The Stapleton Arms
Buckhorn Weston, Dorset, England
Friendly, inviting pub with boutique bedrooms and cosy restaurant in rural Dorset
Buckhorn Weston rolls off the tongue nicely. Say its name and you
can picture any sleepy village in rural Dorset. Church, post office
and pub are all you can expect, but the Stapleton Arms with its 4
stylish bedrooms is worth a special trip. The slate by
its entrance declares, "children and dogs welcome" but don't worry
if you're neither: inside it's also grown-up friendly with well
spaced tables, comfy sofas and crackling fire. Dozens of local
ales, farm ciders as well as delicious homemade pork pies tempt you
at the bar. At the end of a day's walking, kick off your wellies,
curl up or feast in its lovely restaurant painted in Hague Blue to
bring on the perfect mood.
There's a freshness here suggesting years of fustiness has been
knocked for six. Their annual conker championship made us smile, as
did their attitude to your Sunday roast: you do the carving and
keep any leftovers for sandwiches. Now that's some
gastro-imagination.
Reviewed by Aidan Forestier-Walker
Last updated 21 April 2012
Highs
- Quiet rural location
- Fresh stylish bedrooms to hide away in
- Friendly, thoughtful service: we liked their "things to do" suggestions on the back of your morning menu
- Walking in the countryside: they'll provide maps, gumboots and brollies and pack you off with a picnic
- Direct access to village playing fields and cricket ground just behind - great for kids
- Relaxing restaurant using local seasonal ingredients
Lows
- Can get busy on Saturday nights and Sunday lunchtimes
- There's a local railway line in the distance but the noise was not disturbing or intrusive
