The best restaurants in North Dorset South West

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......

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.

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.

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.

Dropped in to Zero Waste whilst on day trip from London. Encountered light rain, and cafe looked inviting. Warm, friendly relaxed service, pleasant surroundings. Nachos and a bowl of delicious soup both served with generous portions of bread, must point out nachos was supposed to be accompanied by corn chips. Meal accompanied by a mulled wine and water. A pleasant lunch experience.

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.

Lovely, family friendly pub! I tried the carvery here and it was delicious! 3 different meats, generous portions and everything home made. Excellent price for a Sunday lunch too! The sticky toffee pudding was incredibly yummy too. You can really tell how hard the owners have worked to make this pub into a cosy haven for the community. I will definitely be back to sample more of the menu 😋

Everyone raves about this place. Tried it last week and it was horrid. Fish and chips were disgusting and greasy. Went back today thinking they must have had a bad night and it was worse. Same as before, chips no bigger than an inch and terrible. This is an honest and sincere post. Stay clear. I know it is slim pickings in Blandford for a takeaway but a disgrace. Got photo's to prove

Had a great evening with friends at this lovely pub and restaurant. The landlord made us all feel welcome and the menu was very interesting with something for everyone. The pub was warm and cosy whilst being spacious at the same time. The food was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. A couple of our group had the Katsu Chicken, another had the Chowder which looked fabulous. I had the soup which was so tasty with some delicious fresh bread, the desserts were all just as popular. All in all a relaxing and enjoyable evening in a, welcoming atmosphere with lovely staff, and a great chef!

Great food and really friendly service!! Beautiful location with great walks and welcome fire to come into! Need some new beers in unfortunately only have st Austell on tap and no local beers which is a real shame if just wanting a nice drink at a pub

Dog friendly pub. Amazing food and would highly recommend going there for a meal. Service was very good as well.

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

We didn't stay at the hotel but we had food and a drink and the food was exceptional. The pub is decorated lovely but it could have been a little warmer

The best fish and chips in Dorset and served by lovely people. We recommend the cod and chips. The cod was perfectly cooked and tasty batter. The chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Just right!

Food was amazing. Chips were perfect and the fish batter was golden and chrispy. All the bad reviews are wrong. this place was really good and recommend 100%. Also portions were MASSIVE 10/10. Staff were really nice too