If he were alive today, you could just imagine Dorset-born novelist Thomas Hardy making the short, scenic journey from Dorchester out to Piddletrenthide – where he would no doubt enjoy a pint of real ale and a lively chat with the friendly locals often gathered around Nigel and Sarah’s bar at The Poachers Inn.
This is more than just a friendly pub in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. A host of amenities includes 21 lovely en-suite rooms, a heated outdoor pool and decking area for alfresco dining. It’s the perfect venue for all sorts of functions, from shooting parties to wedding parties.
The 17th-Century restaurant, with its antique tiled floor, rustic beams and soft lighting, looks comfortingly old. The menu, on the other hand, is bang up to date, offering a great range of dishes expertly prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Exciting seafood options can be found on the specials board including monkfish, mackerel and whole plaice. Our perfectly prepared Lyme Bay scallops topped with bacon and served with a white wine, cream and parsley sauce made for a sumptuous starter. A main course of chicken breast with ham and Brie accompanied by roast vegetables was similarly delightful. The Poachers also boast a fine choice of wines, all priced at under £20 a bottle, so of course we raised a glass to this wonderful country pub.
