The Sailor's Return in Purbeck - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

We found this pub only a couple of miles from Lulworth Cove, which was teeming with tourists. This pub was relatively quiet midweek and gave us a much better experience. The food and service were both very good. It is a lovely old thatched building

Amazing meal in an amazing location. Food was delicious. Really great selection of gluten free options for my Mum who is coeliac.

We popped in on the off-chance for dinner and were surprised how busy they were on a Wednesday evening in June - just goes to show how popular they are! I chose 3 of the small plates which was slightly too much food for me, two would have been plenty as depending on which options you choose, the portions are quite big.

The pub is a lovely building, outside and inside, very clean and tidy, with some quirky eating areas. We received a very warm and friendly welcome, both from the gentleman behind the bar, and the lady who bought our food out. We sat in a lovely garden. We had olives with sourdough bread and oils for nibbles. We had the pie with chips and assorted vegetables, and the halibut served on samphire with an orange and rosemary sauce, and chips, for our main course. They were all absolutely deliciously tasty….We both said we’d like to stay in the area for a week so we could enjoy more of the menu, as well as the tasty beer!

We visited last Saturday, after booking same-day. The staff were very friendly and the Pinot Noir was equally good as we were shown to our table promptly after ordering drinks. We had main course only with 2 Halibut, 1 Caesar salad and 1 Beef Rendeng. The meals arrived in a timely fashion and everyone commented that the taste and flavour of their's was very good. I can only speak of the Halibut which was one of the best I have ever had. Well done to the team for providing such a good experience.

Delicious Sunday Roast Very friendly team and awesome food and service! What more could you ask for after a walk at Durdle Door Dog friendly too

Absolutely epic Sunday roast. We had the ‘trio of meat’ with some cauliflower cheese and pigs in blankets on the side. So much food but it all disappeared along with the crumble of the day shortly after! The venue is lovely. Staff were very polite and friendly, service was excellent. Food also excellent! It was refreshing to have to add your own tip/service charge as none was added to the bill. Only little niggle worth mentioning is the roasties! My good lady is a potato snob with Irish blood and would have preferred a Maris piper. I was happy though! I definitely recommend booking an earlier slot for the best choice too, it got busy quickly after we arrived (12:45)

Excellent service and excellent food at this pub and restaurant- best Sunday meal that we had in a very long time - very friendly staff with lots of care given to customer care and quality of food

Lovely Family Meal - took the family from aged 60 down to 9 months for Sunday lunch whilst staying in the village . Had the private dining room and it was all lovely , great food , great service and just fab ! Great hosts in Tom and Amelia. Can’t wait until our next visit in January 2024 !

We had pre-booked for a Saturday night and it was very busy. We were initially seated in a very small area that had a very noisy party going on so we asked if we could be moved. The waitress went out of her way to re-seat us which was really kind. I had halibut and my husband had the pie of the day which was curried chicken. Both were cooked to perfection and quite delicious. The service too was outstanding. We went on the Wednesday as well as it was ever popular pie night but pies with a difference. Not being a pie person I had minute steak with fries which was beautiful and oh so tender. Husband had pork and goats cheese, ordered with some trepidation as it sounded like an odd mix! But eaten with gusto and very very much enjoyed. Again service wonderful, smiley happy looking stuff and a busy busy pub. Thank you so much guys, I wish we lived closer.

This place was brilliant. They're dog friendly, and the roast dinner is probably the best I've ever had. The beer was good, the food was amazing, it's very cosy, and the staff were great! Not much more to say really. Highly recommended.

Outstanding food, venue, decor and location, loved the animals outside the window as we ate. Expensive and small menu which doesn't get changed very often, fresh local food, small portions.

Lovely location and interior very characterful. Staff friendly. food very tasty. Lots of little tweaks that made you feel that they'd tried to think of everything. A little pricey

We enjoyed drinks in the lovely beer garden while waiting for pizzas from the pizza truck (Fire House Pizzeria) one Sunday night. Pizzas divine!

Outstanding from start to finish. We booked a table for lunch while away on holiday. The roast was fantastic and not only the best roast I’ve ever eaten but the best meal !!! This was agreed by the entire family, including our eldest who is a chef. The service was exemplary, everyone was friendly, helpful and welcoming. We had a lovely little table tucked away in an area all to ourselves, perfect for our youngest ( asd ) daughter . If we are ever this way on holiday again it will be the first place we visit to eat. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

On a walking trip along Ringstead Bay and cliffs on a brilliant summer’s day all coastal lunch venues were packed. We retreated just inland and came across the “Sailors” by chance. Lovely, simple well run eatery with a choice of very acceptable cask ales, served to us with delicious garlic prawns, calamari (with chips) and nibbles, All very satisfactory and served by a willing and smiling staff. Excellent all round

Staying in the locality and found this little gem for lunch. Limited menu but good quality if a little pricey. Staff were friendly and as a bonus we were able to get doggy ice cream for our four legged friend!

A traditional pub in a small village but full of life. Food fantastic with great choices. The bean dip comes with homemade tortilla chips. Fish was plentiful with lovely thick chips. Beetroot salad full of texture. Make sure to leave space for pudding!

The pub is situated in a tiny village about 10 miles from Weymouth and Dorchester. So if you’re holidaying in this area it is well worth a visit. The ambience is the bar and restaurant is very nice. The menu isn’t huge but the quality across it is of a high standard. The Wednesday menu is very good value as it’s ‘pie night’ but the Sunday lunch is excellent. Tom and Amelia are lovely hosts and the bar offers a good selection of beers, ciders, wines and spirits. Considering the location it’s fantastic and I’d highly recommend a visit. Booking well in advance is advisable at this time of year.

Called in for a late lunch , warm welcome and delicious small plates in the lovely bar area . The ceaser salad, garlic prans and fish goujons were fab . Returned for an evening meal which was excellent . Yes the menu is small but prefer this and have well presented , well cooked and delicious food . Recommend you check opening times and good serving times on website and expect reservation is needed for evening meals and Sunday lunch.

This is our third holiday to Dorset and always visit The Sailors Return as we love it . But this year we felt a little disappointed. We found the menu limited in choice. There was no steak, chicken, or lamb option and the Halibut had...

Had lunch on Weds - pie day. And what a pie. Everything a good pub lunch should be. Had to eat in the bar as we were walking with the dog but the restaurant looked super cool. Can’t wait to return for an evening meal.

We were regular visitors to The Sailor's Return a number of years ago. Our most recent visit came having been out of the area from almost 7 years and we were keen to see how much the pub had changed in that time - having...

Lovely chilled atmosphere, great food and menu, awesome Dorset pub. Great location and friendly service. Will defo be back.

This is a great place to eat. The food is excellent and most dishes are very good value. The menu is a bit limited but I like the special pie nights on Wednesdays. The beers are some of my favourite including Otter ale. The service...

Fantastic relaxed evening, with friendly prompt sevice and excellent food, would reccommend a visit to anyone who is looking for a nice evening out

Pre booked a table at the beginning of the week and managed to get the last one. Pleased we did. Dog friendly pub with treats for dog on the table and a dog treat menu. The menu for non dogs provided a good selection for...

Great food wine and service again. Dog friendly and treats available be back again. Multiple visits whilst staying in the village over the last couple of years.

Had the Hake curry. Absolutely fantastic texture and flavour, excellent service, great ambiance, couldn’t have had better. Wonderful.

Popped into The Sailors for lunch and was so not disappointed. I had my heart set on fish and chips and hubby had their special which was Venison. Mine was not your normal massive lump of cod plonked on some chips, it was delicately dressed...

Great lunch at The Sailors Return. Great selection of pies. Just a lovely pub with outstanding food and service AND very reasonable prices.

My partners parents rent a cottage every November and we come and stay with them and regularly visit the pub for drinks and the occasional meal. We decided to have a meal this evening 16th November and did not book however the owners/managers did accommodate...

Great pub with a dog friendly bar area. They served us some great food and went out of their way to make the dog welcome, with a couple of biscuits ready on the table and a menu of treat options. My dog recommends the pigs...

We visited the pub for dinner on a Tuesday evening. Beautiful pub with really friendly and helpful staff. The food was AMAZING! We had starters and mains. The halibut was superb and the pork and chorizo burger was lovely. Definitely the best meal that we...

We had two meals at the pub.Eight adults and a dog.We had a room to ourselves which was lovely.Probably the best pub food we have ever had and the service was amazing.

Our first visit and certainly not our last! Gorgeous country pub. A friendly welcome, great selection of beers and wines, excellent menu choices and all in all, a great venue. I would highly recommend.

Had a wonderful couple of evenings here with a group of friends. The food was delicious and the drink selection was extensive. The staff did a great job looking after us and we were a large group so that was no mean feat. Particular thanks...

We hadn't eaten here for many years but we were pleasantly surprised with wonderful food, wonderful service, wonderful location ..... simply wonderful !

Wonderful, out of the ordinary menu, super friendly efficient staff, excellent beers, and a great wine list, shame it is so far from the city :)

We called in today to exchange a collecting tin having just volunteered for the Dorset and Somerset Air ambulance charity. As it was lunchtime we decided to stay and have some lunch. What a delicious lunch with very efficient attentive staff. Nothing was too much...

We visited the Sailor's Return during our holiday in Dorset. It was absolutely fabulous. Very friendly service, and the food was delicious. My Dad, who came with us, has both a dairy and gluten allergy so often finds it difficult to eat out. When deciding...

Came here on recommendation from our local B&B hosts& were not disappointed. Fabulous service, excellent food, nice environment & reasonable prices. Would definitely go again.

We have just returned from a family meal at the sailors return. We had a fabulous experience- staff were very friendly & attentive (without being intrusive). We ate in the garden with our children & 2 dogs & were impressed with the diverse menu (including...

First time visit after a few recommendations, and what a lovely place it is, great ambience, smashing features, wonderful service and excellent food, not to mention the ales. Terrific place, will go again when next in the area. Thank you Sailors.

Great location and friendly staff but the food and the drinks were absolutely amazing. Wonderful vegan options. Dog ice cream for our four legged companion. Even the prices were reasonable. Worth a detour!

We visited for Sunday lunch for the first time. Communication with the team in advance of the visit to check availability was very slick and easy. The food was A M A Z I N G. So much better than good. Cooked with care and...

Hands down the best meal we’ve had out! My boyfriend and I both had the Harissa Cauliflower Steak followed by the Lemon Tarte to share and thought both were absolutely delicious. Our waitress Poppy was so kind and attentive and all of the staff were...

This was a really good experience with great friendly staff. You get the impression they are busy but food delivered with no long waits. Very busy but did not mean the food suffered. It was great. We will go again on our trip to the...

Allocated a beautiful table with great ventilation if your worried about covid . Food was superb , fine dining at its best . Three course meal which was amazing along with a lovely relaxed atmosphere . Great selection of gin. Friendly staff and overall a...

This was by far the best pub we visited in our week’s stay in Dorset. Fantastic friendly pub in a lovely setting with outdoor seating, excellent service (our waitress Poppy was delightful as were all the staff) and delicious food. Far better than a lot...

Excellent food and service. There were 10 of us and we were allocated a totally private dining area, which was wonderful. I have both a Gluten Free and Dairy Free dietery requirements and didnt ring ahead to pre-book but they weren't phased, i was given...

We stopped in to the Sailor's Return on the off chance for a late lunch a few weeks back after a visit to Lulworth. Although we were close to the end of service we were welcomed and seated quickly. The food was excellent with a...

This was very close to our B&B and was an excellent choice for an evening meal. The staff were very attentive, made our dog feel welcomed as well and even had a menu for her to pick from. We each had a sailor's pie, mine...

My family and parents who were visiting from USA had a lovely evening meal at Sailor's Return over Jubilee weekend. From cocktails to nibbles to mains and pudding, everything had a lovely presentation and tasted delicious! I would highly recommend a visit to this lively...

We visited on a Sunday lunchtime for a family celebration and we were rewarded with absolutely delicious food and top class service. It’s not often you go for a meal with seven people and every single person raves about their meal. My only complaint is...

FANTASTIC! Great service and excellent food. A real hidden gem in Dorset. Turned up with family and 3 digs and we were warmly welcomed and excellently looked after. We will return! Thankyou

We came back to the Sailors Return for the last night of our holiday because we had been so impressed last year . Once again we weren’t disappointed - and what impressed me the most was the owners were on holiday ! The assistant manager...

A lovely secluded spot, magnificent views, nice menu, really friendly staff, great outdoor seating and dog friendly. Perfect after a walk. Staff in particular were really friendly and asked about any specific requirements such as food allergies. Thank you for a great experience :)

Well worth a visit and will definitely return. Stunning country pub in a small village, food was delicious and fantastic service.

A real destination pub as it's down a narrow country lane but well worth it. Very attractively designed inside with many little rooms off the main room. Very friendly and attentive service. The menu looked varied and attractive--we were only here for 2 nights and...

We stopped after a walk at Durdle Door. Excellent food and friendly staff. The black pudding scotch egg and small plates were really flavoursome. The inside was clean and full of character. Dog friendly in bar area. Well worth a stop!

Enjoyed our visit to the Sailors Return so much so we returned again during our holiday visit. The bao buns were delicious. The venison and mushroom pie awesome. Good childs menu options too. Loved the various eating/drinking areas and the artwork to admire, available to...

Arrived and was warmly welcomed, great wine and beer followed by delicious food - the arancini was better than the ones we had in a popular restaurant in Cornwall . We’ll be back!

Great thatched Pub tucked away with stunning views, interior decor tastefully finished and good selection of Beers and wines being a free house.Food was class served hot and very tasty with fresh local produce I suspect. Will return as good pub dinning is becoming more...

Really friendly lovely pub Food was amazing, fresh - good portions and super tasty… Service was professional and friendly Wine superb Most important great value for money

Everything was just perfect, atmosphere was cosy but no-one too close, service was attentive but not pushy and the menu catered for everyone! Really, what more could we ask for!

Small but superb menu. An excellent dinner meal in happy efficient atmosphere. Great food and good portions. Good all round quality.

My partner had booked a table after being recommended The Sailors Return, as a surprise for a birthday meal out for me. The staff were really good with there service, and the food on arrival looked very good and tasted amazing! After a few mouthfuls...

Arrived following a long hike. Excellent, friendly service. Quirky decor, spotlessly clean. We were served quickly. Menu a bit different, mains cost between £16-23. for that price i would have expected a portion of vegetables to be included. We ordered pork and cauliflower cheese. Cooked...

Lovely little pub. Warm and cosy. Well decorated. Great food friendly staff. Fun artwork... quite a long way from the sea

My husband and I visited today for lunch after a long walk. We had our little dog with us so sat in the bar. Lovely atmosphere though hard pine chairs were not very comfortable. We ordered the cauliflower cheese and mushroom wellington. Presentation was very...

Visited here on Sunday for lunch as we were staying at a cottage nearby 4 of us along with our 2 Siberian Huskies, we had a table in the bar as dogs welcome here. Food was excellent and very high quality our dogs were made...

And it seemed to be just that until a few hours later when I started to feel unwell, followed by all the horrible manifestations of food poisoning. It seems too much of a coincidence to be anything else as the family member we met there...

Once upon a time my local pub, this place has been transformed in to quite a smart restaurant with bar. The surroundings are very pleasant, the staff friendly and service efficient. At first sight the menu is a bit disappointing as nothing leaps out as...

Ate here with friends in January 2022, staff and food were brilliant, cooking was excellent. Three of us had the Halibut which was done perfectly. We each had a different dessert, delicious. Will certainly eat here again when we next travel this way.

Very good menu , choice of small plates and main courses Small plates range from seasonal veggie, and meat dishes . Main courses have selections of seafood, meat and veggie/vegan All generous in portion and cooked to high standard Good range of wines and local...

Gorgeous food excellent service the venison melted in the mouth. Chilli beef and wine was perfect accompaniment.

Visited the sailors return for the first time this evening with friends. It is a lovely pub, very clean and tastefully decorated. Food was above average and Charlie was a great host, very helpful and friendly with a good knowledge of the menu. Will definitely...

Lovely and warm, staff were very welcoming as soon as we walked through the door, lovely food, dog friendly in the bar area, we would definitely return

A real gem in this little village. We really enjoyed our return visit to the Sailors Return, the menu has changed but wow, the food was amazing! We received such a friendly welcome from Tom and Amelia, and Charlie really looked after us well. All...

Excellent welcome - we arrived fresh from across the channel 😉and LOVED the ambiance and cool approach of the front of house manager - she is a gem - the food is superb with fresh tempting options to suit every palate and persuasion!

We are staying in the area and visited the night before we left, wish we had gone to The sailors return sooner! We had a fantastic meal thank you, I had the pork chop and my OH had Halibut cooked to perfection and so tasty,...

Ate at The Sailors Return recently but a disappointing meal. We have enjoyed food here in the past especially Pie Night but the menu has changed and we found it overpriced and underwhelming. One of us chose The Butter Chicken which was ok but accompanied...

We were absolutely blown away by this beautiful little pub. I really don’t think they actually know how good they are. From the moment we called to book we were made to feel special and welcomed. Our server Charlie was polite, extremely knowledgeable and confident...

What a find the 5 star reviews are spot on great atmosphere in the bar area where we ate with our dog and felt very welcome. I don’t write many reviews but the food at this place needs a special mention, the squid to start...

Pleasant place to have an interesting meal. It may be a bit pricey now but the food is excellent. Unlike other pubs in the nearby area, always a good selection of fish dishes which I try. Great cask beers like Otter and Copper ales. Very...

Really average food for restaurant prices, very much felt like being processed rather than welcoming. A lovely pub that my family have had links with for over a 100 years turned into another wannabe gastro pub , still the wide boy clientele seemed to like...

The food staff and whole ambience were great, Michelin star food and every thing. Price was resonable considering the quality. Would recommend it to all.

Some of the best pub food I’ve ever had. I had the chicken korma curry and my friends had a few of the starters and shared them. Everything was so good. It was of top end restaurant quality in my opinion. The service was good...

Sunday lunch was fantastic. Luv the look of the new menu, will be back to try them all I'm sure. Service as excellent as the food.

Visited the sailors first time since the pandemic and found that they no longer serve real food instead you now have weird choice names for instance Thai Green which is a fish cake with a prawn cracker on top and some thai relish on top...

We've just had a delicious lunch at this lovely pub restaurant tucked away in Chaldon Herring. Choose between small and large plates. Between the four of us we chose Monk fish, Halibut, Pork chop and Venison large plates and every dish was very tasty indeed....

What a find! This restaurant is a cut above the rest. The menu was carefully thought out and offered a choice of freshly cooked main meals. The whole ambience was lovely - we sat on sofas waiting for our table - the staff were attentive...

All 3 courses were really good. Pimento pardon, chicken supreme with sage and potatoes pie and wild mushroom gravy (really good), followed by marmalade bread and butter pudding. Delicious.

We try to visit the Sailor's Return every time we are in the area, and are very happy that it seems to be thriving again - it was certainly full the night we visited most recently. The menu is reduced, as others have noted, and...

What a superb restaurant/pub! Food was absolutely delicious - we had the Padron peppers, hot crab pot and chicken croquettes to start and then the cod linguini with mussels and the octopus for mains. All of which we’d 100% recommend 👌 Interior is really tasteful...

Thank goodness for the sign on the road or I would have missed a fabulous pub. Fascinating interior, lovely decor, great staff...... and dog friendly.

Fabulous freshly prepared food, table service inside and outside the pub. The gardens are delightful, great staff and a quaint thatched pub - what more do you want? Just delightful!

My husband cycled pay this lovely pub and decided to take me there. I'm so glad he did. The pub itself is very tastefully decorated and has lots of little rooms. There is a fantastic range of dishes, mostly different to any other 'pub grub'....

Exceptional food & service from start to finish. The place is characterful & tastefully decorated. We would certainly recommend & hope to return when next in the area.