The best restaurants in Holt East Dorset South West

Had a meal this evening 4 adults this is a visit we do quite frequently but tonight service was very slow side salad had been left under the warmer and portions very small compared to other times. The managers of the pub weren't there so the service seemed very poor. Disappointed but will come back. Went back to the stocks the week after and had amazing service and the food was excellent just like it always is. All homemade and really good menu and always happy to cook it to your required taste. That's why we make it our go to pub when taking friends and family out.

Visited for valentines evening meal. Food was good. Pub was welcoming and warm. Unfortunately we were seated right in the far corner of what appeared to be an anti room to the left of the front door. It was wood panelled and resembled a sauna, no windows, no view. We were informed we would be joined by others. One couple did, ate and left reasonably quickly. They actually left with their drinks to go and sit in the bar ….Another couple did arrive and the 4th table was never occupied. We could hear the laughter and general atmosphere of the pub but could not see any of it. We are local, have visited for many years and actually had no idea this small anti room even existed. Part of the visit to the pub for us is to make an effort to get dressed (I work from home), experience the chatter, hustle and bustle, maybe bump into local people, we know, “people watch”etc. none on offer last night. Then to top it all we got someone else’s bill. We did point this out as it was clearly 50% less than ours. What a shame. We were genuinely disappointed. I hope we return, but only to sit outside in the warmer weather. Not in what I felt was something akin to my garden shed (that has windows and more atmosphere), Make sure you check out where they seat you.

We go to Stewart's coffee lounge very regularly for morning coffee and cannot rate it highly enough. We love their excellent cappucinos and coffee and the BEST fruit scones. The staff that we meet in the mornings, Grace, Amy, Amelia and Archie are very friendly, professional and good natured and we appreciate them very much. Wouldn't go anywhere else. Plenty of free parking, great offers with our loyalty cards, a wide variety of plants and lovely staff. We count ourselves lucky this establishment is within walking distance of our house.

Out for a walk and doing a recce for Sunday lunch with family. Walked in the pub and was greeted with the words "Sorry dogs not welcome". I haven't visited this pub for a few years, but never felt so unwelcome. Will go to The Old Thatch, Barley Mow or The Horns where I will be welcome.

Superb food and service. What a change from our visit last year. Such a lovely warm, clean venue with fabulous staff and food. Wonderful wine too! Highly recommend. Will return. Thank you