The Court House Bistro in West Dorset

It was a treat to come here to celebrate my parents' wedding anniversary in our bubble. Chris made us very welcome from the start, and her warmth really added to the experience, The food is excellent (not surprising given the AA Rosette awarded in the first couple of months of opening), and of course the venue of Judge Jeffreys's courtroom is special. I'm already looking forward to coming back, whether for a full meal or coffee and cake. And the basil ice cream....

We have popped into the restaurant twice in the last couple of weeks for a light lunch/brunch . It's an amazing setting , which you feel is steeped in history . The food is freshly made and beautifully presented . Great value for money, and the staff are friendly and efficient . We are waiting for an excuse to go for an evening meal .

This is a lovely place serving great sarnies. The fish finger sandwich is much more than fishfingers; 2 large fish fillets with minted peas and mayo and absolutely scrummy. The Christmas sandwich of turkey, bacon, sausage and cranberry is excellent. We couldn’t quite believe how little the bill came to. Very polite staff too. We love the historic setting and couldn’t understand why the place was so quiet. Highly recommend The Court House for a safe and peaceful lunch.

Excellent food, excellent service, highly recommended, the sandwiches are to die for, will definitely be going back again 11/10

A warm welcome, good atmosphere in old courtroom and staff could not have been more helpful. Initially we were disappointed that the menu we were expecting is only available in the evening but we enjoyed croque monsieur specially made for three of us. We hope to return.

Had a lovely evening. Very friendly helpful staff. Each course was full of flavour, & reasonably priced. Relaxing atmosphere with character. Will definitely be regular visitors now we have found this hidden gem.

I went to The Courthouse Bristro and had a wonderful Friday night with my family. We had complimentary bread and butter, followed by our mains being delivered to us reasonably fast. The food was delicious (I had the Duck Breast, as did my grandmother who also very much enjoyed). The staff were all very lovely and were working hard to keep the COVID-19 rules in place. Overall a fantastic evening, I’m looking forward to going again soon!

What a relief to find The Old Court House which is tucked away up stairs in Antelope Walk, somewhere open with social distancing where I could have a glass of wine with my lunch. Although the bistro has a grim history, it's atmosphere is warm and cheerful in part due to Chris, an 'old school' waitress who obviously enjoys looking after customers young or old. The menu was limited in August, which I understand will not now be the case, but what was available was generous, good quality and very good value for money. I would not hesitate in recommending The Old Court House to singles, couples or families.

In the old courtroom used by Judge Jeffreys, it's worth a visit just to enjoy the wood panelling and the atmosphere. But the food is really good too. Beautifully cooked with a real French feel, and nicely presented, portions just right. We had our first meal out since February and really enjoyed it . Thanks to all and look forward to next time

Great meal and good service. Well worth a visit. Value for money. Deserves to do well. Only been open 6 weeks but should do well.

I had a very lovely Friday evening here. We were given complimentary bread and olives, the service was fast and the food was amazing (I had the tagliatelle, my friend went for the fish and chips). Would definitely recommend!

We stopped to have lunch here whilst in Dorchester. It was very quiet and only one other table occupied, our 2 year old had a meltdown and the waitress could not have been nicer! She even offered to get him something else for his lunch if he wasn't happy with what he had. Once he got over his 2 year old irrationality, we all enjoyed a great lunch! Thank you!

We went for our first family meal since lock down, cocktails very poor, limited drink stock, tiny ill prepared starters, 6 chips with a steak, small fish portions, poor deserts, there were alot more problems of which I made them aware of, severe lack of experience throughout, I hope they take the criticism and improve rather than ignore it

We came here for the first time since the restaurant changed hands. We met all the staff even the chef came out to check we was happy. The food is out of this world. Truly amazing :-) the front of house all where very professional and nothing was too much trouble. Everyone should visit and book as evenings are amazing here now. Can’t wait to come back. Well done and see you again soon.

Court house Bistro, spur of the moment evening meal first night of opening the new Bistro in Antelope Walk Dorchester, Change of ownership and Matt and James the chefs Lovely menu all freshly prepared, reasonably priced and the waitresses polite and pleasant. The mains portions a good size enough to fill you, but not massive. Nice glass of wine with the meal finished off by a liqueur coffee. Highly recommended.