The Talbot Inn in Wiltshire

After suffering a mechanical whilst out riding the green lanes of Dorset my friend and I found ourselves stranded in the rain whilst a third member undertook the 2 hour round trip to get a rescue van. We looked for the nearest refuge and came across the Talbot Inn only a couple of miles away. After a tiring and wet push we arrived at 14.40 to a wonderful warm welcome from Venetia. Not only were we welcomed in and given excellent hospitality, but her and Son Theo (budding biker and rugby star) allowed us to remain long after the 15.00 closing time awaiting rescue. The food menu looks fantastic and a better experience we could not have wished for. I will be returning with my family (including Leo, budding biker and rugby star of similar age to Theo) for a Sunday roast in the near future. Thank you Venetia and Theo, you really saved the day. All the best Carey

Exceptional Villiage Pub, Food and service amazing. Fish dish was to die for. The staff couldn't be more helpful and polite. Visited now a few times would highly recommend. One of the best places I’ve been to in a while.

We decided to eat at this village pub and it was a lovely location in a village. We went to the bar and ordered drinks and I was going to pay and the bar maid said "I will put it on your table tab" ok that was fine. There were four of us in the party and we sat down and looked at menu. The bar maid came over and we all placed our orders. The food came out and it was the usual pub grub at the higher end of pricing nothing fantastic and we had more drinks, then 2 puddings between us at over £15. So far all ok and service is what you would expect from a local pub, I should know as I work in one. At the end of the evening I asked for the bill and the young lady brought over the bill, there was a Discretionary service charge on drinks and food ( enough for us to have another 4 drinks ) . I asked her if she could remove the service charge please. The first barmaid came over and said " was everything ok or was there something not right. I said no it was all ok thank you we have just requested the service charge to be removed as its on all the drinks as well as the food. she then said well its on the bottom of the Menu, I replied yes its discretionary not compulsory ( Direct Gov .... A service charge is an amount added to the customer’s bill before it is presented to the customer. If it is made clear to the customer that the charge is a purely discretionary amount and there is no obligation to pay, the payment is a voluntary service charge.) She then changed from being polite to rude and impolite. I gave her the correct amount and she then scanned my card. I gave her a cash tip and she told me to keep it. Her attitude was disgusting and we will never go back.

We came across this pub by following the signage from the main road. After a short drive we arrived at this little village gem. The owners were friendly and welcoming. Menu was extensive and the food was fabulous. I would highly recommend this English experiance.

We actually had lunch and dinner here and it was excellent! I tried the fish with fresh vegetables and new potatoes. The sticky toffee pudding for dessert was very tasty. The proprietress here was helpful and friendly and more than accommodating to our needs. If I lived nearby I'd be here here every week!

The pub is in the quaint village of Berwick St John. The landlady was very friendly and service was excellent. The food was very tasty (calves liver and bacon with a delicious rich gravy) and the pub offered a good selection of beers. Well worth a visit - I will be back.

Sadly it is rarely now that one finds a real village pub in the same ownership for years and with real locals at the bar. The food is excellent too. Wonderful!

We three had a wonderful lunch today and this included our vegetarian member of the party. All the food was cooked in house fresh and from very good ingredients, the sea bass and venison steak was wonderful This was washed down with Flack Manor ale - 5 star. Venetia and her team's service was faultless and friendly. They then followed it up with assistance because I had left my lights on and flattened the car's battery, finding a local guy in the bar to jump start my car - tx to all. Looking forward to my next visit!

Called in for an after walk pint. Friendly and inexpensive. Two canine companions in the garden made for an enjoyable half hour in an attractive village.

So nice to have excellent quality food, served fresh and piping hot, excellent service, friendly staff. We went for a trip out from Wimborne and definitely will be going back.

Delightful setting (good for walkers) excellent beers and wine ,and particularly well presented food . A snug fire adds to the atmosphere

7 of us visited for an evening meal, we were warmly met by staff, nice log fire and pleasant pub, good choice of ales ( for the men) we had several different meals chosen from an extensive menu ( plus specials board) followed up by various puddings and coffee, good value and highly recommended as a place to dine

Once again the Talbot does what it does best, good pub food, well cooked, sensible portions but nothing silly at either end of the scale. Here you can enjoy good food and local oils at reasonable prices. It is rare to find a country pub which has such a nice atmosphere, roaring fire and clearly well frequented by the local population, which is always a good sign!

We went for dinner, the food was good nothing to write home about. Beer was off, it smelt awful. Shame

We just had a drink at The Talbot as passing through the village. The landlady was very welcoming, the pub was warm with a roaring fire. Lovely atmosphere. Worth stopping by.

An overdue return after far too long since our last visit. What a relief to get back to wonderful surroundings, warm and welcoming hosts and most excellent food. If you feel in need of a change from the impersonal service and poor offerings that seem to have characterised the Covid crisis, then look no further. It made such a change to be treated as a valued customer, and eat a great meal in front of a wood fire in this lovely country pub. We'll be back soon! Nick Walnut

We had booked for lunch on Tuesday as the midway point on our walk and was delighted. The atmosphere, welcome and of course the food was superb. We both ate a hearty main course of calves liver with vegetables and then had to endulge in a delightful pudding. It certainly made the second half of the walk a lot tougher having eaten so well. You will definitely see us again.

A group pf us met up for lunch mid-week with two dogs. This is a lovely old pub with bags of character and a reasonable amount of parking. It is however in a small village which can be difficult to access – use the A30 and not the very busy but very narrow back road through the villages! We were met by our host who showed us into what we assume was the area where they allow dogs when dining. The menu was extensive with plenty of choice and a number of dishes on the specials board. We were delighted, and surprised, by the choice and all opted for something different. When our meals came it seemed clear that there was a true chef in the kitchen who liked fresh ingredients and knew how to cook. Portions were generous but we did just manage to squeeze a dessert in. The local ales were excellent and well kept. Service was friendly and the prices very competitive. Would love to visit again but will use the main road.

What a find. Lovely, cosy country pub. Fab, friendly landlady Stopped for lunch before our walk. I had the vegetarian tart with super fresh salad and new potatoes. Hubby had the Thai prawn curry. Was absolutely delicious. Menu had a large and varied great selection. They also have rental cottages. Highly recommended if visiting North Dorset.

I went here on my own whilst traveling, during covid. The lady behind the bar (possibly the owner) was lovely. She was very accommodating, given I booked last minute. She was working the bar, serving the food and checking everyone was ok. The food was so tasty. I cannot recommend the pork belly enough, the crackling was to die for. The open fire just put the cherry on top. I will definitely go back and cannot recommend it enough. It’s an I dependent pub and one to be supported!

Been here a couple of times now and not disappointed on either occasion. Staff very nice and the food exceptional. We had the chicken and ham pie in white sauce. Proper pastry with huge chunks of meat and perfectly cooked veg. Filled me up a treat after a long motor bike ride. Beer nice as well. Prices are top end for pub food but this is case of you get what you pay for. Would return when next in the area.

Stopped off for lunch at this pub in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside whilst on a motorcycle day out with a friend. The Talbot Inn the sort of typical English country pub you want to stumble across on days out such as this. Not too busy that day, a table was readily available, there was a good selection of real ales and a varied menu. The prices were at the top end of what I would expect to pay in a pub but the pub had a welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff and a real fire going, sometimes its not worth worrying about spending an extra £2.00 on a meal is it! I went for the Ham, Chicken and Leak pie, it was superb. Clearly homemade and a very generous portion too, vegetables were nicely cooked with delicious sauce to go with it all. It is quite a few miles away to make it a regular destination but I will definitely head back there when I can.

We have always loved our visits to The Talbot and the food is always delicious, and freshly prepared. This evening was particularly good, because recently I have been on a difficult and very restrictive diet, recommended for health reasons. The owner was very accommodating and put me at ease, so I didn’t feel as awkward as I thought I would. There were things on the menu which where slightly adjusted to meet my needs and my meal turned out to be the best food I have eaten for a long time, that I didn’t cook myself . Very grateful.

Berwick St. John is the archetypal English village - sleepy, unspoilt and picturesque.The Talbot is similarly the archetypal English pub - with beams, a huge inglenook fireplace, a wonderful collection of brasses, and, most important of all, a regular clientele of locals propping up the bar.Add to that an excellent, ever-changing menu of creative dishes, and welcoming friendly service from the landlady Venetia and her colleagues Carla and Susie, and you have the perfect recipe for the perfect pub.

Had a wonderful midweek lunch at this traditional country pub on a gorgeous summer afternoon. Very good food, prepared and served properly, salads fresh, vegetables not overcooked, and plates served hot. Service was friendly and helpful with local patrons providing a warm ambience to the cozy environs.

We went here for a family gathering and were disappointed by the food. The service was average and just about welcoming. I and another member of our group had ploughman's lunches and I would say that it is probably the worst one that I have ever been served. The cheese was, in my opinion, supermarket lower quality served with a small amount of chutney and a few salad leaves. Others had cooked lunches which appeared to be reasonable.It does have a very pleasant garden

On June 23rd, 2019 we went to The Talbot for my Mom's Birthday, we had an incredible time, very tasty drinks, a great delicious Sunday British Roast with gravy, top class friendly service, very clean, great atmosphere, it brings tears to my eyes it was such a special time to spend with loved ones. There were sheep, lambs and horses all around the Pub and village, as the English say, "It was an absolutely Lovely Time!". The staff brought out my Mom's favourite Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert with a candle on it, we sang Happy Birthday, One of my best lunch experiences ever, can't wait to go back. Definitely 5 out of 5!

Gorgeous Authentic English Pub huddled in the heart of the countryside of South Wiltshire close to the Dorset Borders surrounded by rolling hills and agricultural scenery.We had the pork belly and Guinea fowl for dinner. It was absolutely delicious. Served piping hot and beautifully presented. For dessert we had the Snickers Mess. The name does not do it justice. Cream, brownies, merangue, ice cream, salted caramel sauce and peanuts. Better than death by chocolate.The staff were welcoming and friendly and the pub was traditional warm and cosy.A great place that I'd recommend and I will definitely visit again.

We had a nice welcome upon arrival. A very limited menu for Sunday lunch and only told when the lady came to take the order that there was Plaice too. Would have been helpful if we’d been told earlier. Plus I had to ask what it came with as this information was not provided. The food was very nice but the service was a real let down. We had to ask a couple of times for a glass of red wine as it didn’t appear. Plus we needed another knife, again we had to get up and ask for this again after asking. The dessert menu was large and fully of yummy offerings. Unfortunately again they let themselves down with service. My dad asked for ice cream with his, it didn’t arrive. Again we asked for it, she said she’d go get it and guess what.....yes, it never arrived! The lime posset with shortbread arrived minus the shortbread. By then we gave up asking or informing the lady. It’s seemed totally pointless. Think more staff were needed. The ladies loos could really do with a lick of paint or wash of the walls to get rid of the mould. The loos very very miserable looking, just a little vase of faux flowers or something would have cheered the place up. Left feeling rather disappointed and a little ripped off.

I booked a table for us and our friends from Germany, who wanted to experience a "proper " English Pub... They were not disappointed.. very welcoming, great food , great beers and excellent customer service...

Walking from Tisbury we set ourselves a target of stopping at the PH on the Ordnance Survey Map for a quick drink before carrying on. When we got there the Talbot Inn was such a charming spot that we decided to stay for a meal. The pub is a beautiful old building and strikes the right note: cosy and welcoming. The food was also actually astonishingly good. Real care had gone into the sourcing, recipes and cooking. The duck (so hard to get right) was perfect and the sticky toffee pudding (and I’m not generally a fan) was easily the best I’ve ever tasted. The hosts were super helpful: WiFi passwords, plug points to charge phones etc. We gave up on the walk and decided to take a taxi to our destination and asked them to help organise one. When we finished our meal and were ready to go, the landlady said no taxis were available but asked us to get into her car and then drove us to our destination miles away!How extraordinarily kind.

Really lovely place to go for lunch. The owner I met was polite and conversational. When I am in the area I would love to visit again. I had the fish and chips and it was fantastic.

The Talbot Inn is well worth a visit and was a great place for lunch after walking in this beautiful area. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed with good service. The menu included 3 vegetarian choices and all the food the 4 of us chose was of a very high standard. We would definitely recommend this pub and hope to visit again.

Lunch on walking tour. Food was very upscal and well prepared. Really good daily specials. Friendly staff

A top notch Sunday roast, superbly cooked and we could taste the quality of the produce.....washed down by some great ales too. The service was fantastic and very accommodating, we will definitely return.

Lovely meal ,good choice on menu and specials board, lovely staff , would recommend it, will visit again

As a vegetarian I sometimes find a very limited menu. Not so here. I had a delicious vegetable curry. And there were other choices as well. Staff very nice. All round good place to go for a meal out

A super little pub in a quiet country village. Food excellent. Varied choice of meals to satisfy ant pallet.

The food, the wine, the atmosphere...it all comes together like a summer party.

This is a great inn - very tastefully decorated and spotlessly clean - warm open fire provides a welcome to match the staff. At lunch we were presented with a good menu but decided on the fish and chips which were the best that we have ever eaten. The fish (Cod) was cooked to perfection, the beer batter was light and the chips were well cooked. Enormous portions and all eaten up.

"Great to be back again in such a cozy pub! Splendid fare as always, and value for money - even on the South African Rand! Lovely to see the fabulous fire now lit. Congratulations to the landlord for reminding us what a 400+ year old pub experience should be like".

First night of holiday.Popped in here for a bite to eat.

We were staying in Alvediston for a few days over the May Bank Holiday and decided to book a table at the Talbot, about three miles away, for one of our evening meals.

Small pub in a quiet country village with a large car park and a small but discrete garden area. Well presented plates of food from a wide ranging menu. Just rather expensive for what they were. Tabling the pre booked meal for 9 with just one waitress was not the quickest procedure.

We loved it! It was like going back in time in a good way! Excellent home cooking, plenty of choice, cosy bar, with a real fire. Keep doing what you are it's such a treat to find real food at affordable prices. Thank you.

The pub was full of locals who were friendly. Lots of well behaved dogs too. Enjoyed my lunch which was fairly priced and decent portions. Even though the pub was busy, it was easy to hear each other. Would happily return.

Last minute booking for my grand daughters birthday treat. The food and service was first class, menu choice was comprehensive. Thoroughly recommend it for a family meal.

a fantastic pub and restaurant, lovely home cooked food,and good portions too, the owners are very friendly and welcoming, also very dog friendly, which is very important to us, staying in the village again next year, looking forward to going in The Talbot Inn again

We visited The Talbot Inn in 2014 and now again last month.

Four of us went and had a very nice selection of roast lunches. It is small so you may well need to book on weekends.

My partner and family recently visited this pub after a short walk locally around Cranborne Chase on a bank holiday weekend. We had not booked, but thought we would pop in for a drink with a view to sit down for dinner.

On a recent evening motorbike ride around north Dorset we came across this wonderful country pub. We didn't reserve a table but we were quickly accommodated.

Nice pub which came highly recommended and looking at the menu online it looked highly promising. Disappointed to find only...

Food was really tasty cooked to high standard, ingredients excellent quality, cosy little family run pub service was friendly and...

My partner and I have visited the Talbot Inn several times this year - either just the two of us or when we've entertained friends or family. I don't think we've ever had a bad experience; the food is excellent (there is always a choice of specials) and the drinks at the bar including the beers are all fine. In Winter there's a log fire and at all times of the year there is at least one friendly dog wandering around. Venetia who takes the orders and runs the place is very attentive and a good host. No complaints.

Visited The Talbot Inn with my family and was not disapointed. The welcome was great and the pub is full of atmosphere.There were quite a few tables having lunch creating a great atmosphere though we chose to sit outside in the well appointed garden. There are 4 or 5 tables outside in this well maintained area.There are a good selections of beers , ales lagers and cider. The menu caters for all the family from omelettes, traditional pub food and a specials board. The food arrived in good time with large portions and friendly service. I had the chicken and tarragon with sauteed potatoes and veg on the side ( all seasonal) children had omelettes again excellent. We did not have any puddings but there was a good selection on the board.On the whole a great time was had at this family friendly Inn with great service and a warm welcome with good food .Great for lunch had by all

Fantastic !!We arrived @8:45 some 15mins before the kitchen was due to close and ordered a very tasty Thai curry for my wife and I (the difficult one) wanted to mix and match a few different items on the menu and tailor my meal around a very tasty steak they had - this was all done with a smile and the food soon came and was delicious. The staff were all very friendly and this a great place to visit. The owner even gave us a lift home !!!Hospitality and service like this is hard to find - Highly recommended !!

I have written good reviews in the past as we are returning visitors to the area. This time though the food was unmemorable. I had fairly tasteless guinea fowl and my friend salmon in a very watery sauce; neither would we order again. I am under pressure not to return

A friendly popular local, tucked away in a pretty hamlet on the edge of Cranbourne Chase, serving good home-cooked food. Roasts and a more limited choice of alternative dishes are served on a Sunday. The more extensive weekday menu looked appealing. Worth a visit

Staying down the road meant an evening stroll through the lanes to build up an appetite greatly needed to savour a fine selection of meals. A varied and intriguing menu was laid before us with more choice than I would normally have to make. Friendly staff and locals made for a fabulous two evenings meals and the food served was fantastic.

From the moment you walk in to The Talbot Inn it just has the feel of a proper village local. Our dog was made to feel as welcome as we were.The menu contained some pub food favourites, supplemented by some excellent and varied dishes on the 'specials board'. All the food was home-cooked, absolutely delicious and portion sizes generous.Service was excellent and friendly, both behind the bar and from the waitress who served us. Definitely not our last visit to this excellent village local.

Ate here every night. Truly scrumptious food. Large portions, every single meal from starters to mains, exquisite!!! Fist night I had beer battered fish and chips, with sticky toffee pud, second night whole lemon sole and apple crumble, last night, lasagne and brownie. Every single bite had me wanting more!Lovely staff, friendly locals, an absolute must place to go!

An amazing meal at the Talbot. Hot and delicious starters and tasty mains. Generous portions and very hot. Excellent service by Venetia. A country pub with a roaring fire and the locals were very friendly. Recommended!

Had another lovely lunch with good service. Will be back when in the area again. The food really is above regular pub food.

Local pub visited while staying in the area, with great homemade food and good size portions. Cosy place and enjoyable evening

A lovely Sunday lunch in a great atmosphere with excellent food and welcoming excellent friendly staff.

Second Sunday lunch at this 'local's' pub within three weeks. We returned as my wife had enjoyed previous encounter, and we were confident it wouldn't be packed out and, despite a previous review stating to the contrary, we knew our dog would be welcomed too.Friendly ambiance, and generously-portioned roasts (too much for wife, but can't complain on that basis).Lovely walk afterwards, guidance on a suitable route given by neighbour outside with whom we got into conversation - What's not to like?

A lovely homely pub restaurant, excellent food, good service and an excellent atmosphere. It is so unusual these days to receive such a warm welcome and attention, even though it was busy! Nothing was too much trouble, and the meal was faultless, thank you, we will be back soon... Nick Walnut.

The Talbot, quaint village, super oldie world pub. Lovely sunday lunch.the staff were fab and so was the food.

Although named after a dog clearly dogs are not invited!! My colleague asked the staff if we could bring our dogs in but a very clear"NO!" came from a male member of staffSo ended up in the Smokers hut outside buying only a quick beer instead of the planned meal. Not a great atmosphere.

We visited this pub a few years ago when it was up for sale and had a very good lunch of which the crowning glory was rhubarb crumble!We visited again recently and our meal was a bit of a curates egg. We all had slow cooked belly of pork for main course which was very nice. For sweet two of us had cranberry and apple crumble which was very disappointing. It seemed as though a scoop,of stewed fruit was placed in a bowl and then some sort of cereal placed on top. Very average and not my idea of a crumble. Shame because the main course was fine.

This is a perfect archetypal village inn, with inglenook fireplace, brass and copper, and no sign of a fruit machine, and no sound of Musak.We had an excellent meal in friendly, convivial surroundings, we shall be back, and with our Labrador next time.

Happened upon this excellent pub while out on a bike ride from Bournemouth! The waitresses were excellent, as was the chef as well as the food she cooked for us - possibly the best lasagne I've ever had!Get yourself there!

After driving past this pub numerous times and admiring the setting I decided to treat my children to a meal here. We arrived to a pleasant enough greeting and were sat in a dark, cold corner behind the door which was continually left open to my annoyance. When the starter came my daughter couldn't eat her soup as it tasted disgusting although my scallops were lovely. The main course arrived too fast and after looking at the meal and checking the menu again obviously to the eye of the landlady whom asked if there was anything wrong and then looked herself realizing that the veg was missing quickly put the order through which was obviously pit in the microwave as extremely hot. Throughout the whole meal there was a local man standing at the bar glaring in our direction and telling very loud poor jokes to nobody's amusement. I can only explain this pub as a big disappointment on the whole but what could of been lovely as the actual flavor of the main dish was lovely but when it was all there together not delivered halfway through eating.

Had a fantastic evening with friends in The Talbot Inn. The staff were amazing, friendly and very attentive. The food was delicious with a good selection of wines and beers. Will return again shortly.

Stayed in this village for a week and had a meal here a couple of times during our stay also popped in a couple of times for a drink, good pub grub and friendly also very dog friendly as well, a really nice village pub

We chose to drive out to The Talbot on a dank late June morning, expecting traditional pub comfort food. As shown on the website, all the standard favourites were available, but the daily specials board offered much more. Our choices of "day boat fresh whole plaice" and scallops, both served with samphire grass, and excellent fresh vegetables, were way above traditional pub fare. The fruit crumble we shared was also excellent.The pub was pleasantly quiet on a weekday lunchtime - unexpectedly so during the Chalke Valley Festival period. There were options for sitting close by others or in a quiet corner, which was welcome. This was not a June day fit for trying the pub's little garden, but we were happy to be sheltered in the welcoming and characterful interior.We had not visited The Talbot for several years but we won't let such a long gap occur again.

We were first in but the pub soon filled and everyone was friendly. Good choice of food which came in good time.

We were fortunate to come across this lovely pub while looking for somewhere for lunch. The menu was extensive and the food excellent. The welcome was friendly and they were very happy to vary the menu to ensure my wife's meal was gluten-free. Will definitely go back when next in the area.

After hearing to many good reviews I had to try this place. The food is second to none and the friendly efficient staff are amazing. I definitely recommend trying out the Talbot inn you will not regret it!

We have been coming to this pub for many years but it's only our second time since the new ownersThere were 4 tables with reserved on & we were told our table wasn't ready! Only three tables in the bar were occupied so we were a bit puzzled. The couple on a table seemed to be rushed, pd the bill and the table was relaid & we were told this is your table! I find the landlady polite but abrupt, she's not sincere & if you ask for something it seems too much trouble. Food is very good. No one else arrived to use the reserved tables which was odd. Not sure we will be rushing back

We randomly came by this place on a road trip and I just feel the need to leave a review because of how happy we were with the food, atmosphere and friendliness of the staff! I highly recommend this place to anyone in the area, you won't be disappointed!

Had a very nice lunch here. Staff were pleasant and efficient. Good sized menu plus a specials board. Food was good. My only issue is that there is no table service so have to order at the bar (they didn't tell us this when we ordered our drinks so we waited for twenty minutes before we were told to order at the bar!) and have to get up to go to the bar every time you need drinks. I know it is a "traditional" pub but really!? Come on guys!

Went to Berwick St John for work and decided to pop in for lunch. Such lovely food and excellent service and will definitely be taking my family back at some point.

I stopped here for lunch as I was cycling in the area. Nice (albeit expensive) ploughman's lunch. But I was outraged by the service: I got up to use the bathroom and when I came back they had packed up my things and given my table to new customers!! I still can hardly believe it

The Talbot Inn is a lovely family pub. The food was excellent with large portions and the children are made to feel very welcome. Great village atmosphere and we were made to feel very welcome by all the lovely staff, definitely worth a visit.

This pub has the authentic atmosphere of a truly wonderful country pub with a large open fire place, low old beams in the ceiling and decor to match. The food was fabulous with generous portions so you won't be leaving here feeling hungry! All staff from the owners to the waiting staff were efficient, friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be visiting here again.

My wife and I popped in for a quick lunch - we'd heard good things about the pub from friends but we'd never been before.The welcome was warm, my pint was perfect - good pubs start with good cellar skills.We chose from the board - which had just changed - always a good sign.The food was lovely, the service friendly... all in a quintessential English village pub.But for me the aspect that made the truly pub shine (if I could give a 5 star+ I could) was after we paid the bill and left the pub our car wouldn't start - we went back in to use their phone (no mobile service when you most need it!).The staff helped my wife find the numbers to call and the landlord offered to help get the car started... with a stroke of luck the car started and we left before it changed its mind.

Very good food, very good service and very friendly staff. Make sure you book to avoid disappointment

The staff were the rudest I have ever come across, unwelcoming unfriendly unhelpful and spent the whole night looking miserable I cannot comment on the food as the atmosphere spoilt the whole evening we will not be returning

Visited at the weekend with mates. Great place, staff and location. Wonderfully intricate features and ornaments within the main bar area.A good variety of whisky to choose from too.

Fantastic meal at the Talbot as always for my daughters birthday.good food for a great price,highly recommend to book a table as they are alway very busy.i can definitely recommend the deep fried brie lol

Classic English pub with that equally characteristic rather indifferent welcome one gets used to in southern England. Good substantial and excellent sausage baguette easily good enough for two though we were told rather pedantically that they didn't do sandwiches. I wonder sometimes whether these sorts of places want customers. Very friendly girl brought out our lunch to the mostly car park cum garden.

This was a first time visit for the four of us. A very good menu with something for everyone. It was a busy lunchtime but our food arrived within 20 minutes or so. All freshly cooked and definitely not any of your 'ding meal' food. Salmon and broccoli mornay, two ham egg and chips and an omelette. Really enjoyed the whole experience but with one small comment to make. The lady serving behind the bar I know was busy and probably could have done with help a few times but she must not be so 'sharp' with customers. I witnessed this on at least 3 occasions. Some one could take offence.

The Talbot is located is stunning countryside. It's clearly marked on the OS map, a sort of siren-song tempting tired and hungry walkers and bikers down from the Downs and into the pub. Don't be fooled! The more hungry you are, the more thirsty, the more tired, the more likely the Talbot will be CLOSED.I have attempted to be a customer at the Talbot three times, all during normal pub opening hours. It was closed on each occasion. A complete timewaster. There is nothing else open for miles around either.It's a shame, because it looks nice from the outside.

Struggling with bad traffic outside Shaftesbury, we were desperate to stop off somewhere and take a well deserved break. Seeing a sign in the hedge we followed it for a couple of miles and found this delightful traditional pub. A free house that knows how to look after its beer, we were given a warm welcome by the landlady. The diversity of the food on offer was amazing (they even had fresh lobster on the day we visited). We had a great lunch, well cooked and a lovely pint as well. It was a shame to leave. Well done Martin and Venetia.

A consistently good gastro pub, I ate the same as I did last time - skate wing, and this was again very nice indeed. Sadly it was a quiet night so no atmosphere but we enjoyed the meal and if in the area again will return.

We stopped here for lunch one day as we walked across Dorset. The food was so good I thought my husband was going to camp there for the rest of our trip. Great service, beautiful old inn.

We stumbled upon this pub for lunch by accident a year ago when travelling with MG car club friends to the Exeter MG annual weekend. We all live in Essex and had taken a more 'scenic route' down to Devon - took a wrong turn coming through Salisbury and desperate for lunch found this little gem of a pub. It was so good we planned our trip to have lunch there again this year. Sadly events dwindled our expected number but eventually 6 of us once again made it for a lunch that did not disappoint - it was lovely. The owners are friendly and the service and food are excellent. Will call in again if we are ever passing that way - its almost become part of our trip.

Had the pleasure of visiting the Talbot with friends who regularly eat there. It was a very enjoyable experience, friendly Landlady who was both welcoming and helpful. I fail to understand some of the negative comments on TA. Food was both plentiful and enjoyable, with a wide selection of "specials" and set menu items. I would have no hesitation in recommending and will certainly return. Incidentally, being a dog owner, I emailed to ask if they were dog friendly, had a rapid,polite reply, confirming yes, hardly rude people!