The Antelope Inn
Pubs and Bars with Restaurants


Pidney Hill, Hazelbury Bryan, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2EB

On reaching the centre of the small rural haven of Hazelbury Bryan, we came across The Antelope Inn. We knew instantly we were in for a comforting treat; this inn exudes country-pub charm with its red-brick exterior, picket fence and lovely surrounding gardens. Stepping inside, we discovered many a local sipping on wine and ale - this is clearly a favourite social hub. We were greeted like one of the family by Neil, who, along with his wife Lisa, manages the pub and kitchen. The couple have only been in residence for three months, but the impact they have made is evident in the throng of customers making their way to this lively watering hole.
We were immediately impressed by the variety decorating the chalkboard menus. Besides some reassuring pub grub, there is an international board featuring dishes taking influence from France, Mexico, Italy, Spain and Thailand. All dishes are prepared to order on the premises using locally sourced ingredients, and the wait is well worth it - the freshness and quality is a rapturous reward. To start, my wife chose the prawn cocktail with crispy melba toast, and I the vegetable pancake rolls with chilli dip on a bed of fresh salad. This was followed by chicken breast in a maple and chilli sauce with fried vegetables and rice for her, while my pick was the Thai-style chicken curry served with sticky rice and salad. We finished our meal with sweets of ginger and lemon sponge accompanied by ice cream, and traditional home-baked Dorset apple cake with fresh cream. Everything was generous and delicious.
We chose from the selection of coffees and liqueurs to round off our repast, and, retiring to the small and cosy bar, we stayed to enjoy The Antelope a little longer with a pint of real ale (there are always at least four on offer here) and some local cider. We'll certainly be returning, perhaps to cosy-up by the real log fire in winter, or to enjoy a summer picnic in one of the inn's two stunning gardens.
We were immediately impressed by the variety decorating the chalkboard menus. Besides some reassuring pub grub, there is an international board featuring dishes taking influence from France, Mexico, Italy, Spain and Thailand. All dishes are prepared to order on the premises using locally sourced ingredients, and the wait is well worth it - the freshness and quality is a rapturous reward. To start, my wife chose the prawn cocktail with crispy melba toast, and I the vegetable pancake rolls with chilli dip on a bed of fresh salad. This was followed by chicken breast in a maple and chilli sauce with fried vegetables and rice for her, while my pick was the Thai-style chicken curry served with sticky rice and salad. We finished our meal with sweets of ginger and lemon sponge accompanied by ice cream, and traditional home-baked Dorset apple cake with fresh cream. Everything was generous and delicious.
We chose from the selection of coffees and liqueurs to round off our repast, and, retiring to the small and cosy bar, we stayed to enjoy The Antelope a little longer with a pint of real ale (there are always at least four on offer here) and some local cider. We'll certainly be returning, perhaps to cosy-up by the real log fire in winter, or to enjoy a summer picnic in one of the inn's two stunning gardens.
Open: Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 5pm-late; Sun noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 6pm-9pm; Sun noon-3pm