The Kings Arms
Recommended by
Our view
"Enjoyable food in elegantly converted country pub"
Overview
Midway between Sherborne and Wincanton, The Kings Arms was first licensed in 1813. While it retains its original grand frontage, the owners, Sarah and Tony Lethbridge, have completely transformed the interior from cellar to loft into a chic country pub and modern restaurant with boutique-style bedrooms. First port of call for most, of course, is usually the bar, where Butcombe real ales, and Lawrence’s cider from nearby Corton Denham, all have their devotees. Of the 50 wines, 15 are sold by the glass. Stay in the bar if you’re looking for a light snack in relaxed surroundings, otherwise go through a light, airy atrium to the more formal self-contained, Georgian-mirrored dining room, where black and brown leather, high-backed chairs are set round chunky wooden tables. From here, doors open on to an extensive dining terrace overlooking the countryside. The cooking style, traditional and modern British with world influences where everything is made in-house, including breads, pastas and ice creams. The charcoal grill is kept busy with pork, rib-eye and venison steaks, although there are plenty of alternatives such as free-range Creedy Carver duck leg; pan-fried hake; and beetroot risotto on the menu. Children’s dishes include salmon fishcake with hand-cut chips, and tagliatelle with roasted tomato sauce.
Ratings & awards
AA Pick of the Pubs
Also at this location
About the area
Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.
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