The best restaurants in North Dorset South West

On our journey home from an overnight-stay in Bournemouth we decided to take a minor roads route back home rather than the direct main road route. This took us through quite a few small towns and villages. Our plan was to find a Farm Shop Café or a village / small town-centre café where we could get lunch: ideally a snack and a hot drink. We were over an hour into our journey when we saw the signs for Marcia’s Farm Shop and turned into what was a heavily pot-holed carpark. We then walked into the signposted barn noting that there was plenty of tables and chairs arranged in neat rows but no-one was sat there. There was another door into ‘The Shack’; inside was actually a full bar; like you would find in a pub. There were a few locals propping-up the bar, chatting and drinking draught beer. This is not what we had expected and we assumed that the ‘Marcia’s Farm Shop’ and ‘The Shack’ were one in the same business. There didn’t appear to be any farm produce on sale: other than, we assumed, the food offered in the menu. It was almost exactly 1pm when we were approached and welcomed by a pleasant lady. We asked about food, and she advised us to select a table and choose from the menu of snacks that were available, and that she would return to take our order. We studied the menu having ordered some tea and my Partner chose a fishfinger baguette, whereas I chose a toasted ham and cheese sourdough sandwich. The plates took a good 20-25 minutes to arrive from ordering, but freshly prepared food does take time. So, we sipped tea and amused ourselves with the help of a large (probably over-fed and under-exercised) old Labrador who constantly wandered and sniffed around the bar and seated areas. The dog then settled at our table once our food order arrived. This was not a serious issue for us (others however may dislike being ‘hounded’ by slobbering dogs while they eat their food). Both plates featured a colourful and tasty fresh dressed salad which was really good. My sandwich was really firm and crunchy with a generous helping of thick-cut ham and plenty of well-melted cheese, and a small portion of red cabbage coleslaw to go with the salad. It was really good and enjoyed. My Partner’s baguette featured homemade cod loin fishfingers and tartare sauce (both inside the baguette). The fish was a bit moist and insubstantial; despite being made from the loin. Cod can be like this and it is why we prefer the meatier haddock. The baguette also accompanied by a few crisps, but they were a really strange flavour for accompanying fish (reminded us of Oxo beef - but very artificial). Our food was on the whole good, generously portioned and very much welcomed, and it was good value.

I visited here on a quiet Saturday, looking for a decent cup of coffee. The stench of old grease in the small ordering area was overwhelming (even with the front door open) and stayed on my clothes after I left. The staff member was extremely friendly and efficient (hence why it was 2 stars not 1). I ordered a flat white which was served to me in a 12 oz cup so clearly they don't understand what a flat white is. Poorly extracted espresso and milk not well textured. Maybe the food is better than the coffee, but I wouldn't have high hopes......

Excellent tasty food and very good value for money. Totally unpretentious and a lot cheaper than most greedy pubs in this area. Highly recommend this pub. Very friendly landlord, landlady and staff.

Sunday roast was good ie.good selection of vegetables (blue cabbage and cauliflower were tasty, vegetables were not overcooked), generous portions of meat (I had beef which was a bit overcooked for me but it’s just me being a bit picky about beef. It was seasoned very well).Really enjoyed sticky toffee pudding. Good value for money - there was 2for1 deal for Sunday roast. Friendly and helpful service. Nice atmosphere and decor. Will definitely come back to check out the rest of the menu.

Great food, good value for money, and proper, I mean proper chips! Not the soggy excuses for chips from other chippys that they pass ofd as chips! First time, but will. definitely go again when in the area.

My partner and I were just talking days later about how amazing the roast was here last Sunday, so thought I had to come back and leave a review! The three meat roast, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, vegetables, home make yorkies, gravy all of it was delicious and the the best roast we have both had as far back as we can remember. Nice ale on tap, friendly service and the two log fires were so cosy 🔥 Great British pub and look forward to returning when back in the area!

Wonderful pub serving the most delicious food. Arnie and Sarah with the warmest friendliest welcome to all. Lovely 😊

Very disappointed. I had looked at the menu before going there and nothing that I wanted was available. Won’t be going again.

I eat here a lot I love the place it’s just a chip shop being a chip shop not expensive and good food the owners are lovely

Six of us had lunch here. The food was good but they struggled to cope with a group of six people; three of us got our food promptly, then there was a long wait before two more were served, and the last poor soul had to wait even longer for his toastie while people who had come in and ordered after us got theirs. We didn't expect all six orders to arrive at the same time, but for one person not to be fed till some of their companions had long finished their food wasn't good. When the food did arrive it was tasty, hot and filling so we were happy with that. Best to come here in smaller numbers, methinks.

You will get a very friendly welcome by the lovely landlady and her daughter. I recommend this place for food and drink and a lovely atmosphere

The food is delicious and filling, the cakes look ridiculously nice but I am trying not to eat them all, it's clean tidy really good vibe to the place. Service is phenomenal. Spoke to Malc today as I waited for my huge breakfast sandwich and he stopped to listen. Don't get that too often these days . Thanks Malc see you soon.

We were so pleased to discover this eatery. The service was so welcoming and the food was outstanding. All home cooked. The Steak and ale pie was the best my wife has tasted. The Katsu curry was absolutely delicious. Many thanks

Superb country Inn, set in beautiful area,excellent 👌food beers and friendly service

Sadly the food tasted odd...not sure if it's the oil used or something in the batter. My daughter got sausages and chips and I got 2 lots of cod and chips, so between us it cost over £30 and it's gone out to the birds. Good size portions, cooked well but can't put my finger on where the problem lies. Not had this problem before and was really looking forward to not cooking tea so am very disappointed.