The Kings Arms in West Dorset

Great fish and chips Dog friendly

Lovely Village Pub, pleased it's still open, staff excellent very attentive, remembered what we were drinking after one visit, food very tasty and Gluten free options available,w had roast beef and roast pork came with lovely selection of vegetables

Great place for food highly recommended

Lovely cosy pub with friendly staff and a very tasty Sunday roast. Especially liked the nut roast

Had a light bite and drinks. Very nice. My 5 star review is really for Liz. She was extremely busy, single handedly running the bar, taking food orders, serving orders, clearing tables and taking payment. All this on her own, very unfair. But done with a lovely smile and friendly nature. Treat this woman well, she is worth her weight in gold.

Lovely pub and location. I was on the way back to London and needed a pit stop. As soon as I walked in I was greeted with a big smile and taken to a table. I didn't have to wait too long as the only waitress working was just like wonder woman. I run a restaurant in London and would give her a job anytime.

Polite staff. That’s where it ends. Food was beyond mediocre. I’ll spare you the details except to say a 25 pound main that tastes like a Tesco meal doesn’t feel good. The most upsetting part was that we had to sit between two tables with massive dogs. I love dogs but in a restaurant?? Barking, eyeing your food. The smell and the risk of being hurt. It was an upsetting evening. But doesn’t deter us from loving Dorset.

Romance spot for a couple to dine on tasty and delicious food. Traditional pup menu with fresh vibes and delicious treats. Perfect service from the staff, excellent customer care and great atmosphere. Review again after Christmas in the new 2025 year.

Very disappointed! Didn't start well as had to return the 6X beer which was cloudy and tasted off, resistance from barman who reluctantly replaced beer with another type. Similarly, out of date peanuts were replaced with barely an apology. We both had roast beef which was overcooked and tough, this and the veg looked like it had been kept warm all afternoon. We stayed locally and had planned to return later in the week, we're now looking for somewhere else.

Always been a bit of a hit and miss but today I am totally impressed. The couple behind the bar are so incredibly kind, very very clean with a lovely lay out and food was delicious! Definitely after 3 years of living here will be making this our local. Thank you x

Lovely pub with nice beers and food and friendly locals and bar staff. Only problem no real bar area, for popping in for just a drink. We sat at the bar.

Great staff and great food. Thank you

We were staying at a campsite nearby, and booked Sunday lunch at the Kings Arms. The roast dinner costs £17.50 for beef or port and £18.50 for lamb shoulder. When it arrived it was ok and tasty but a pork chop and a lamb shoulder chop rather than sliced roast meat. It was also a small portion with extras such as cauliflower cheese at an extra price.

Brilliant pub. Great bar staff and the owner keeps a good beer and a welcoming place for a pint and a bite.

Went for Sunday lunch, very nice and friendly. Nothing on the menu my son liked but the kitchen obliged by doing him burger and chips. Definitely worth the visit. 😄 👍

Have been for a drink when camping in the village and wanted to try the food. Booked for my birthday celebration and was delighted to find 6X on draught! Not an extensive menu but something for every taste and the quality of the food was excellent. Staff really friendly and helpful, making it a really good evening for everyone in our party. Will definitely be back when next in Portsham.

Had a chilli there a few weekends ago, quick service, food was nice, sat in a nice quiet section will return again 😋

Fantastic food, amazing staff and exceptionally dog friendly. Staff even sang happy birthday to our dog. Whenever we are back in this area we will be back

We visited this pub several times during a short break in the village. We liked it so much on our first visit we kept going back. Nice beer, friendly staff, decent pricing, food was lovely and very dog friendly.

We went here whilst staying at the local campsite.. Although it's a lovely pub we wont be returning because the drinks were way overpriced. We had a pint of lager each, one was poured into the correct glass, the other into the wrong glass which was a normal straight glass, that made the drink dead flat. I pointed the problem out to a member of staff, the drink was then poured into a different glass, although it was slightly better it was not that good, she didn't even top it up to try and give it a bit of life.. You would think with the extortionate prices they charge they'd try and get it right. So all in all a bad experience was had, so we won't be returning...

Is a lovely place, nice staff...

We loved the Kings Arms. Sitting in the afternoon sunshine in the large garden or on their decking is very relaxing. It is dog friendly and our black Labrador loved it too. It looks as if it will be very cosy on a cold winters day when the log fire is roaring. The staff were great and friendly. In fact the entire village of Portesham was so friendly we felt really welcome even though we were there for just a few days.

Called in here on 2 separate occasions for a few pints. Lovely atmosphere, very chilled and welcoming, good choice of drinks, very doggy friendly. Friendly staff!

We have been coming to the local campsite and using the pub at this time for the last 3 years. The first year we came in and the food and drink was very good and we found it difficult to get a table because it was so popular. Last year we booked before we arrived , but were a little disappointed. This year we came in with a bit of trepidation, to find you are back to your best. The staff are efficient, friendly and appear proud to sell your products and the food is good and beer well kept. We will be back, please don't have another blip.🥂

The food was awful for the price , dry so don't know how they can charge 17 quid or more how ridiculous!! You pay for the setting only and to top it off, an old discarded nappy in the car park how gastly

Quite disappointed with our lunchtime meals. Hubby and I had ciabattas and chips which lacked substance and were just ok…Son’s fish and chips were not the best quality for the price we felt and the peas were certainly an experience! Justhad much better elsewhere for the price…

Very nice venue clean and tidy with pleasant staff. The food was lovely and tasty. My only gripe is the price over £21 for a pub meal and the thick chips at £4.50 worked out at around 30p each.

Beautiful pub in a 1000 year old Anglo Saxon village (celebrating 1000 years this year!). The pub has a decent garden out front with both decking, and a small stream/pond section between the garden and the decking. There was also a pizza oven which was being fired up ready for dinner. We only stayed for a couple of drinks so can only comment on this. Decent selection on tap with lots more in cabinets behind the bar. One noteworthy detail was the bathroom sinks, only a small thing but the sink design was really cool.

Lovely food, friendly staff, and we especially loved the duet playing in the garden. Such a relaxed evening. Thank you.

Glad we booked in advance (literally an hour before hand) and they had room. Very popular and rightly so. Food was delicious and service just as good. Even though it was busy, service didn't seem effected, we had finished our food and desserts within an hour.

Nice location,nice place,nice staff but £17.40 for two pints of peroni lager and a pint of coke says I was either accidentally overcharged or this place is very expensive.Either way they won’t see me or my wallet again

Great beer, live music and a wood fired pizza. What more could you ask?

Excellent service and food really enjoyed the sea bass

Stopped in for some lunch really enjoyed it Service was good very friendly great food

Should stop for a lovey drink and some food

Went for Sunday roast, meat was terribly fatty and cheap and one of our parties food was cold. Overpriced, no soft drinks written on the menu. Just save yourself the money and hassle and go elsewhere.

Food was great (if a touch pricey) staff were a bit dismissive, weren't told we had to get cutlery (considering it is pricey too..) asking for a napkin when there was none was almost too much.

Disappointed I recognised there were mixed reviews before visiting. Visited on a Sunday small menu. Our experience was the menu clearly stated SEABASS with samphire, green beans in a ‘posh’ sauce, it was one small seabass fillet, no samphire or green beans, it was overpriced. When commented to staff the response - I will tell the chef, my comment was the manager needs to be told, response - he works across the road! That plus a big empty board supposedly demonstrating what wines from around the world were available demonstrated how poorly the place is managed, would not go back & could not recommend it.

Excellent Sunday beef roast first class service attention to detail first class 👌 getting busy ambient atmosphere all good no worries no negatives

This was undoubtedly the worst meal we have experienced. From an extremely limited menu we chose a starter and a main meal. Both were brought at the same time. We waited until serving staff came to ask if we were enjoying our meal so we could get our mains reheated, but they didn’t come near us. We complained as we did not eat the mains but they just took the plates away and said sorry. The fish was badly over cooked and the chips were yellow inside, the meal was cold by the time we got to it. It was atrocious. I would not recommend to anyone.

Beer is far too expensive!!!! Didn't stay as a guest, just a walkin guest for a pint and a meal. Table booked before we purchased the beer but cancelled the table based on the over priced beer!!! Update from The King's Arms with a polite response but they are deluded to think that I could have gone for a cheaper beer of £5.00 for a session beer 🤔 Extracting the urine on beer prices and think it's acceptable.

A lovely, friendly country pub situated in a beautiful village. We had a Sunday roast dinner which was very tasty. It has a large garden, which is dog friendly. I would definitely go back again.

Review for Kings Arms Pub, Portesham The Kings Arms in Portesham is an idyllic country pub that offers a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. My visit here was nothing short of pleasant, and I am eager to share my experience. Atmosphere: The outdoor seating area is absolutely lovely, especially on a sunny day. The well-maintained garden is adorned with colorful bunting, creating a festive and welcoming ambiance. The tables and chairs are comfortable, and the large umbrellas provide ample shade, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The view of the lush greenery and the quaint village backdrop adds to the serene atmosphere. Service: The staff at Kings Arms are friendly and attentive. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and prompt service. The team is knowledgeable about the menu and eager to accommodate any special requests or dietary needs. Food and Drinks: The menu offers a good variety of traditional pub fare with a few contemporary twists. The quality of the food is excellent, with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The drinks selection is also impressive, featuring a range of local ales, ciders, and a well-curated wine list. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or just a refreshing pint, the Kings Arms has something to satisfy your palate. Value for Money: Considering the quality of the food, the service, and the picturesque setting, the Kings Arms offers great value for money. It’s an ideal spot for both casual lunches and more formal dinners without breaking the bank. Overall Experience: The Kings Arms in Portesham is a charming pub that excels in every aspect. Its combination of delightful atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food makes it a must-visit if you are in the area. I highly recommend stopping by for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

really nice food, would reccommend

Handsome location and building with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Menu options are few, but the quality is high. Service very friendly. Ample nearby parking. Beautiful grounds.

Yogi say's you & you staff r 5 🔯 for me & my humans who come with me thank you .l like your chirsmas lights 5 stars thank you.

The best Sunday roast ever! Lovely pub, great atmosphere and dog friendly - what more could you want?

If you are in the area why not have a pint, very good otter.

This is a lovely place in an amazing setting. Sadly I just found the pub nice as it is very expensive. Would visit again and it's worth a visit

Lovely pub in a beautiful setting &nice food

We are visiting Dorset for a summer break, and went to the Kings Arms for dinner. We had olives and bread to start which wasnt bad, although only one tiny loaf for the bread was a bit smaller than anticipated. For mains we had the liver, a pie and chips, and the chicken with sausage cassoulet.. The menu was simple but it was evident that every meal was well thought out, and cooked to perfection. Definitely better to have a limited menu where everything is done well and this was a prime example. I had the liver and It was vert nicely cooked with delicious accompaniments. The other meals were also very much enjoyed and everyone left feeling that the price was very fair for such a high quality meal. The staff were very friendly and the setting was beautiful. If we visit in the future we would be certain to go again.

Nice food, friendly staff, also nice to have a ukulele ensemble rehearsing on the night

Great location on the Jurassic coast road. Aspells Blush on tap, great cider.

Staff very friendly, only popped in for a drink 🍸 will definitely go back 👍

On an incredibly busy night the committed staff here made sure we got a meal even when the kitchen was closed. We were staying at a nearby campsite and had left dinning out very late. So grateful. Lovely food and beautiful pub garden to sit out in. Thank you!

Awful service, rude staff (the bloke with long ish brown hair mainly), took over an hour for food to come

Amazing Sunday Roasts and a great selection of ales. 28/04/2024 Still does epic roasts and great ale

Only there for food. Excellent to narrow it down. Were treated to the ukele band. Brilliant real shame we couldn't stay later. Will come again.

My sister and i went for lunch as she lives in the village. Delicious food and friendly atmosphere. I had roast beef, roast spuds, perfectly cooked veg, Yorkshire. All gorgeous, with gravy to die for. Worth booking as it gets busy.

Had a nice meal, staff very friendly

Very little drinks options, limited food menu and quite pricey.

Lovely local pub, excellent food. Great portion size. Small menu, but a good selection of "favourites".

Very nice pub with a great atmosphere. The menu is a bit pricey. But country pubs are facing hard times. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

friendly staff and nice sunday dinner! :)

Such a shame, lovely pub but made to feel unwelcome when we went in, the man who was supposedly front of house was very ignorant not at all friendly and made us feel very unwelcome. The pub itself was lovely shame about the one particular member of staff.

Lovely pub with very nice food.

Just had a very enjoyable meal. Had the special, steak and red wine pie, chips and peas. The pie was amazing, big chunks of beef steak, and lots of it, delicious. Only thing I would like would be a choice of sides. Then had sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream, now very full and very satisfied. Staff are very friendly. Wheelchair ♿️ accessible from the car park. Highly recommend, especially if staying at the camp site as few minutes walk.

A lovely roomie pub with a good selection of beers and a couple of ciders. There were 4 of us,2 steaks, fish n chips, and a burger. Everyone enjoyed the food,my steak was cooked to perfection. The bro in law said he wanted more chips with his burger. We had 3 Irish coffees after the meal. The staff member who made it should have googled how to make one. We had 3 mugs of armericano n milk with a shot of whiskey in. Which in itself wasn't horrible but an Irish coffee it ain't. Very pleasant staff, attentive and chatty. If in the area again i would happily visit again. 👍👍🍻

Superb meals this evening - Venison ham egg and chips and Chalk stream trout, both were delicious. Good beer and wine, friendly, comfortable pub.

What a fab meal we had tonight . I had trout on noodles with a great sauce and fresh veg. My partner had venison ham made on site served with an egg , recurrent and black pepper sauce and chips it was delicious. Very quick and excellent service. Highly recommend.

Just been for a meal this evening Unfortunately, not very good. I ordered the Chicken schnitzel which was very dry and overcooked with a very salty chicken seasoning. The caeser salad was a couple of gem lettuce leaves and some kind of dressing, definitely not Caesar dressing and a handful of croutons. This should have been described as salty seasoned chicken breast. My hubby had the game , egg and chips. The chunky chips were very dry and tasteless, which he left. He didn’t like the game, not sure what it was Sorry but would not return.

We didn't stay here, but on the campsite opposite. We have spent New Year's for the past two years at the King's Arms and cannot fault thewelcome, the food or the service, we'll be back.!!

We had a meal on the evening of 29th Dec and lunch on new years day the food was exceptional would highly recommend the food although can't say the same for the service it was appauling

Staying at the campsite nearby which is lovely, went for a nice walk and came back to this pub. First impression was lovely and staff seemed great. After a few drinks served by a lovely young chap just returned from Australia, we ordered another drink from which we thought was the manager and we charge an extra 70p, ok may not seem much but was the principal, we asked the nice bar chap about it and he he got the other guy (who we thought was manager) to witch he just said oh I charged u wrong price 😡 no sorry just oh do u want the 70p back sarcastically, if you own this pub keep a close eye on this 1. Unfortunately we never saw the Australian guy again just hope we didn’t get him in trouble .

Last minute stop for Sunday lunch, had a very nice garden with a stream running through it. Excellent service and lovely food, will definitely be back

A lovely atmospheric pub. The food was excellent.

Sunday lunch, roast beef and roast pork then a lovely lemon tart with blackcurrant ice cream. Food served promptly and staff were efficient and friendly.

Fantastic welcome and service , a quiet Tuesday evening but the standard of food was amazing as was the service would recommend the trout which I had as it was one of the best I have ever had as was my wife meal was so full could not do dessert which is a rarity

Just had the Sunday roast Starter pheasant with Caesar salad changed the blue cheese for the roasted goats cheese Then the roast pork for mains And the piece de resistance was the apple crumble with ice cream ( not many chefs get the crumble right either soggy or too dry) this was perfection

Really friendly pub, serving excellent ales and great food. Staff really friendly.

Friendly staff, helpful. Accommodating dogs, good food. Nice atmosphere.

Sunday lunch like it should be. Roast potatoes were so good!!!! Pub had a lovely atmosphere and staff were friendly. Great place to eat.

Decided to call in for lunch on our way home today and both had excellent main meals. The food was freshly prepared and the front of house chap was welcoming and provided attentive service, we will definitely return.

rude obnoxious went for a veteran drink was sat in a corner because they were too busy when the place was empty two pints and 2 shots of port over £20 wouldn't recommend

Great food, great atmosphere, great service, great beers and cider, great pub inside and out! We had a really nice meal in extremely pleasant surroundings, the food really was superb. We're planning a weekly visit!! Well done The King's Arms team!

We were staying at the Dairy campsite, so this pub is ideally located for there. From the moment we walked in, the welcome was so warm, and put us immediately at ease. The staff were very attentive, and food was an excellent quality. We stayed fir most of the evening, and even went back just for a drink the next night. Such a lovely atmosphere, the village is also lovely!

Another buisness review . I have stopped here before and I was very impressed first time This time surpassed my expectations The parking is great the pub is comfy and cosy and the owner cant do enough for you and calls you by name. The pub is dog friendly and the people super friendly The meal or arrival was superb as they have a new menu . The draught cider was delicious and all I had to do then was climb into bed The comfort of the bed was 10 out of 10 the room comfy and cosy. I had a lovely nights sleep and breakfast at the cafe next door was just what I needed. Overall i give it 10 as i couldnt fault it at all. It's the little touches that takes a place from super to perfection Loved it and I will definitely see you again Cant wait!

We wandered from the campsite to the pub in heavy rain with 2 nutty dogs who were soaking. We were made very welcome and when I asked for a quieter area , so they wouldn't disturb others, we were shown the conservatory, which was perfect. We only had a couple of drinks and some crisps, but felt comfortable. I am intrigued to know what the glass panel in the outside decking was for though!?

Un accueil parfait, chaleureux et sympathique Simon était de service et c’était irréprochable Les plats étaient délicieux, copieux mais pas lourd. Même ma mere( pourtant pas facile à plaire en nourriture) a été épatée Bravo à ce pub et leur personnel Je recommande sans hésitation A perfect, warm and friendly welcome Simon was on duty and his service was impeccable. The food was delicious, hearty but not heavy. Even my mother (who is not easy to please when it comes to food) was impressed. Well done to this pub and their staff I recommend without hesitation

Got in the car to write my review straight away. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, reasonably priced for the fantastic quality of food. The staff were very attentive and lovely conversation. The restaurant is also clearly well thought out in terms of decor with lots of local themed art pieces and displays. Felt like a well loved and prideful place. Thank you Simon and Lauren for being exceptional hosts. Can’t say enough how impressed I am with the food, if we were local we’d be regulars! Well worth the trip.

One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time!! Staff were amazing especially Steven, will definitely be coming back

Got in the car to write my review straight away. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, reasonably priced for the fantastic quality of food. The staff were very attentive and lovely conversation. The restaurant is also clearly well thought out in terms of decor with lots of local themed art pieces and displays. Felt like a well loved and prideful place. Thank you Simon and Lauren for being exceptional hosts. Can’t say enough how impressed I am with the food, if we were local we’d be regulars! Well worth the trip.

Diverse menu and friendly staff who were attentive and approachable. Lots of advice provided when looking for allergen options. Food was well prepared, well presented and tasted delicious and for a fair price. Wine menu was diverse. Atmosphere perfect!

Friendly attentive staff. Food was excellent. Fair price too.

Very helpful and friendly staff, who couldn't do enough for us. Delicious, quality food, from an interesting and varied menu - not the bog-standard pub grub that's so often on offer at pubs these days! Would happily recommend to family and friends.

Excellent meal,great host, friendly and helpful,wonderful with the dogs,excellent food and service,welcoming,lovely atmosphere ,lovely country pub,

Four of us, looking for a Sunday lunch 16/10/23 were not disappointed. We had two roast beef and two pork belly. Fabulously presented and the meat was tender. Staff were friendly, helpful and chatty. Well done The Kings Arms. We’ll certainly pop in the next time we’re in Dorset!!

Stopped for a couple of drinks during a trip to Abbotsbury.

Fantastic food,beer, staff and we got to watch the rugby therethis weekend too! 5 minutes from the campsite! Great pub! We'll be back! Thank you very much!!

A lovely venue in a quiet village. We came twice whilst we stayed in Potersham farm camping (caravans and motorhomes as well) The first night we think the chef was off as the burger was cooked far too long. The rest of the meal was great, they replaced our burgers with a whole new meal but although better not great. However the following evening we had steak and that was delicious so all good in the end. Well worth a visit.