The Carpenters Arms in West Dorset

Booked for Sunday lunch with family. When I booked I asked for raw carrots for a member of the party. Unfortunately they bought out cooked carrots and didn’t have any raw carrots🤔 The lunch was good, hot and tasty. Cauli cheese was delicious. They offer small, medium and large portions. When we visited it was turkey or beef and you could have some of each. Service was good, nothing was too much trouble. This is a family run pub. Chefs are Father and Daughter and their children serve you. For young people they were very considerate. However, when we ordered dessert, the cream was extremely thick and tasted off. I asked if it was creme Fraiche they said no so we sent it back to the kitchen and were told sorry the cream was off and they weren’t sure where it came from! Who is doing the stock checking here? This has put me off returning. Shame because the pub has a nice atmosphere and the rest of the food was good and we should be supporting local businesses. You decide…..

The Carpenters Arms has largely improved since the new manager has taken over. Probably the best pub food that I have had in Sherborne - the chef clearly takes pride in his work, not to mention the value for money! Was incredibly surprised when expecting mediocre pub food - wish I had taken photos but it won't be long before we visit again. The improved decor throughout is much more welcoming and homely, with finishing touches such as blankets for the beer garden. We are looking forward to our next visit!

Unfortunately the food was not great this time! First time we had it delivered it was nice , this time I ended up throwing most of it away. The standard of food was not great!

Went for dinner last night. Fantastic food and great service. Sat outside for gin and tonics. The staff were brilliant. Strongly recommend that you visit!

Great food and very attentive service once we had sat down at the table. We were not acknowledged straight away as others were being served and the one bar staff was taking their time. We interrupted the staff member to say we had booked a table, at that point service quickened.

The food was amazing, the starters were a good size and very well presented, they was about 4 mains to choose from, I had the beef which melted in the mouth, the gravey was rich with a nice consistency, they gave us loads of veg and potatoes all cooked to perfection. Nothing was too much trouble for the landlord and his attentive wife who smiled throughout. The day was not rushed as they only book so many tables and the table is yours for the duration. Our puddings were lovely and we had tea and coffee after. I do not have any negative things to say it was fabulous and would defiently visit again on Christmas day. I highly recommend this pub for the great food and service.

I went there for a business meeting ended up having a very good night out after a few drinks. Food was fabulous very well presented desserts good atmosphere and very friendly staff and free pool as a bonus

How bad can a buffet be? Well we found out today - really bad! Looking more like an apology for a 1970's budget village hall tea, the full range of the 'buffet' comprised two plates of sandwiches, a plate of sausage rolls, slices of pork pie, some dodgy-looking cold mini chicken skewers and a plate of dry-roasted peanuts. £7.95 a head!! Without the amusement of Fawlty Towers, but just as absurd.

Had Sunday lunch here very few tables taken , only a choice of a main course and pudding no starter. I had the beef rare my friend had chicken which was fine but could do with a little longer in the oven , the veg a little soggy , pudding very nice . I gather this has just be re decorated and carpeted but it lacks something what is hard to say and I am not sure I would go again

Having been to the landlords restaurant The Royal Thai Orchid where we were over charged. I then received a threat of court action because I honestly commented about the over charging and poor hygiene and safe food practices at his restaurant. I should also comment that the food at the carpenters arms is ok and the staff do their best given the constraints that they are allowed to work within. Not their fault,...... but would never ever patronise either establishment again. There are far more pleasant and better value for money places to use !!!

Went for Sunday lunch, roast beef was nice but the gravy was far too salty and came already on the food.

We went down to the carpenters arms for a birthday lunch for our eldest today and had a really nice meal. The food is really tasty and the staff are warm and friendly. Good value as well. We’ll be going back again soon.

Saturday lunch, we are all happy with the quality and quantity of food, a large menu plus specials, great service from happy helpful staff, recommended ! We will return without doubt, thank you

Michael served us it was his first shift at the pub could not have done more for us, we were a party of seven all our food came out together all having a different main meal, mine was the Faggots, just go and try them Oh were they good. We all had sweets the chef was leaving but came back to serve us. Great home cooking at its best we will return.

We had a really lovely experience eating here tonight. We shared a starter of Brie in breadcrumbs - really fresh with a superbly prepared salad. This we followed with the special of lamb shank in cranberry and red wine sauce. Everything was cooked to perfection and on a hot plate. On the first really cold night in ages, the restaurant was lovely and warm. Booking again for next week. Extremely good value for money and reasonably priced deserts, although we just couldn't manage one.

Excellent meal. Starter of Deep Fried Brie excellent but one piece of Brie would have been adequate. Not complaining though as I am sure majority of people would enjoy the two pieces and not feel full up. My Braised Steak was beautiful. So tender and tasty it just fell apart. Saute Potatoes good accompaniment but felt there was too much veg. Me being an extremely fussy veg eater didnt eat any. Overall meal was excellent and atmosphere really good. Will definitely go again. Thanks for the good foid. Carol Wilson- Sherborne.

Called in to the carpenters arms for food and a couple of drinks, we hadn't booked a table, the Landlady couldn't have been nicer, made us extremely welcome, brought us menus, when the table was ready we were taken into the dining room. A first class meal, braising steak was succulent, veg just right, sauté potatoes perfect, thankyou to all staff, if your on holiday as we were pop in you won't be disappointed.

Called in early evening to be greeted by the landlady who sorted a table for us as we hadn't booked. When meals were ready we were shown to our table and presented with our fare . 2 braised steaks, chicken in cheese sauce and pork in cider all with sauteed potatoes and fresh veg. Cooked to perfection and good portions all meals were 1st class and well priced. A very friendly pub with good staff

Had a really nice Thai curry here and my partner had some cheesy chips. The staff were all friendly and let my son and daughter feed dog biscuits to the resident pub dog. They both loved that! We had a lovely evening sitting outside.

I must say that the Sunday lunch was excellent, more than enough to eat, only complaint is my 5 year old grandson and I went at 12.30 and there were quite a few noisy children at that time making impossible to hear each other speak. Maybe lunch later would be quieter.

We had a lovely evening meal last week in the Carpenters Arms, service was excellent and the choice of a fixed menu with at least six gorgeous "specials" available. Prices were very reasonable. We were a little taken back on how quiet it was in the restaurant, people are really missing out. The specials were excellent. The pig cheeks were so melt in your mouth and yet not something i would normally consider. Yum Yum

Absolutely fantastic evening. Welcoming and friendly. Food was just out of this world. Menu choice was great and the specials were so varied. We would definitely recommend. At last somewhere good to eat

Not sure the exact number, but somewhere around six to eight of us descended for lunch.

Had a meal and the food is excellent and the owner will cater for your needs if you want something different. The rock slide chocolate fudge dessert is to die for the best I have tasted. Great staff, would recommend.

Just been up for our second meal first was fish pie for both of us it was soo good.

Can't fault them. We have tried many pubs for a good lunch and have sometimes been disappointed, but this pub is head and shoulders above the competition. The service was faultless as was the food and if like me, you are a vegetarian, and you don't really fancy what is on offer - just ask because they will make other dishes for you......amazing!! The people are really friendly and make you feel very welcome. We will be back very soon.

Received excellent buffet food & brilliant services. All dealt with in short notice, to a very high standard. Highly recommend for any function!!

First time visit today was very impressed ,very tasty food great service friendly staff .A great addition to the Sherborne scene ,deserves to be a great success .

Excellent food ,went with a party of ten everyone was very pleased with their food, great service had a good day definitely going back

Called in ad hoc after a walk. The staff were friendly and found us a table. The pub was clean and got busy. Food was great value, loads of veg and massive so we could not manage pudding. Well worth a visit. Pool table in the Lounge which offers a relaxed area for a drink.

Visited the Carpenters Arms tonight with friends.

This pub came under new ownership quite recently I think. We visited with friends. The staff were welcoming, very eager to help and make us comfortable. It felt like a relaxed friendly pub. Food was reasonably priced, simple not at all gastro - but a good meal. I had vegetarian pie which was very tasty. I'm sure we'll be going back.

This Pub & Restaurant used to be called The Mermaid and will be better known by that name by older residents of the town.

I was really impressed during a recent visit to the Carpenters Arms. The menu on offer was fantastic, so good that I struggled to choose between three or four options. The service was first rate and the prices were reasonable.

I've been to The Carpenters Arms for a drink on several occasions and have had a very pleasant experience. They have a great selection of beers on tap, including two favourites, Doom Bar and Timothy Taylor.

We really enjoyed our visit. Beer was excellent, the food very tasty and good value. Thoroughly recommended as a good place to go if you enjoy your beer and your food!

Had a nice meal at the Carpenters Arms Sherborne formerly the Mermaid perhaps a name change will change the fortune of this old Sherborne Pub and the signs are good .The Dining area is very pleasant and the food very nice with Staff that are very friendly and helpful will definitely return

After a long day at longleat myself my 2 year old son Mum and brother and sister came across this pub, we were welcomed by 2 lovely lads and a man (chef) possibly owner. So warm and welcoming. Given the choice to dine in the restaurant or bar we picked bar. Lovely and clean with a lush fire! Ordered food and it was AMAZING nothing was to much hassle and the chef really couldn’t have done more for us. Very good value for money. All round 10/10!!!!!!! Thanks all xxxxx

We asked for basic platter of sandwiches and a bowl chips for a family gathering Christmas Eve, I’ll attach a photo, it was superb and presented beautifully. Chef checked several times that we were happy. He’s a lovely chap and nothing would be too much trouble.

Wow what a meal ..had a Christmas meal with the skittle team and amazing ...the portion size was unbelievable loads of veg roast potatoes all very tasty, we all enjoyed it and must say the restaurant was much warmer since the last time I visited. Could of done with a bit of back ground music, thank you once again the owner a great guy made us all welcome even had a shot of baileys after our meal the bar staff could of been more respectable (not Cameron). We all said we will be back in the new year, merry Christmas to you all!

I had a booked a table for lunch at the Carpenter's Arms for 11 people, and every single person of the group thought the food was wonderful, and very reasonably priced too! None of us had been before and we were very pleased we came - we will be coming back, highly recommended in the Sherborne area!

We like to eat Sunday lunch at one of the excellent public houses within 15kms of Sherborne. Our closest venue, the Carpenters on the B3145 Bristol Road was the Mermaid but has undergone a transformation.

Visited here with family and were expecting great things. Half the menu was scribbled out as 'the manager has gone off and left us'. Ordered what we could. If you can't do it properly then don't do it at all. Very basic but OK. Toilets were in a terrible condition. They'd obviously not made the refurb list. We were the only diners at peak time so not exactly buzzing. Service was ok but some more training needed - good effort by the girl running the place. There are better places to eat locally. We won't be going back.

excellent met by the chef specials informed= family meal for 40th birthday just loved it we went as a family of 7 and were well happy for our sons 40th birthday thankyou

I won a £20 voucher on facebook and me and my hubby went out with out the kids and throughly e joyed the peace and quiet food was very tasty very filling and staff was wry welcoming the only Down fall was the restaurant was a tad chilly as front door open and a big draft coming in

The Carpenters Arms has recently re-opened, replacing the old Mermaid Inn. Situated to the north of Sherborne, next to the Quarr nature reserve, it is a purpose built pub with big function room. Friendly service and comfortable. Good selection of beer. Didn't try the food. Not so keen myself on Sports TV, but popular with other people.

Wanted to watch Spurs v Huddersfield while visiting my mother in Hospital in Sherborne with my son. I checked sky availability on line and phoned early Saturday morning, spoke to the landlord who confirm. The pub is huge with pool tables and skittle alley and

The staff were fantastic, very welcoming and very quick service. The food was out of this world! Cannot fault the experience! Everyone who ordered steak received it cooked exactly how they ask for it! The owner is a really nice chap and was very attentive! Highly recommend!

I have just left the Carpenters Arms after a delicious meal with my parents. The fish and chips was second to none and my Mum’s Thai curry had just the right amount of spice. Very welcoming staff and I’m looking forward to having Sunday lunch there.

Two of us had lunch here and we were very satisfied. The food was good and helpings generous. The staff are new and somewhat inexperienced but that didn't affect the service which was very friendly. We'll come back another day.

The second time I've visited for Sunday lunch, food is very good! Unfortunately untrained staff that look abit scruffy staff training is desperately needed (no uniform or something similar) and no wine list available apparently! But highly recommend the Sunday roasts!

We came to try the refurbished restaurant this weekend to celebrate family birthdays. The refurb looks great, much improved from when it was The Mermaid. We all had various meals and each person enjoyed theirs. Sampled a bit of my daughters waffles she had for dessert they were delicious! The staff were friendly. It's a good pub that caterers for all. We even brought the dog!

4 different meals, the lamb and steak was superb, fish pie and scampi was brilliant and the chips are always genuine potatoes not frozen ones. You are always asked if everything is good. A nice atmosphere and staff. We didn't have desert (full up) but we could see other people loving them. We will return.

The whole meal was a treat. Starters: Brie for us both were just great, Main course: Fish pie which was really tasty, and my Cod & chips was beautiful. The chips are probably the best I've had. As for the Sticky Toffee Pudding - It was to die for.

We were excited to try the 'new' Carpenters arms. The new decor is a huge improvement, and a friendly welcome was received.

Had a meal here yesterday evening, and I'd like to say it was a great experience. There was 4 of us , all meals were excellent, and very reasonable. Recently re opened, this established will definitely do well as the landlord and staff were very friendly. Try it for yourselves you will not be disappointed. Will definitely be back for more delicious food.