The best restaurants serving Default food 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.

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.

Good food, we asked for more custard for our sweet and got a thimbleful, you have to laugh 🤣

Called in here as thought I might get a good meal on the way out of town. They had a sausage in batter ready in the hot-box so I said I'd have that with a large chips. Got it all home and while the batter on the sausage was rock hard it was very greasy. The chips weren't up to much either. I remember seeing a sign outside saying "staff wanted". Perhaps they need a decent cook.

A great undiscovered gem we found after moving from a different part of Gillingham into that area, The Dolphin is now our new local .. very friendly welcome, very nice relaxing garden for a few drinks if that’s what you want .. had a lunch, the fish special was amazing and I passed on my thanks to the chef, the antipasti platter was great .. amazing welcoming hosts, great food, relaxing garden, what more do you want … will see you guys again soon .. 👍🏼

Every time we have been to The Fontmell we had a delicious. meal, the combination of flavours, quality of food excellent, the menu is limited, but prepared freshly. It is always a pleasure to eat there with excellent attention always.

Really a bad experience, i visit this place on 18/oct at 7-8pm , there was 1 old man who’s behaviour wasn’t good, he was trying to pressure me to order fast, am i ordering free food ? , I am paying money for it , please give attention in your staff how to behave with customers.

Played skittles there good lads and nice pub

Proper pub. Pool table, juke Box, Live music, Sky and BT sports. Large Capacity. Busy and social at weekends, open 7 days a week until late. UPDATE NOW CHANGED OF OWNERSHIP. VERY DIFFERENT.

Absolutely dreadful. Raw, stinking chicken and a terrible attitude. Yuk yuk totally avoid its disgusting and they don’t care

We booked to stay here in the camping area for two nights. Upon arrival a charity event was taking place so it was busy with lots of stalls and visitors. The lady behind the bar was lovely and did a great job checking us in and we booked in for a meal that night which was very nice. However, the facilities advertised as part of camping were not provided. The toilet was left full of rubbish from the charity event and not cleared, the toilet was not cleaned or replenished over the two days we stayed and the shower room which was dirty was never cleaned. I tried to replenish the loo roll myself visiting the building where the house accommodation guest entrance was located but found nothing and the pub entrance was closed surprisingly. Shame, because it is nicely located and when the pub was open, had a nice atmosphere and good food. Poor customer service from yourselves and anybody choosing to stay - take your own loo roll. Amelia Miles

Very disappointed normally this place is good but last Friday placed an order at 17.45 to collect at 19.15 arrived at 19.10 to be told it wouldn't be ready till 19.30 which eventually became 19.50 and no jumbo sausages and to compensate they done 2 small one to each jumbo