The Empress of Blandings, Copythorne

Has a cosy feel despite its size and was very clean.We arrived for a meeting with several others just before it got really busy, but the staff were polite and efficient.
The Tanglefoot tasted very good and overall the food was great, possibly a bit pricey but it was presented well and the options are a bit better than your average pub chain. (Haddock Benedict with Salsa, Mustard Mash which was great and Chicken and Ham Pie with veg.) The missus says you could taste the vegetables and they weren't overcooked.
Will call again someday.

13 May 2010 20:34

The Castle Inn, Corfe Castle

It was very busy when we visited, (we avoided the other pubs they were very expensive). We enquired about a table for 3 plus 2 kids and they politely directed us to a small corner and said to hang on a few minutes and they would get us seated as soon as a table became free. And they did exactly that, despite other smaller groups coming in after us. Very polite and attentive during a very busy period. The Beer and Cider was great and the food was very good for the money. There was a small wait, which was fair enough as they were full and it did say it was made fresh. Overall very impressive. Others came after us and they were dealt with in the same way, even when someone came in and sat straight down in the only space available they were told politely that others were waiting, can you join the queue please?
Nice and cosy!

13 May 2010 20:25

The New Inn, Cerne Abbas

Had a freezing walk round the giant with some friends and ended up here. Our first impression was good when the landlord immediately came to find us a table suitable for 4 adults, 4 kids and a baby! He then impressed us further by coming to the table to take our drinks order. The food was of a good standard (although all our orders were fairly basic) and came quickly enough to satisfy 4 hungry boys, but not so fast as to suggest it had all been microwaved! One small grumble - the goats cheese and mushroom paninis turned up minus their mushrooms! Desserts were also good and the landlord even searched in the bottom of the freezer to find chocolate ice-cream (not on the menu!) for two fussy young eaters! Good beer from a selection of local ales and ciders. The younger members of the group were also kept entertained by a range of games available. Toilets were basic but clean, but a place for changing a baby would be a welcome addition. Overall a very pleasant place for lunch and family friendly too.

24 Jan 2009 22:51