The Bar & Grill in North Dorset

On our journey home from an overnight-stay in Bournemouth we decided to take a minor roads route back home rather than the direct main road route. This took us through quite a few small towns and villages. Our plan was to find a Farm Shop Café or a village / small town-centre café where we could get lunch: ideally a snack and a hot drink. We were over an hour into our journey when we saw the signs for Marcia’s Farm Shop and turned into what was a heavily pot-holed carpark. We then walked into the signposted barn noting that there was plenty of tables and chairs arranged in neat rows but no-one was sat there. There was another door into ‘The Shack’; inside was actually a full bar; like you would find in a pub. There were a few locals propping-up the bar, chatting and drinking draught beer. This is not what we had expected and we assumed that the ‘Marcia’s Farm Shop’ and ‘The Shack’ were one in the same business. There didn’t appear to be any farm produce on sale: other than, we assumed, the food offered in the menu. It was almost exactly 1pm when we were approached and welcomed by a pleasant lady. We asked about food, and she advised us to select a table and choose from the menu of snacks that were available, and that she would return to take our order. We studied the menu having ordered some tea and my Partner chose a fishfinger baguette, whereas I chose a toasted ham and cheese sourdough sandwich. The plates took a good 20-25 minutes to arrive from ordering, but freshly prepared food does take time. So, we sipped tea and amused ourselves with the help of a large (probably over-fed and under-exercised) old Labrador who constantly wandered and sniffed around the bar and seated areas. The dog then settled at our table once our food order arrived. This was not a serious issue for us (others however may dislike being ‘hounded’ by slobbering dogs while they eat their food). Both plates featured a colourful and tasty fresh dressed salad which was really good. My sandwich was really firm and crunchy with a generous helping of thick-cut ham and plenty of well-melted cheese, and a small portion of red cabbage coleslaw to go with the salad. It was really good and enjoyed. My Partner’s baguette featured homemade cod loin fishfingers and tartare sauce (both inside the baguette). The fish was a bit moist and insubstantial; despite being made from the loin. Cod can be like this and it is why we prefer the meatier haddock. The baguette also accompanied by a few crisps, but they were a really strange flavour for accompanying fish (reminded us of Oxo beef - but very artificial). Our food was on the whole good, generously portioned and very much welcomed, and it was good value.

Had the souvlaki kebab. Very tasty

Ordered a couple of pizzas. Probably the most expensive pizza in Dorset - the GF option being £19.50. One of said pizzas was burnt underneath and inedible. Raised it with the staff who said "Yeah I can see it's burnt, sorry." but no offer of discount etc. Other food was good and otherwise service was decent.

I'm a regular at this, my local Costa. Staff are excellent. The gal(Lauren) and the guys are friendly and professional - most importantly they know how to make lovely coffee. Problems - not because of the store's staff :- sometimes deliveries to the store are not in schedule 🤦leading to low stocks of cakes, sandwiches etc .... Some comments have noted *dirty tables* whatever. Sometimes the 2 on duty (occasionally even 1) can be overwhelmed for a few minutes with customers. However ask them to clear/clean your table and it will be done ASAP. Plus as soon as the short rush is over normal cleaning etc is done. The store and toilet ARE wheelchair (accessable).

The new landlords have absolutely turned this place around after only a couple of weeks and things can only get better. The menu is limited at the moment but all the food they serve is beautifully cooked and presented. The beer is well kept and the welcome from landlords and staff is outstanding. Well worth a visit.