The best restaurants serving British food in Holt East Dorset South West

We have visited the stocks many times over the past 30 years but this was the worst meal we can remember. The gammon was thin, scrappy and too salty, the chips over cooked. We were asked if we wanted both egg and pineapple and then charged £1 extra for the pineapple, which we weren't told about when placing the order. At £18.95 it was not value for money. We ordered lemon & ginger cheesecake, which was more like mousse on a biscuit base, not the consistency of cheesecake. This desert was £7.95 so you would expect better. We told the waitress,who did offer an alternative, but this was declined. She said “I’ll let them know.” . An adjustment to the bill would have been more appropriate. There is a lot of competition in this sector and regrettably the Stocks prices have edged up too much and now sit at the more expensive end of pub food options. In summary a disappointing and overpriced lunch.

We had a lovely evening here, food was excellent and so was the service. It is a little expensive but worth it compared to most pubs in the area.

We drove from Broadstone looking forward to having lunch and purchase some plants for the garden. This is the first time we have been to stewarts since covid On arrival we were very dissapointed to be confronted with a notice NO DOGS. There was no way we would leave them in the car. I spoke to a lady on the till just inside and asked her why. She was very abrupt to the point of rudeness and said the staff were fed up with clearing up after dogs. When I said I might write to Mr Stewart she just said "Your wasting your time he's not interested. Mr Stewart , when I lived in Chistchurch I and my dog visited at least twice a week to use the cafe and spend a good two hours at your establishment . My dog never made a mess but if he had I would have picked it up immediately. I have to say I never saw any dog bins on show perhaps there were but not prominent. Sorry for the moan but I feel dissapointed and discriminated against as must hundreds of responsible dog owners

What A Gem This Pub Is. Looking from the outside viewpoint, you can tell what's inside will not be your usual weatherspoons type local. The pub dates back hundreds of years and you can tell the charm is in the history - and almost museum like interior. This indeed is not a place where the customer should get the glory, that goes to the owners and their ability to keep this place alive without bowing to populist trends in an ever toughening economic environment. Any hearty pub enthusiasts should have this place on a list of must visit pubs. I've seen some negative comments on here, and was shocked when I actually visited and was stunned by the beauty, character and service I received. Going back to the customer gets the glory comment, I said that because I felt lucky to see, converse and appreciate what was on offer. Today I'm visiting again for evening dinner. This will be in a busier environment, so the comparisons between quiete and busier will be evident. But on a first visit basis, I expect a fantastic meal, in a place we are lucky to have. Happy Saturday!

Dropped in for Saturday lunch, post piled up in porch, building felt cold & unloved. Greeted by cheerful waitress who at least was bubbly. Owner (?) took food order and nearly barked at us for asking about the thai dishes ingredients Food was actually really good & tasty but service haphazard, dirty glasses & cutlery having to be replaced. Won't return in a hurry