The Chequers Inn in Purbeck

Live just a few miles from the Chequers but incredibly this was our first time there. Had no idea what we were missing! Dropped in with our dog on the way back from Wareham for lunch as we had heard good things. Shared a one-person nachos to start, I had a sandwich and husband had ham, egg and chips. The nachos were amazing, the best I have ever had. Loads of cheese, lovely guacamole! Salsa and sour cream - not too spicy, which suited me. There was liberal scattering of chillis over the top which husband love. My sand which was freshly made, dripping with Camembert cheese and lots of bacon - also came with yummy fries which I hadn’t expected (obviously can’t read) and a side salad with a great dressing. Husband really enjoyed his ham, egg and chips! Which was really nicely presented and he cleared his plate so must have tasted good too! We will be back!

Brilliant Christmas meal. No faults whatsoever. The meal was hot, the service was very good and the portions were very good. Excellent value for money. Went as a party of 16. Have never been to the pub before but I will definitely return to have another meal. Highly recommended.

Anniversary/birthday lunch. 20 Inc 4 children. It was fantastic from start to finish. Pleasant helpful staff. Lovely food presented nicely and those roasts. So good.They brought our cake out when we asked. It was a lovely atmosphere. Thankyou.

Travelled from Swanage for an Anniversary meal. Well worth the journey. Beautifully cooked and presented meal. Really good value. Friendly and efficient staff. A really community -minded pub. ****" for the free meal club scheme.

Booked for dinner based on good tripadvisor results and in fact it wasn't too far to travel from our holiday accommodation. So glad we did...Amazing food !!! Had the slow cooked brisket followed by white chocolate Bailey's parfait .So good infact we visited 2 nights later and had the same and it was just as good . Over the years we've eaten at many places, Michelin restuarants included and this really is an unexpected hidden gem , great food and value for money The service was equally as good , our server Emily made us feel so welcome and was lovely and helpful . We will be back no doubt, keep up the lovely smile and greeting people Emily. And Emily tell the chef they need to enter master chef, the professionals.

We had a meal with our family here today to celebrate Father’s Day. We were recommended by a friend and want to thank you for making our day so special. The carvery was excellent and the puds scrummy. We were made to feel so welcome by all your staff. Can’t wait to come again.

The Chequers is exactly what you expect of a good local village pub. It is a well maintained free house pub that is full of character. It serves excellent food and a good selection of drinks, including Timothy Taylors Landlord. The pub has a friendly atmosphere with clients of all ages. Staff are very welcoming and efficient. We have tried the Sunday carvery on two occasions, and on both times were delighted with both the quality and quantity of the food. There was a choice of four locally sourced, succulent joints with all the usual trimmings and wide selection of well-cooked, well-presented vegetables. Highly recommended. We have also dined on a Saturday evening and again, the food was well cooked, beautifully presented and tasty. We unreservedly recommend the Chequers for a drink and /or food are already planning our next visit.

We had a family meal here and it was absolutely lovely. Food = good. Service = good. What more do you need from a village pub! Well worth the visit

Had a great family lunch today, everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food and the staff are so friendly, they did a smaller portion of fish and chips for my Mum which was great. We will definitely be back.

We popped in for a drink and had a look at the menu so decided to stay and eat. Staff were very friendly.The food was delicious we need to go back again as there is lots we want to try.

...... then people will not expect it to be a proper pub. The village has an alternative pub for a proper "pub" experience, and it's food is good too. The Chequers will never be a good pub cos there's no one who's really a beer lover on the management side. No one ever complains about the naff beer selection in restaurants, its accepted - you're there for the food. So, lower the expectation re beers & just sell a few btls. Easy. As Dirty Harry once said......." A good man knows his limitations....."

Called in yesterday afternoon with family and only to find two real ales not available, for whatever reason it beggars belief particularly on a Saturday they were not up and running. I can only see customers moving away to local opposition for real ale at this rate. C'mon restore my faith in what was my favourite local boozer.

We have just recently moved to the area and decided to give The Chequers a go for Sunday carvery. With 4 different meats and lots of veg and other trimmings on offer we wasn’t disappointed. The meat was tender and everything was hot and nicely cooked, crackling was amazing! Excellent variety at £12.75 we was too full for pudding. Highly recommend that you book as it was quite busy. We will definitely return for another meal and so pleased we have a friendly local that is within walking distance. Thank you Chequers for a great meal 😋

It was a while since we had been to the Chequers and were very impressed upon our return resulting in 2 visits with a week. On the first occasion our party of 4 all had different main courses - Tagliatelle Carbonara, Faggots, Fish cakes and Chicken Kiev we all agreed that the meals were excellent. Upon returning on Wednesday for "Curry Night" to celebrate my wife's birthday, again excellent we both had Jalfrezi - one chicken and one lamb again excellent.

Huge thanks to Vanessa and her team for providing me with a takeaway carvery last Sunday. Just what I needed! Currently incapacitated after a small op and not able to get up to the Chequers. The portion was a good size with nice thick gravy and quality beef.

Friendly pub, great food, dogs welcome. We had tagliatelle carbonara & scampi; chis, salad. Say hello to Bruno the resident pub dog!

Called in for lunch today at our local, had a lovely couple of hours and the good very good, the staff always welcoming and cheerful giving a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Lovely food. We're reasonably difficult to please(!), gluten-free pescatarians, and this did not disappoint. Good Tim Taylor's beer too. Top marks. Thanks.

Lovely pub and thankfully local, have called in a few times for just drinks, this time we had a snack which was lovely. Only a BLT but the best I’ve had in a long while and looking forward to going and having a meal as from what I have seen looks wonderful.

I live locally and I have called in on a few occasions and very often without booking a table.The most recent was a spur of the moment visit and it was great.The menu is a basic arrangement of pub grub but the chef puts on a chef's special most nights.They always deliver a great dish, hot,tasty,prompt and with a family friendly approach.The food is very good and consistently at a level of quality we all expect when we eat out.I will keep calling in.

Turned up early evening, hadn't booked. Family of 5, including a wheelchair user. Found a seat in the front garden, went to the bar to order drinks and pick up menus and was told someone would be out for our order soon. They were and we ordered. Before the food came out it got a bit cold so we went to find a table indoors. We were found a table quickly (with the owner(?) remembering we had a wheelchair user even though he wasn't with us when we went in to get the table). The food was really, really good. The service was brilliant, attention to detail and interaction with us all was fantastic.We will definitely come back if we are in the area again

Went Thursday evening which is steak night. Two words: Absolutely fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble. 10 out of 10. Highly recommended.

Yet again, another fantastic meal here. Quick service for food and drinks, food was top quality as always and very friendly staff. Love this pub!

Excellent food and service. The menu has a good choice and is reasonably priced, we know whatever we order the food will be excellent. We have been visiting The Chequers for 7 years since friends moved to the village. When Tim & Vanessa took over they set a very high standard which they have maintained. We ate here 3 times last week, food was excellent as always, good portion sizes.

A friendly pub/restaurant and well set out for safe distancing and a sterile environment. A fairly large menu from Light Bites to main meals. The service was good and quick. Salmon fiscakes thoroughly recommended and it has been a long time since I tasted such a good rump steak ( with peppercorn sauce).Staff friendly as was one of the owners who chatted to us and made us feel at home.If visiting this area again would DEFINITELY have a meal in the Chequers Inn again.Thanks The ladies from York

Myself and partner and my son came tonight for dinner , from the moment we walked in the staff were really friendly..... service was quick and great too. All of our meals were excellent the steak I ordered was cooked to my liking and actually one of the best steaks I've ever eaten at a Inn. They well deserved 5 stars from us and we will definitely be going back.

We came for an evening after having a bad experience the previous night at Da Vinci’s in Poole. I had a burger and chips and my partner had a steak. They were both lovely. The service was also very good, the staff were very attentive. Recommend for a nice evening. Also very organised in regard to Covid.

I pre booked this meal over a week in advances I know the standard of the food on offer and how difficult it is to book up .We ordered a Posh fish and chips and a Ribeye steak, well both were superb .Well worth a visit if you can get a table, you will not be disappointed !!!!.

This is just an amazing pub! Service was excellent and the food was superb. The steak was the best I have had outside of The Gaucho. The presentation was excellent all the staff were super friendly shame it’s too far away for a regular visit.

What can I say, an amazing meal with great staff. The steak was the best I have had for a long time. I would highly recommend a visit. Fantastic value for money. So good I have re- booked for next week.

Just had a fantastic meal at The Chequers Inn. Had fillet steak with peppercorn sauce and it was amazing! Best steak I’ve had in ages. Staff were very friendly and polite. Well recommended!

We have not been here for a while but we used to enjoy it. It went down hill for a while but the new owners have turned it around. Food is amazing and the staff are just as good. The portion sizes where enough to beat me fantastic job thank you for a great meal out.

Great food in a great location. We really enjoyed the food and the service was superb. I would recommend this resturant❤️❤️❤️

They started take away meals and they are brilliant. We have had chicken and veg curry and they are better than the Indian we use. Very good value to at 6 pounds each!Hope they continue - if they do then we will go back every week.

I received a lovely fruit and veg box from the Chequers. They delivered it because I am shielding during the lockdown and I am not allowed out for 12 weeks.The quality of the produce was superb and I am easily achieving my 5 a day because it is so delicious. They are also providing other groceries and also takeaway meals which I will definitely be trying.The restaurant is obviously temporarily closed but the Chequers are providing a much needed service. Thank you Vanessa and Tim.

We came with family for lunch. They accept dogs, which was a bonus for us, since we were travelling and didn't want to leave the dog in the car. Food was lovely, with plenty of gluten free options, well presented and cooked, and portions were generous. Service was good. We'd have come back again another time for dinner, but they couldn't fit us in :0(

A group of 7 of us visited for the carvery after hearing nothing but great things. It was excellent, we were worried as we arrived late afternoon, normally in places like this a lot of things have sold out or not much is left but for Chequers Inn that certainly wasn’t the case. Whilst we were queuing they were topping up meats, and ensuring everything was fresh. Half the group was vegetarian, which was no problem at all because the variety of great tasty veg definitely made up for it! All followed by desert which again, was absolutely delicious. The only negative if I was being extremely picky is the service once we had finished, our plates took a while to be cleared. We went to the bar and got our own desert menus and had to catch someone’s attention to order desert. Even after taking the order, very slow with moving the plates and the gravy jugs stayed on the table until the very end… We then had to go to the bar to pay for our bill as we seemed to be forgotten about. But, it wasn’t a major deal and didn’t bother us much as the food was so pleasant but it would’ve been a 5* all around if the service was there too. Will definitely return... Thank you!

5 of us had a lovely lunch here. It was a Saturday and we hadn't booked, but there was lots of space in the spacious, bright conservatory. Service was friendly and quick. Good selection of food. We all had sandwiches which come with fries (which were lovely and crunchy and hot).Good selection of puddings too. None of us had and dietary requirements, but sandwiches could have been made on gluten free bread and we saw vegan meal options.Really nice place. Don't be put off by the location or exterior. Highly recommended.

This is the third time I have eaten here and the food is constantly of a high quality.We ate the ceasar salad, green thai vegan curry, salmon fish cakes, gammon steak and burger.The two ladies who ate the green thai curry were not vegans but enjoyed the meal and both said they would have it again next time.I can recommend the round table in the window at the side of the inn.

Have just visited this place for its very popular Sunday carvery. The food is excellent with an outstanding choice of vegetables.....my main gripe is whether you go for the small or large plate......my fellow diners went for the small plate....Small is an understatement, the plate is the size of a side plate, one of my fellow diners had 1 slice of meat, the other got given 2 which was in bits and not a proper slice, you are then expected to put your vegetables etc on this plate, plus gravy and any sauces/Yorkshire pudding. The plates are not big enough to hold the gravy. I am not one to pile my plate up with more food than I can eat but seeing my guests trying to negotiate their meal was laughable......I chose the large plate and received 2 slices of meat.....but at least I was able to see what I was eating but that privilege cost me an additional £2..........I cannot fault the food and the staff are great, but this is just ridiculous...... Cost wise 9.50 for 1 slice of meat plus veg or 11.50 for 2 slices of meat plus veg, but a decent size plate......there are other carverys around which don’t restrict the size of your plate, you just get less meat. I did see another diner with one small plate with meat on and then another small plate with vegetables on...so maybe that is the answer!!!! Where one leads others follow but this surely shouldn’t be necessary. I appreciate that some people are just greedy and waste food but this is not my practice and I do understand that there has to be some rules, but a side plate to eat a roast dinner from is unacceptable.

I visited here for a Christmas lunch with friends. Luckily we were seated in the conservatory as the ceiling in the main pub is VERY low (its great the original building still exists and provides an insight into the old days, but I would keep hitting my head if I spent an evening in this part of the building. BTW I'm 6ft 2").The conservatory is fine (and features an area for kids to play), and offers plenty of space and was useful in our larger group.I ordered the Posh Fish & Chips, which featured 2 large pieces of haddock, chunky chips and pea puree. The fish was very fresh, and although at first I though there wasn't many chunky chips, portion size was excellent, and overall was the perfect size meal.Overall an excellent meal, good service and reasonable cost. Would visit again.

Had an excellent Xmas lunch here a few weeks ago. I was part of a large group of mummies and babies and the staff at the Chequers accommodated us wonderfully. Some of the older children enjoyed playing with the toys and I particulary loved the drawers in the ladies loo full of baby essentials- very thoughtful. Food was great, well cooked and plentiful. Even returned 10 days later for another meal.

This pub is local to me and we should call in more than often because the Sunday carvery is very good.We were a table of 10 and we chose to be seated very late in the afternoon but they still managed to produce a great display of good fresh looking food. The various components that make a good roast dinner were hot, attractively displayed and tasty.A nice relaxed atmosphere too.Great for large family gatherings.

Three of us had the carvery which we all really enjoyed one of us had pan fried halloumi salad which was very tasty, puddings were of a really high quality. The teas and flat whites were good. All this for a very reasonable price.

Fantastic carvery at the Chequers, choice of meats and vegetables was brilliant. The best compliment I can give is that it tasted homemade. I’ll definitely be returning.

We had the Sunday Carvery and it was excellent, a good choice of meats and roast potatoes and vegetables as well as condiments, will definitely go again

Three of us met for lunch. Has been patchy, but gathered there is new ownership, which is very much on the right lines. Now good food, attentive service, pleasant atmosphere.

8 of us went for Saturday night dinner and Sunday lunch. Both were excellent, staff friendly, but the Sunday carvery was one of the best we’ve had. Prices very reasonable as well. Highly recommend.

We came here for the curry night on Wednesdays, and the food was great, and really good value. The staff were lovely; very helpful and chatty. We've been here before and will definitely come again.

Having won a raffle prize of a Sunday Carvery, we took up the offer today. To be honest I’m not a huge fan of carveries but my opinion was changed today! Delicious food, cooked to perfection (difficult when catering for numbers). The roast beef was juicy and mouth watering, a fabulous selection of vegs and to finish off... sticky toffee pudding - another total winner.

We stayed in a local airbnb over night and we’re recommended this place by our host as suitable for a family with a 2 year old. We were so impressed to find a non-chain pub to be so clued up around allergies! They had a really simple number system showing which allergen was in each meal, not only were we able to easily pick a meal for our daughter with multiple allergies but I could let her have some of mine for the first time ever as I was also sure what was in mine.

We all enjoyed our meal on Sunday last. There was lots of choice of both meats and vegetables. All well cooked and delicious. Thanks to all the staff. We will be recommending you to all our friends.

Came here for a family meal, the staff were friendly and attentive. Although we had different dietary requirements on the table, all were catered for, even the dog. I can't fault it, Truly memorable visit for all the right reasons. I will definitely visit again when I next visit. My only regret is that I live in Shropshire and its to far to come regularly.

Best carvery i have ever had. Lots of choices!! self service when it comes to the vegetable etc. makes you feel very comfortable when choosing how much and what to have. Lovely food, great atmosphere. Definitely visit again!!

Generous portions of meat and a great selection of well cooked vegetables. Good variety of desserts including this parfait which was amazing

Being a vegetarian going to a carvery isn’t ideal you’d think. But I went with my family & was spoilt for choice and came away with a very full plate that filled me right up. So don’t write off this carvery if you’re vegetarian-it’s amazing

We were a party of 6 friends staying in Swanage for the weekend.

Visited 22nd September for a family Sunday Carvery. Food was average/acceptable but service was truly chaotic.

We visited after looking on Tripadvisor, we ordered a fish and chips £13 and a ham and chips £ 10.25. Well, what some large portions of really good food, we could not finish our meals.We will definitely be returning when in the area.I cannot see why this place is not higher up the reviews, be aware though no food Monday and Tuesday evenings.

After being extremely let down by the neighbouring St Peter’s Finger we stumbled across this delightful pub. We couldn’t be more pleased. It is now our new favourite place to eat. The food - particularly the carvery - is excellent! The wine is superb and the service is friendly and welcoming. A new firm favourite! Bye bye St Peter’s Finger - won’t waste our time there again.

Got to say my meal was yummy. The food has greatly improved in flavour and presentation. Quick and efficient service from the lovely staff. Thank you. (Great to see they have brought back the carvery. ) Must pop in and try it soon.

Fantastic food, good atmosphere and friendly staff. I have visited the Chequers many times and the food quality has always been consistently good. Would highly recommend.

Went with friends for a catch up and had a really nice relaxed meal. Steak night made it a very reasonable price for a party of eight and all of the food went down well.

Had lunch here today with our one year old grandson, the food was excellent and served quickly. Our grandson loved the macaroni cheese children's meal, the place is very child friendly and the landlady was so friendly and helpful.

There were six of us eating cajun chicken salad, gammon steak, fish and chips and cajun chicken burger. Everybody commented on the high quality of the food. Sweets were yummy. Two quality ales on tap. Would reccomend and will definitely return.

This is a family run pub, with good beer and wonderful food, plenty of room for large groups, we were just 17 and had had plenty of room. I will eat there again if we stay in the area for another break.

We had booked a table of 3 for fathers day! It was a good meal despite having to wait a little while for are drinks. The Sunday carvery all 3 of us had was good and good value however my slight complaint was the fact that there wasn’t enough vegetables which is such a key and expected thing for a roast. We will return but needs some more veg! We did enjoy are visit!

My wife and Mum and I went there yesterday. Had a wonderful meal at lunchtime. They didn't scimp on the food. And didn't want for nothing. Lovely lunch time

We had some great food and the Surf and Turf was fab. Great steak cooked to perfection with beautiful prawns in a garlic sauce 🍲👌

Lovely pub with cosy bar area, but also has a lovely restaurant area. Food is all fresh and really tasty. The menu is great, i often struggle with what to have because its all so tempting! Some of the best pub food we have ever had. Service is also faultless, all the team are really lovely. Come here regularly for drinks and/or food, and is always wonderful!!

Consistently good quality Carvery and good option for large or smaller appetites. Dog friendly outside the main restaurant area and staff are friendly and helpful.

Recently returned to Chequers after friends said it had Improved, so we tried it and it has improved immensely. Hard to get back a once good reputation when it has been lost but the new couple in charge are striving very hard to achieve this. Found them very engaging with customers listening to comments (not bad comments just observations) The carvery was excellent value for money at £15 for two courses, everything was cooked well especially nice to see green vegetables that are actually green Thank you chef. The parfait we had for dessert was delish! especially the pistachio crumb crunch. Will definitely be going back and good luck to the new owner managers. Excellent.

I do live local to this pub but I have only called in for a pint and a packet of crisps prior to this lunchtime visit .

Very pleasant good value Sunday carvery meal . Plenty of meat and vegetables. Had deserts which were also very good.

Lived in the village 5 years. Always used to go here for a meal. Then had a few too many bad meals a couple of years ago and didnt go back.

Lovely country pub that has changed alot over the years. Staff are always pleasant, they serve great food here and its reasonably priced.

Attended with a party of friends. Excellent carvery, choice of four meats and plenty of fresh, well cooked vegetables. Regular or small portions available. Each of us paid separately and this presented no problem to the staff, all drinks and meals were correctly added to each bill. Other meals were available as well as the carvery. Plenty of car parking. Lovely lunch.

We booked a family meal which included 3 younger children, we said about this when we booked and they explained they had a kids area which was fab! The kids not only enjoyed their food they had a great area to play in.

Recently visited the checkers and loved the cleanliness of the inside. I also noticed a great selection of ales and beer. All the ales where available. I went for a pint of doom bar and land lord best. Both tastes amazing and where at an outstanding standard.

Contrary to some be recent reviews of poor beer, I had a great couple of pints of Landlord here. Not keen on Doom Bar but noticed the pub had also achieved a Sharps certificate, so highly recommended for food and drink.

...... it's a restaurant. Pubs consistently serve good ale.

My wife and I called a few days ago and had a most enjoyable meal, excellent in presentation and service, however the following day I called in for a social drink with a few friends, what a complete opposite in quality. My second pint was off, pointed this out, no apology offered and pump clip not turned around. Tried another this was marginally better although not clear. The general consensus is that this pub provides very good food but falls down on providing quality ale consistently. Somebody behind the bar who understands ale would be a good start.

My family celebrated my husbands birthday at The Chequers. We had a lovely meal with excellent service. Highly recommended.

Pleasant lunch, pleasant experience, good service. Clean and tidy pub, with friendly staff. Plenty of car parking.

Just been to The Chequers for Sunday lunch. Very good food help yourself small or normal large choice and plenty for the large appetite. Good for families

The Chequers has always been a decent place to eat, but often seemed to change hands or managers, so never completely reliable. Ate there today and our expectations were exceeded. Genuinely first rate food, very much at the top of the pub spectrum. My calves liver was excellent and my wife's posh fish and chips (Hake) looked superb. Her apple crumble (finished off by me) was delicious. Well worth a visit.

Treat in a rural village. Great staff and new owners are lovely. Great food, delicious carvery on a Sunday.

Lovely pub. Everyone extremely friendly and helpful. Food was superb - really tasty, good portions and good value. Good beer - plenty of excellent beers on tap. All together a great night out.

We visited this pub twice and a few days, once for dinner, and once for Sunday Lunch. The dinner looked really nice for my carnivorous family, but I am vegetarian and I thought the options to be rather lacking which lead me to have a bowl of soup and some chips. Don't get me wrong, the soup was lovely, but there was only one main and one light bite available for vegetarians.

We were camping up the road over the bank holiday weekend and had spent the day at Bovington Tank Museum to stay out of the awful weather. By late afternoon, instead of heading back to camp for a BBQ we all fancied something more substantial.

Booked a table for a family of 8 for Sunday Carvery. We sat in the large airy conservatory, which was very pleasant despite the rain pouring down!

We visited with friends, really busy and good atmosphere, we were lucky to get a table. Menu is varied and we stopped in for a light bite. We have eaten at many local pubs but the food here was far more superior. I had the nachos which was the best I’ve had, we will be back.

Good varied menu...3 very different dishes all nicely cooked and beautifully presented. Very large portions...to large for us really. Now. PUDDINGS........home made chocolate brownie, delicious. Well recommended, but check restaurant opening hours

Standby.....maybe all change - again. The Manager who was doing a decent job has left (wonder why?) and there seems to be no one at the tiller. It's rumored that the owners, who run a catering business from the pub's kitchen, plan to move in and take control. We'll see. But the pub last week was offering bottled beer instead of draught!!! Oh dear, that's a classic sign of pubs that are heading the wrong way. I see that other locals have made similar observations; shame, cos we all really wanted it to do well. This may just be one of those pubs that constantly changes hands, each new owner making a good 1st impression then losing interest. I suppose the big Q will be - what does someone with general catering experience really know about BEER?

As a local I was optimistic that under new ownership this pub would improve, foodwise very good, but there is more to running a pub than that. Called in on Friday evening asked for my local brew and was informed that the barrel was off (clip still on) and due to a change around will now be sold in bottles. Aside from that the general impression I seem to be getting is this pub is struggling, no front of house management (an ongoing issue by all accounts), therefore no issues cannot be addressed at the time. 3 ladies serving, in to my mind in a vulnerable position.The signs are there: please prove me wrong.

We have called mid week and we like the service and ambiance. It was quite but I was pleased that you offer a glutton free bun with my light bite meal.

Came in on the Sunday for the carvery.

Excellent food with very friendly staff and was amazing from start to finish. lovely! Overall was very impressed!

We had an excellent lunch for 15 bellringers here. Everyone enjoyed their meals and our member with special dietary needs was well catered for. Staff were friendly and efficient - thanks for a lovely rest stop on our bellringing tour.

Greeted with appalling loud music, cars badly parked in road and obstructing traffic; place overflowing with adults drinking whilst children running about unsupervised. Anticipated a reasonable lunch in pleasant country pub but on viewing did not bother to go in. Disappointed and unimpressed.