having been for a couple of years and I'm very pleased to say that it remains excellent! We went for Sunday lunch, which they have a set menu of £28 per person (3 courses + coffee/tea). There was a great selection and everything was cooked to perfection. Staff were friendly and the place is lovely.If you're looking for a place for a great Sunday lunch, then I thoroughly recommend going to Plumber Manor!Make sure to leave space for the pudding trolley, which has a great a selection. If you fancy, you can ask for more than 1 pud (though the portions per pudding will obviously be reduced).

We have been visiting Plumber Manor for about 30 years and have never been disappointed. This is fine dining without an expensive bottom line. We hope to continue visiting for many years to come.

A friend and I recently had Sunday lunch at Plumber Manor and were very impressed with the service and food. The serving staff, although young, were polite and knowledgeable and showed great silver service skills. It is a lovely setting, looking its best on a sunny Sunday in September.My only complaint was we were put in a room with a large party who were particularly noisey. Not the fault of Plumber Manor I know but maybe they could put large parties in a private room? It was difficult to hold a conversation and did spoil the occasion.

Yes you are right - the fault is Plumber Manor..................Been here a few times now - its got better....my 4 friends first time on our recommendation...celebrating a significant birthday...we - even all said - even in the morning after drinking Pernod and Green Chartreuse at 1 a.m.Food and Service faultless...serious gin and tonic glasses - nobody drinks singles here...table is ours for the night - yes we were last in the restaurant...Food was just brilliant...chateaubriand for two was melt in the mouth and tasty..seared scallops starter...lets just have two courses - starter and main course....and then the sweet trolley goes by...a bit of each please...no problem at all. You can be what you want here - suited and booted or in a casual shirt ...and trousers of course...What a night - and heartfelt recommendations to everybody there..So we had to celebrate chez moi with Pernod and Green Chartreuse..Go there before we take up residence...

We went for Sunday lunch and were greeted virtually at the door.The lady behind the bar was very friendly and made us welcome.The public rooms are very traditional but are in keeping with the beautiful house and gardens.The food was lovely, there is an excellent choice of starters and main courses, everything freshly cooked and the sweet trolley is to die for.Other diners were almost all elderly which was a bit off-putting but it was a lovely meal and we would probably go again. It would be a great place to take your Mum for a special lunch.

Have been visiting this restaurant since 1974, it is, as always, an excellent dining experience, still the same excellent food, same "no nonsense" but very welcoming Richard all in a unique atmosphere, very glad to hear the "plastic penguin" that stood 8ft tall outside the front door was only a weekend visitor, very sorry that Tim has left he will be sorely missed, allthough he was a relative newcomer having only around 30 years service. Keep up the good work, and to those who use this forum to complain the place is dated, excellent, trot off to Macdonalds brand new brightly lit outlets, or savour the "Harvester" culinary experience, It would really spoil my evening if I had to share my evening with such people. All a matter of taste and personal preference of course, but for me - non better.

I love Plumber Manor, the food is amazing, excellent portions, service is also excellent, always a smile, nothing is to much trouble, not rushed, friendly atmosphere. ...love it, and always feel so spoilt, special and chilled. Beautiful setting. ..love Plumber Manor. ..

The options are great and the food was delicious. We stayed on a Monday and Tuesday and the restaurant was packed both evenings. The cooked breakfast was one of the best we've had.