The Talbot in North Dorset

Considering it's on a main road it really is very quiet. I had a great experience here ,we were greeted with a smile from the bar area shown to our rooms with friendly chat. Decorated to a high standard with some beautiful colours. Beautiful garden patio area in good order and planted with thought.

Looked on the website for food timings. Drove an hour to have dinner and was told the website was wrong. Wasn’t even offered a pint or much an apology. The cricketers up the road is much better.

Rooms are available for stay. Dinner closes by 7pm.

Rooms are available for stay. Dinner closes by 7pm.

Lovely pub. Had a great chat with Teresa and local Jacob. Highly recommended

We went in today, Sunday, but they weren’t serving food. However these amazing hospitable people got me a full fat Coke and a packet of scampi fries, as I was extremely tired from driving. They advised us which local pubs served food on the weekends, checked it for us and had a chat, letting my children meet the pub’s dog Molly. 20 mins later, after a pit stop we are on our way but felt that this kind, thoughtful old school pub hospitality deserved a 5 star rating. We didn’t eat the food because they weren’t serving it but any pub serving scampi fries gets the thumbs up from me. I understand the landlord is away and these lovely people were managing the pub in their absence. You should permanently employ them! Thank you

We went in today, Sunday, but they weren’t serving food. However these amazing hospitable people got me a full fat Coke and a packet of scampi fries, as I was extremely tired from driving. They advised us which local pubs served food on the weekends, checked it for us and had a chat, letting my children meet the pub’s dog Molly. 20 mins later, after a pit stop we are on our way but felt that this kind, thoughtful old school pub hospitality deserved a 5 star rating. We didn’t eat the food because they weren’t serving it but any pub serving scampi fries gets the thumbs up from me. I understand the landlord is away and these lovely people were managing the pub in their absence. You should permanently employ them! Thank you

I stayed for 3 nights with my sister here - the room was lovely, the bathroom was spacious with a bath and shower. The Landlord and Landlady were very helpful and friendly. Thoroughly recommended.

Bed and breakfast with no breakfast !

An interesting hostelry. The ales were well kept and tasty.

Very warm welcome, comfortable rooms, great shower, great beer and food. Beautiful village, lovely country walks, and ‘The Writer’s Block’ is a short walk down the road for a breakfast bap and good coffee. What could be better - we will be back!

We stayed one night here. The land lady was incredibly helpful. We were very late because our car broke down on the way but she kept the pub open for us and stayed up late to make sure we arrived safely and got settled in properly. Room was spacious and very comfortable, so we had an excellent night's sleep. There was a large en-suite with a bath (which my wife loved) and a very powerful shower (which I loved). Sadly, they don't provide breakfast but would recommend if you are happy to find somewhere else to eat.

Only popped in for a pint so cannot comment on food or accommodation. Had a pint of Cruzcampo (£5:80) not the cheapest but I’m quite partial to this thirst quenching beer after one of our rare hot days, that’s really all I can say the atmosphere from the people that were already there was good so I suppose if you get a good crowd in this pub or any pub come to that it’s going to be good. It’s worth a visit and I hope you are lucky to have and get a good night there!

The place was empty when we went in for lunch but they just opened, food was ok but nothing special. Probably won't return.

Thanks to The Talbot for welcoming us, we are taking a trip in a Van and following our visit to Stonehenge, we passed through this pretty village where we wanted to stop. The pub manager kindly allowed us to stay in his parking lot for the night. So we went to have some drinks in this very welcoming pub. Too bad they don't have breakfast there, we would have had one without hesitation. Good luck at The Talbot and thank you.

I didn't purchase food just came for drinks. Lovely little pub with friendly staff who are always welcoming and inviting. Would come again for drinks lovely little pub

The new owners will not succeed here unless they greatly improve in all areas.

Had never been to the Talbot before. What a little gem if a pub/restaurant. The staff could not have made us feel more welcome. Food and drink all served to perfection.Cant wait to go back when we are next in the area.

Stayed with my husband just before Christmas. Lovely food, comfy rooms and friendly staff

Popped in for a pint and lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Very disappointed my partner and I both ordered pâté and toast with our drinks. My meal comprised 2 pieces of shop bought pork pate and one piece of brown bread cut into triangles. My partner has the salmon pate again straight out of a shop bought jar similarly presented. No salad or pickle not even butter on the toast! When we asked for butter we were given a small pot of margarine. The table opposite ours returned the soup they had ordered as it wasn't hot enough in fact cold was the woman's explanation. Sadly this may not have been a good representation of the pub as a whole but first impressions make all the difference and ours was appalling, hence this review.

We play pool here, they supply the pool team some food when they play at home, honestly the worst food out of all the teams in the league, half a small roll each filled with cheap watery ham and a small pack of crisps to share between 6 people. Thought it was a joke to start with when it came out. Its a new landlord, surely the perfect opportunity to show what "great" food they do to people who are local and will talk to a lot of people. the Talbot always used to be the talk of the league when it came to food. It was by far the best. It is so disappointing as to how badly wrong it can go in such a short space of time. Going on what little effort they made and the poor quality of the food offered, I certainly won't be eating there or recommending it to anyone.

Great country pub well worth a pint or two in

We stayed here mid November, we have stayed here before and it was great. There has been a change in management and this time my room smelt damp, the toilet did not flush properly, the tap dripped all night, there was a large cobweb in the window, god knows where that spider was. The breakfast was abysmal the worst I have ever had, both my partner and I left with a bad stomach. We did not say anything to them we just left and was glad to be on our way home.

Great village pub, was very impressed with the whole set up. Has its own pool room which looks very well maintained and clean. An eating area. Outside beer garden is pleasant. Service is very friendly and welcoming. Had a roast there, was a nice roast. Loved the large Yorkshire pudding. Prices are good value as well.

Great place to stay, friendly staff, great bar and entertainment. Rooms were great, and the bed was comfortable. the only downside was a 1 egg scrambled egg for breakfast whould defo stay again 👍

We were nearly overcharged, luckily we checked the bill. The food was very underwhelming and overpriced. Very limited choice for vegetarians. Not a very friendly atmosphere - we were made to feel like a nuisance.

I had a work stopover at the Talbot. Would highly recommend - lovely village setting, the staff were extremely friendly. Dinner and breakfast were tasty and had I a great nights sleep. I will be back.

Stayed one night. Shower didn’t work at all. Spoke to staff and it took me half an hour and 2 further treks to the restaurant to ask what was happening. Standing there in bare feet and the young girl ignored me every time. Young man was VERY helpful and apologetic and ensured the manager came to sort it. Manager was excellent. Food really good and they didn’t charge us a penny for the steak meal. We had a 7.30 breakfast and an older Lady asked if we minded she play the piano because she was just learning. It was literally right behind us! Surreal but fun!

Very nice an coasy place. Atmosphere is great. Staff is friendly. Plenty of parking. Rooms are large I comfortable

Had a lovely stay here. Host and hostess very warm and welcoming. Room was lovely...only minor grumble is mattress was too soft but that's a personal preference thing. Great English breakfast. Otter ale was nice too.

Went for the South African braai (BBQ). Boerewors were great!. Other theme meals to look out for.

Attractive property easy to find with good parking available,had a wander round delightful village .we were only there for 1 night our room felt a bit cramped and very warm at night but good amenities available in the room , had a reasonably priced meal in evening served by very pleasant young lady , our breakfast in morning was excellent cooked and served by Steve who was very friendly and efficient

Great music...the place was really buzzing..

Great local pub, good food and beer

A curious place - not sure if its identity- inside tables had white linen cloths over dark wood tables Very limited bar menu - I think because it was a Monday We didn’t want to drive on so ordered something and chips (scampi I think) Sat in the outside courtyard - slightly tatty again with a bit of identity crisis - hippy, upcycled, garish flowers in pots, dogs bones on floor, unconcealed delivery baskets etc etc dirty laundry on floor on way to loos Food was hot and plentiful- no garnish - obviously straight from the freezer Curioser and curioser - linen napkins and ‘silver’ napkin rings accompanied the plates The young lady serving was polite, helpful and well presented Would not return unless had no other choice

Very friendly welcome, well kept ales and a very sunny courtyard. Tablecloths in the restaurant areas are a good touch, though we didn't eat this time. Interesting menu, so will be back 😁

Great place to stay. Really nice room and great food.

Leuk vakwerkgebouw. Beetje gehorig. Vriendelijke eigenaren en bediening. Prima ontbijt.

Since Steve and Kim took over a number of months ago now, the Talbot has become exactly what it used to be years ago. A friendly establishment with great people, great drinks, and excellent food. I would thoroughly recommend coming down to the Talbot to anyone passing through the area or local to Iwerne Minster. Also, the Talbot Inn is very dog friendly, there are always snacks on hand for Man’s best friend!

Great amazing pub with a fantastic happ vibe

Very good pub with great home cooked food and decent company

Very friendly pub, would have liked a bit more choice on the menu

Absolutely brilliant pub! Can't fault it.

Jolly atmosphere and good service.

We go for lunch to the Talbot . Very friendly staff & local people you are made to feel welcome as soon as you enter. The food is spectacular a great size portion great prices (worth every penny you pay ) . Well done to the owners staff and chief. 10 stars if I could

Great Meal. Nice Staff. Highly recommend. The current management really know how to run a Pub.

having just stayed at the Talbot i can’t rate it high enough. from the warm friendly atmosphere as you walk in the door. The friendly polite family team that cannot do enough for you !. in my case keeping the restaurant open as i was delayed with bad weather ! the cosy bar with log fires and an excellent choice of drinks. the large warm comfortable room . and finally the excellent breakfast and heartfelt goodbye and see you again from the owners as i left. fantastic and i would gladly drive 50 miles out of my way to stay again ! and i will as often as business allows highly recommended to all

Bar too cluttered with furnature too many bar stools and beer pumps. At times slow service due to unable to get to bar as too many people sitting in front.

Friendly staff, clean well appointed room with onsuite bathroom. Plenty of free parking alongside. There is WiFi and meals are served until late evening. There was no pamphlet in the room with local information, WiFi password or meal timings but staff are very helpful. The area is quiet and worth exploring. Good value for the price.

We went for a food and wine evening last night at the Talbot and had a fantastic time. The food was of a very high standard .The staff were very friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend a visit.

Nice little place, room got the seal of approval from my fussy 10 year old

a lot of money for what you get

Great pub great food friendly helpful staff will defo go back

Absolutely spot on, new landlord Kim, is great, sandwiches delicious, will be back next year to service the boiler...🤣

Had a lovely lunch at The Talbot today. New landlords are so friendly and have lots of ideas for the future. Highly recommend

New owners/ managers with lots to do to bring this lovely village pub back to its former glory. Having sat with them at the end of the day, they've been here of sorts before so we confident they can do so, we'll be back. We stayed the night in a lovely spacious room and had a Sunday lunch too. Don't just drive passed, build it into your trip and relax in traditional English. I only gave it three stars for now but am sure once they sink their teeth into this and get things progressed it'll soon rise.

Now under new management, it is pleasingly welcoming, with great first impressions. Great value food, and it is squeaky clean.

Good old fashioned traditional village pub. Very friendly staff. The food was better than I expected. Well presented and tasty.

Called in for a drink after leaving the showground

A fantastic country pub! Delicious Sunday roast for a great price. The staff were incredible and really care about the place, with a lovely local feel. The pub dog is also an absolute delight. Will definitely be returning.

Good, with plans to move forward.

Stayed here for two nights, lovely clean comfortable room, excellent breakfast and very friendly staff. We will be back.

Good food and service and friendly atmosphere

Excellent Sunday lunch at a very good price! So much that I struggled to finish and I have a very good appetite! Highly recommended!

Excellent Inn. Really attentive host. Food was amazing.

A great place to stay... Very dog friendly as well...

Very happy with the room. Good size and comfortable. Some noise from the customers at night but easily remedied by closing the windows. Also, it was quiet outside by bedtime. Slept well. Owner made a good effort to give us a decent vegan breakfast despite Bookings not informing them of our dietary needs til too late.

Friendly atmosphere. Good beers what more could you want

Great value for money; very friendly staff.

Young people behind the bar are very friendly.

Nice pub, friendly locals, great food and a nice atmosphere 👍

I was staying in the village and visited the pub a few times for drinks and meals. The staff were really friendly, the beer was good and the pub was nice enough inside and out. Foodwise there's not a lot of choice and what you get isn't going to blow you away but it's plentiful and reasonably priced. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there but it's more than good enough if you are in the village or passing by.

Great vibe for a drink and a bite!

Lovely room lovely staff kept nice and clean. Faultless

Reasonably priced Inn in the area. Lovely pub with good food and breakfast.

Pleasant beer garden in picturesque village inn, inexperienced staff trying hard to do their best with some of the worst food I've eaten in the UK in years. Ham egg and chips with thin slices of cheap ham from a packet was particularly awful

UPDATE 28/04/21. Much improved. Good food. Covid responsible. Wet and Food but restricted hours. Call for hours before visiting. UPDATE 21/08/20: Reopened. New owner. New tenant. Seems keen and nice to their guests. Wet Sales only at present but staffing up and will be offering food soon. ORIGINAL CRITIQUE - NOW OBSOLETE Poor food on few days. Likely to be closed if manager feels like going to a sports event.

Just had a couple of drinks this time but will definitely be booking a table as soon as we can

The Talbot was awesome. Great food and accommodation. A great country pub. The food was sensational. I would highly recommend it. 5 star

Down the middle local pub with rooms, nice owner and dog.

No heating all week, shower freezing cold and land lady rude and obnoxious.

Friendly service. Good get together spot for the village.

The best landlord and Landlady in the area with food to match.

Nice drinking pub, shame that people hug the bar.

Highly recommended, friendly and accommodating staff and nice atmosphere. They also have a dog and a piano!

We had the family suite, which was the top floor of the pub, 2 rooms, 1 with 2 x single beds, the other a double. Very large bathroom with an highly temperamental hot water system. It was all clean and comfortable though. Breakfast on both days reminded me of Fawlty Towers. We'd been told 8am for breakfast, so had everyone else. 8.30am and the cook wanders in looking a little confused. Offers coffee or tea. A waitress arrives saying breakfast starts at 9am (on Sundays). Took orders, then confusion reigned as people received the wrong orders. Lots of swapping of plates. Next morning head down at 9.30 and was told breakfast ends at 9am (on week days). More confusion, but the staff cooked us breakfast anyway. Highly entertaining stay.

Don't want to say too much about this wonderful little place as I would prefer to keep the secret to myself. A lovely room and wonderful location to explore this part of Dorset.

We stopped at this pub on our way to Bournemouth for lunch and my goodness what a lovely lunch we had. Food was very good and well presented tasted gorgeous 🥰 staff was very friendly and helpful would definitely go back and would recommend it.

Lovely setting, very friendly staff.

Amazing room, very comfy bed and a nice bath tub, it has all of the nice tea and coffees in the room with complementary Bischoff biscuits. Incredible management and bar staff who always have a smile on their face and make you feel welcome. The breakfast was also a fantastic touch and they will fulfil any dietary or vegetarian/vegan requirements. I will definitely go back to this place one day and highly recommend to anyone and everyone.

Very cute, simple room with a nice bath and comfortable bed, we arrived very late for our check in but the staff at the bar and management were lovely and sat to have drinks with us :)

Just like a modern version of Fawlty towers.

Nice people nice atmosphere food good shame chef murdered the eggs

The Talbot is a traditional pub and Inn located in Iwerne Minster. I stayed there for 2 nights in May 2019. It was a last minute booking and I was lucky they had a room available. I booked over the phone and they were very helpful and informative. When I checked in later that night at about 8pm I found them to be just as friendly and helpful, so full marks for service. The room itself was good. Not super fancy, just a clean basic room. Only a few negatives really. First, the shower was ok, but would benefit from some de-liming to restore it to its above-average potential as some of the spray holes are partially clogged. Second, the mattress was a little hard. I prefer a firm mattress, so no concerns in my part, but something to keep in mind. The pub itself was cosy and had a good clientele. Not rowdy though. I would definately stay there again.

It is a pub, not a hotel. Service is friendly, and the room was clean and reasonably priced. Would stay again.

Excellent hotel brill breakfast and very pleasant staff definitely stay again 10/10

We enjoyed a beautifully cooked, very generous and good value roast beef dinner here. Made our Sunday perfect after a long walk around the local countryside. The staff were very friendly.

Friendly staff, amazing food, would recommend

Used for family party. Amazingly helpful and friendly staff

Lovely atmosphere though the menu was lacking in variety.