The Bar & Grill in North Dorset

Very much enjoyed our late lunch here. Young staff and manager were very friendly and helpful. Extremely good value for money, reasonable prices and big portions. We actually quite like the unique interior it’s cosy!

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.

Great place to eat and stay, huge thanks to Mark and breakfast gentlemen (sorry I didn't get your name) for the friendly and efficient service . Great menu plenty of choices using local sourced ingredients. Stayed in room 5 wonderful bed immaculate linen complete with fridge, fresh milk,water, tea,hot chocolate and kettle! If you're in the area give this place a visit.

We made a lot of use of the bakers during our stay in the town. All the bread and pastries and pasties we bought were excellent and very fresh.

We love the Royal Oak, can’t go wrong. Quality food, good prices and nice staff. Proper pub