The Chalk & Cheese in West Dorset

Really pleased to see the Chalk and Cheese open again! (Last time we stayed in the area it was closed) We ate there a few times in the week we stayed nearby. It’s a great pub (dog friendly) with a warm welcome, good beer and really good food! Thanks to Saxon and the team for looking after us!

My Husband and visited the Chalk and Cheese on Thursday together with our son and girlfriend. We found the pub to be very welcoming. The staff were very attentive and helpful including table service for our meal. My Husband and I ordered BLTs and my son and girlfriend had burgers. I must say that these were the best BLTs we've ever had. It's our go to lunch choice so we've sampled a few. We shared a side order of chips which were also great. The burgers also looked amazing. I really can't fault the meal at all. I'd like to thank the staff for making our experience so enjoyable. Can't wait to return.

We are staying in the area and came across this quaint little pub Very dog friendly Really nice staff nothing was to much trouble A new menu had just been released. And everything sounded delicious My husband had pan seared hake. With crushed herb potatoes salted peas and samphire And I had Asian honey glazed duck , on egg noodles Wow it was simply the best we ever tasted If only we lived locally it would be our regular pub ( and we’d be a lot fatter lol ) Well done everyone no 1 pub

Myself and my wife are both wheelchair users but from the start the staff were very warm, welcoming and helpful. We were allowed to take our black Labrador Hebe into the pub. The service from start to finish was stunning, fast and professional. The food was absolutely delicious, nothing wasted on our plates, lovely and fresh. The whole experience from start to finish was superb. There is a little lip for wheelchair users to get over, but this was easily overcome if reversed out. Brilliant experience, caring and friendly staff, give it a go, you will not be disappointed, massive 10/10 😁👌

**Excellent Pub Grub and a Welcoming Atmosphere** If you're looking for a great pub experience with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere, look no further! This establishment offers an exceptional combination of excellent pub grub, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff. **Delicious Pub Grub** The pub's menu features a wide selection of classic pub dishes, all expertly prepared and served in quick time. Whether you're craving a hearty burger, a juicy steak, or a traditional fish and chips, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.(I highly recommend the southern fried chicken burger) The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it great value for your money. **Welcoming Atmosphere** As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating and a charming ambiance. The pub is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, and you'll often find a mix of people enjoying a pint, having a meal, or catching up with friends. **Friendly Venue** The staff and manager are incredibly friendly and accommodating. They go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience, and they're always happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions. The pub also hosts live bands on a regular basis, which adds to the convivial atmosphere. There is also ample seating in the outside area. **Good Location** The pub is conveniently located in a central area, making it easy to find and access. Whether you're staying nearby or just passing through, it's definitely worth a visit. **Conclusion** If you're looking for a great pub experience with excellent food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff, I highly recommend this establishment. It's a perfect place to unwind, socialize, or simply enjoy a delicious meal. We will be visiting again.

Extremely welcoming atmosphere and staff, really felt at home immediately. Fantastic service, polite and friendly staff. Food was fantastic, proper pub food with locally sourced ingredients freshly made.

The Chalk & Cheese is now run by Jack & Luke with a new telephone number 01300257225 is now open 7 days a week from 12- 11 pm Sunday - Thursday and 12 - midnight on Friday & Saturday. Both are very friendly and welcoming. Although we only had a drink at lunchtime it is our planned lunch venue for 15 bellringers in April 2024. Hopefully, these details will get TripAdvisor to amend the information it currently displays

We stayed in the village for a weeks holiday and popped into the pub on our 1st and last night. We felt immediately welcomed, the service was excellent. Beer incredibly well kept and although the menu was limited the food was delicious. I have rarely had such amazing chips! On our last visit, there was lasagne as a special so of course it had be be tried! I was not disappointed, rich, tasty & hot. This is a lovely, friendly & dog friendly pub & I wish we had a local pub like this near our home. Thank you

We ate here tonight with our two boys aged 8 and 11. The service was great (they opened up the second garden for us so we didn’t have to eat with smokers) and the food was delicious. As others have commented, the menu isn’t wide but we all had the “in the basket meals” and they were great. Really tasty, hot chips and I’d have been happy to polish off the chicken bites my children ordered if they’d have left any! The scampi and burgers which the adults ordered also received the thumbs up. It’s not a gastro pub, and nor does it pretend to be. It’s really reasonably priced and a great place to go if you fancy good chips accompanied by some tasty food. I hope it does well.

We called in for a bite to eat as we were staying nearby. We found comfortable surroundings, freshly cooked food and a good range of beers. There’s not a huge amount of choice on the menu, and it’s mainly fast food type meals but the service was quick and the meals were hot and tasty.

The young couple running this are doing their best to create an attractive environment but they've got a fair bit of work to do. We sat in the back garden (ignore the front garden)and it was very peaceful. The food was OK, but again, I think they're trying to get it right.

Great local pub! New owners doing a fantastic job of making this a friendly place with good food to visit

We had a lovely impromptu bite to eat with the family. Great burgers and loaded chips. Really nice food and excellent value for money. Vinnie the dog loved his treat too.

My Husband and I visited the Chalk and Cheese for lunch. We were pleasantly surprised when we entered this lovely quaint pub. We were greeted by a friendly face behind the bar when we ordered soup of the day which was tomato and basil. The soup came out hot with a lovely crusty piece of french stick. It was absolutely delicious. We'll definitely be returning soon.

The Chalk & Cheese is a proper pub. It’s full of locals and they all seemed like a lively, friendly bunch to us. Every town should have a pub like this. It’s not pretentious and it has a great atmosphere. The food is good value pub fare and doesn’t pretend to be anything else. Don’t come here on a Friday or Saturday if you want a quiet chat with your partner, I suspect tonight’s noisy atmosphere is not unusual. My wife and I really enjoyed our time at the Cheese & Cheese and we had some interesting conversations with the locals. I’m going back tomorrow for some live music.

We were worried about bringing our greyhound to the pub while we had our meal but she received a warm welcome, treats and plenty of space to lie down. The menu was small but had everything we wanted and we enjoyed our steaks and scampi. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we had an enjoyable evening.

This is the pub closest to the holiday cottage we are staying at for a week and would have used as a local for drinks and a number of dinners if it had been welcoming and better. On entering we were stared at by the locals (a bit like Royston Vasey) and it was clear from the reception they did not like visitors. The menu was limited and then half of the items not available. The food we ordered was ok, obviously cooked from scratch but not very exciting or appetising. Think chicken breast in a burger bun with iceberg lettuce and one slice of tomato. They were struggling to get the gas right for the beer lines and soft drinks. The pub dog was very cute and the friendliest reception we got from anyone but I did not like that the pub cat was also in the room and jumping on tables and the window sill when people were eating.

Lovey typical country Inn serving a small menu of delicious food. Genuine village pub with Dorset countryside laid back ambience. Don't fret if there's no-one behind the bar to pour your drink, a local or two will oblige, and you can pay later, because the owners are busy in the kitchen!

Had a brilliant visit to this wonderful village pub on the last night of our holiday, accommodating 5 and a dog at no notice, very quirky lol the ladies were on top form and welcoming, the beer and spirits were great, the food wow 2steaks and 3fish n chips, the steaks were absolutely fantastic cut and cooked to perfection both dad and I would have comfortably paid double, we left completely satisfied and stuffed, could have stayed for a few more beers though, will definitely remember this little gem and hopefully be back for round 2. Thanks ladies

We stayed in Maiden Newton for a week and as the Chalk and Cheese is the only pub there, we had no choice but to go! Amazing place. Jo: landlady, chef and all round great company. We ate there three evenings and the food was superior to just about any pub I’ve eaten in - home made, fresh ingredients and gigantic portions - had a starter the first night but couldn’t finish the main meal, so no starters after that. Left room for home made chocolate fudge cake one night and it was worth it! We live about 45 minutes from the village so might have to force ourselves to go back soon.

This is not a picturesque “gastro pub”. It is a real friendly old fashioned village pub. We visited three times on a recent holiday. There was a very warm welcome for both us and our two dogs. Beer was good and the food was honest home cooked food that was incredible value for money. ( Sirloin steak with usual trimmings, fish, chips and peas, a pint of beer and three glasses of wine for less than £44. Full English breakfast with toast and tea £8). This was a clean, honest, welcoming pub that took us back to a much simpler time. We loved it! The locals are lucky to have such a nostalgic gem.

This pub is a true gem. Fabulous staff who made us so welcome. Food was good. Atmosphere great , you must go to the quiz night such a laugh. Thanks for a good time. Stuart, Di, Carol, Alan and Tilly.

Not too sure if we went on an off night , but this pub should be avoided at all costs. Arrived on Friday night (12 November 2021) ,having been attracted to the high 5 star review rating. We were happy to be told that we...

Had curry today was very tasty well done 10 /10what a lovely pub people should give the pub a chance

Nice, cosy village pub with good food and friendly hosts. Good selection of drinks and the food was served hot.

The food in this cosy little village pub is excellent, tasty and well priced. They use local ingredients and the chef is very attentive to detail and her customers too.

Really welcoming pub with great locally sourced food. Went in with the family (booked in advance) and our dog and were made to feel very welcome. Felt safe with sanitiser and track and trace in operation. Food was delicious - prawn cocktail to start -...

We booked a table here for dinner, first offered one right under the speaker which was playing loud aggressive music so we asked to sit elsewhere. It was very quiet but we were early and it picked up later. The food was great the whitebait...

Ate here twice in our weeks stay. Steak was fabulous and though not advertised the owner/chef did me a great homemade pepper sauce which was lovely. Prices very good.

Staying nearby, we walked into the village on a Monday evening, hoping to find somewhere open. Luckily for us, this was. We were given a warm welcome by the owner and locals alike and they confirmed that we could still eat (it was a little...

Beautifully cooked fish and chips, good portions, speedy service' not on Eat Out to help put scheme but still good value for money/ We had to move indoors as women got upset by number of wasps in garden, but small but comfy place.

What a fantastically and friendly pub. We were fortunate enough to have this pub in the village we were staying in. We popped in on the day we arrived and were made to feel so welcome by the owner and so many of the locals....

We discovered the Chalk and Cheese on a visit to Dorset and in need of an evening meal. On arrival, the pub was clean and well-marked out for COVID compliance. We were slightly disappointed with the choice of beers, with only Courage available. Considering the...

We visited the Chalk and Cheese for dinner as a family whilst we holidayed in the local area. We received a warm welcome, the bar was well stocked and the staff were friendly and chatty. All of us really enjoyed our dinner, the fish and...

Can understand the trouble with covid-19, but the second we walked in the smell of the toilets overruled the pub. It smelt like the toilet doors had not been closed and this was noticed as soon as we walked in. The menu was like a...

Both dogs and humans get a really warm welcome at this lovely pub . They serve good pub grub with locally produced meat which was cooked to perfection and the fish and chips were much better here than from the Riverside takeaway up the road....

I visited for the 1st time today since jo has taken over this pub. I was not disappointed. I had a lovely vegetarian breakfast and had my 2 children with me. One had the full English breakfast and the other who's very fussy chose sausages and toast which was not on the menu, but this was accommodated, no questions asked. Jo was very kind and pleasant and the food was really lovely and good value for money! It was a pleasure to meet you and we will definitely be back! Highly recommend. Thank you for making us feel welcome in your lovely pub x

Lovely pub, great atmosphere and hospitality. We visited twice and thoroughly enjoyed the food on both occasions.

My girlfriend and I had a lovely pub meal there on the last night of our holiday. We walked down To the pub from the our cottage, had nice table in the corner and had some food and a couple drinks. The food didn’t look too great when it arrived (we both had lasagna) but it taste great and good portions too! All the staff and the locals in the pub were very friendly and it had a very nice village pub atmosphere in there.

I called into this pub to have a drink with some friends who I knew were going to be there. The atmosphere in this public house was very subdued and unwelcoming. The lady behind the bar appeared disinterested and sullen. No wonder it was practically empty. Not sure I’ll rush back to this pub in the future.

Popped in today whilst on a long walk. Thought it was closed but landlady more than happy to get us a well needed drink. We had a great chat and a tour of the pub. What great potential to be the hub of the village. People of Maiden Newton get down there and support your local. It definitely deserves success. Lots of us are crying out for such a welcoming local: ours has been shut and they’re looking to convert it into flats. Would love to return soon to enjoy warm hospitality and a well kept pint. Thanks and good luck.

Spent last Christmas with our family in Maiden Newton and visited the Chalk and Cheese. Joanne and Leslie had recently taken charge of the pub. They were very welcoming and friendly. Fast forward to September. We returned to visit and were pleasantly surprisedto see that Joanne was still in charge, had decorated and now does offer good honest pub food at very competitive prices. She remembered us from December and lots of locals were present in the pub. Lovely atmosphere and Joanne and her staff were charming. When we left she thanked us for returning. we will certainly go back next time we're in the area. Thankyou!

Lovely friendly pub .lush fish & chips dog friendly .in a lovely village in dorset .took my inlaws for tea while we stayed with them .would like to vist again with hubby and dogs when we vist the area again .

Lovely pub great food staff very friendly highly recommended to everyone you wont be disappointed throughly enjoyed ourselves

We popped in here for a quick pint after a long walk with an aim of possibly eating there at some stage. The beer was good but the manner of the barman was a little offhand, if not indifferent.

Popped to the village pub after an exhausting day at the beach - well the dog and I did do 12,000 steps each- and what a lovely pub it was too. Lovely warm welcome as we walked in but even better Jo the owner and chef was in the garden when we walked through not only to greet us but more importantly talk us through the menu. We opted for 2 of the dishes she had cooked from scratch and wow they were fantastic. OH had lamb shank and I had 5 bean chilli and they were both amazing. And as we were leaving Jo gave us some dog biscuits as a treat for the dog. What a happy, scrumptious place. We will definitely be back !

Visited the newly revamped Chalk and Cheese pub in Maiden Newton about a week ago and was extremely impressed with the warm, friendly welcome and the first class home-cooked food! The land-lady has a great sense of humour and is very eager to try new recipes and ensure that her customers are happy and content. Strongly recommend this pub to all!

Such a lovely friendly pub. Went back twice beautiful meal both visits. The chef came out and checked we enjoyed our meal very attentive

Having been driving and exploring all day we came upon this warm cosy pub not too far from our accommodation. The waitress/Cook and two other staff were so lovely to two weary travellers from Downunder, and made sure we had everything we needed and ordered. It was a local, casual setting but the staff were warm and friendly, and the food was hearty and satisfying. Thank you so much, Ladies!

This pub was local to where we were staying. We popped in for a drink while we waited to check in for a cottage and, although it was clearly a locals pub we decided to return later for food as it was convenient

My husband and I were staying local to the chalk and cheese and popped in for a couple of drinks one evening. The landlady was very friendly and welcoming, we sat out in the back garden with was a little sun trap. Although we didn't eat during our visit, the menu looked great, and if we are near by again we would definitely try out some of the offerings ;-)

Stayed in the village for a long weekend, thought pub was shut but luckily it wasn't, very friendly, great food and very dog friendly

Popped in for a quick drink last night. Landlady was friendly and polite and the place has improved greatly

We popped in here every day during our stay over Christmas 2018 at local holiday let. Very friendly landlady, Joanne, who will make a go of it I’m sure. My parents got down early on 23rd, popped in and were left running the place when Jo went looking for a lost dog! Thereafter, we popped in for a few everyday and were met with smiles and helpful staff. It is not an olde worldy place, but is decorated pleasantly enough and has plenty of seating. There is a skittle alley that I’m sure will bring in punters in the future and I believe they will be adding food shortly. I’m sure they will need this to make some money. That said, there were plenty of locals at all times of the day when we were there, but I know that whilst that is a good sign, it was Christmas, there isn’t a huge amount of money to be made in beer - no matter how much they drink! I hope that it is a success for Jo and we will pop in again when in the area.

Maiden Newton has got its local back. It was refreshing to see the Chalk and Cheese had reopened after being closed for a short period following the departure of the previous incumbents who will certainly not be missed!. How refreshing to see the smiling face of the new manager behind the bar. Nothing was to much trouble for her and she made us feel very welcome. A smiling face and good beer are surely the key ingredients of a successful pub and the Chalk and Cheese now has these in spades !. I believe food is planned at some stage, which will add to appeal of this pub. So good luck to The Chalk and Cheese , I think its going to be a winner.

Was disappointed in the food as have had some really good meals in pubs. I had burger which was very chewy. Coffee was good. Staff very friendly.

We live fairly locally & have been here a few times. Had brought family for a nice Sunday roast which we've had before but unfortunately they don't do it anymore. There was a new menu which looked nice but out of our two tables only a couple of people were happy, my pizza was nice, sisters burger good but others said fish & chips tasteless & other chips undercooked & one dish burned underneath. Staff are really nice but didn't ask why is much food was left. Just not on par with many of the other local pub grub but really do hope it gets better.

Great food, but slightly disappointed as we thought this was a specialist cheese restaurant, but it wasn’t. Maybe they should consider changing the name so it reflects the type of food that hey do. Still very good all the same.

The beer was good, the food was awesome, very nice beer garden and a welcoming atmosphere in the bar. Recommended whole-heartedly! We will back next time we're in Maiden Newton!

This is a great pub with friendly staff and locals. We were staying locally and visited the pub every night with our dog who loved the fuss she was given. The food was great and had a good selection to choose from which was ideal after having a few beers. We also had a takeaway on the Sunday night and were not disappointed. I would highly recommend the burgers which were of great quality, not the cheap burgers you might expect.

We visited on Good Friday. Greeted with a smile and very friendly environment. Great food. 4 fed and watered for under £35.

Best pizza in Kent; can't say the same for garlic bread or buffalo wings.

Best pizza in Kent; can't say the same for garlic bread or buffalo wings.

We visited this pub/restaurant twice during a weekend break in the village with friends. Friday evening was busy with a good, friendly atmosphere. We returned Sunday for lunch and the bar was virtually empty with just the occasional customer until mid-late afternoon when there was a busy spell. No Sunday roast on menu which was disappointing, but nevertheless my wife and I both enjoyed our meals. There were a couple of ales on tap and the log fire was appreciated on a cold and wet weekend. Service good, staff friendly and dogs welcome.

Nice atmosphere. Locals and staff very friendly. Food was good. Boys enjoyed their burgers. I had steak which was nice but I asked for it medium rare and it was over cooked. Limited menu and no Sunday roasts. Had a lovely fire going nice on a cokd evening.

Pizzas are always good at this restaurant., and there are always good deals on offer!

Pizzas are always good at this restaurant., and there are always good deals on offer!

They forgot one thing but it was resolved instantly

They forgot one thing but it was resolved instantly

Good Pizza, good sides, Found out 15” stuffed crust is too much for 1....tasty though.

Good Pizza, good sides, Found out 15” stuffed crust is too much for 1....tasty though.

Visited with family tonight, some of us live a few miles away and was my first visit, no menus on the tables and no signs to say when they stopped serving food, i asked at the bar and had missed out by 5 minutes. Noticed that a couple was served food at 9.25. Seems known locals are treated better. Some people bought dogs, 2 of which went for each other, dogs should be left home.

Didnt recieve my 1.5 litre of diet coke i paid for ..Pizzas were very good as usual

Didnt recieve my 1.5 litre of diet coke i paid for ..Pizzas were very good as usual

10 minutes early, food pipiing hot and delicious as usual.

10 minutes early, food pipiing hot and delicious as usual.

If you’re more concerned with decor then the food and drink, this isn’t the pub for you.

Amazing Pizza and great service

Amazing Pizza and great service

A village pub, with drinkers crowded round the bar and lots of dogs. Not very atmospheric but perfectly ok.

Ordered 3 pizzas 2 of them were in correct and one was correct !

Ordered 3 pizzas 2 of them were in correct and one was correct !

Excellent could not ask for better

Excellent could not ask for better

8 of us went to dinner at this pub the welcoming was warm and friendly, we were a little early to order but the barman said he could take it and pre order to save time there is a good selection of local ciders and real ales.

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Lovely pizzas always piping hot and taste so good ! And good value for money unlike dominoes! Will deffinatly be ordering again soon keep it up 👍👍👍

Best pizza I've had for a long time and so much better than the big chains. Will use again.

Best pizza I've had for a long time and so much better than the big chains. Will use again.

I placed an order it was all confirmed then I had a phone call from the restaurant refusing to do the order because I didn't order pizza even though it was over the limit. The guy was so rude and didn't even care just saying only higher up can do something. Had to ring Just eat to get a refund even they felt it was stupid to refuse. Will not be using Cheeses again. Awful customer service.

Visitamos la tiza y queso el miércoles pasado la noche que estuvimos al otro lado de la carretera en una casa rural, aunque el pub no parece ser mucho desde el exterior, estaba muy limpia y muy bien decorada y el que nos recibieron, aunque parece más de una gente de pub. Mi hijo y yo nos las pizzas que eran deliciosas. Vale la pena una visita si cerca.

Chicken wings awful quality and burnt in places. Still not sure what the coating was made of. Ordered a thin crust. I suppose it's subjective but I found it thick and doughy. Topping bland and greasy - cheap ingredients. Overall lack of care and skill. Very disappointed.

Chicken wings awful quality and burnt in places. Still not sure what the coating was made of. Ordered a thin crust. I suppose it's subjective but I found it thick and doughy. Topping bland and greasy - cheap ingredients. Overall lack of care and skill. Very disappointed.