The Best Restaurants in Buckland Newton, Dorset, United Kingdom (2025)

Really nice experience. The decor inside was very appealing and comfortable. Went for the 3 course set menu and the food was very well presented and had a lot of flavour. Waiters/waitresses polite and attentive. Will recommend to friends/family.

Fantastic food! Really delicious. We will definitely return on our next trip to the area. The staff are lovely and welcoming, and we felt at ease for the whole visit.

Overall is good, the quality it's top as the price and service. Lovely place with good atmosphere. If you're on rush, don't go, take your time and enjoy the food.

Oh my! ♥ What a magical experience visiting The Clockspire was. Where do I begin to describe the care and detail oozing from both the staff and the food, it truly is clear to see, even the toilet hand towels were folded beautifully! We decided to opt for an expensive treat due to a special birthday, but the restaurant also offers a very affordable day menu, so I would recommend for both a stunning meal out and for celebrating occasions.

What a lovely evening me and my family had last night at this lovely little pub. Thank you so much. The food was fabulous and your wine pickings for us were perfect. See you again soon.

Cracking little village pub, we popped in for a few drinks with friends and had a great time, we sat in the garden in the sun and it was extremely pleasant. Will be going back for some food in the future.

Wonderful birthday dinner. Lamb Scrumpit, Tuna Carpaccio, Pork Belly, Dorset Crab Linguine, Tiramisu (a little heavy for my preference, but still delicious) and Cheese and crackers. We’ll be back!

We stopped in while visiting from America. I would consider the White House to be an upscale pub. The ambience is great! Lots of stone and heavy wooden beams. There were lots of locals there when we were there which is always a good sign. The staff was wonderful! The food was truly excellent! Every starter and entree was done to perfection! If we lived in the area we would be here often!

Dinner at the Chalk and Cheese far exceeded my expectations. The food was excellent quality, with an attention to detail way beyond the modest price. The mackerel pate in particular was superb. Saxon was rightly proud of what he’s creating at the pub and there was a lovely atmosphere.

Lovely village pub with excellent food and service.

This is our local so we may be biased, but it has had its ups and downs over the 20 years we've lived in the village. This incarnation is the absolute best so far. Lovely atmosphere, great pub food, and really great landlord and chef. Well done guys.

We had a delightful dinner here whilst on holiday in Dorset. The fish and chips were especially outstanding - the batter was crispy throughout and good chips. The steak and ale pie was packed full of super tender meat with a well seasoned gravy, with lovely mash and veg. Sirloin steak cooked to perfection with a lovely fresh side salad and delicious peppercorn sauce (the onion rings were especially delish also!) Desserts were excellent also, and plenty of treats on hand for our dog. Highly recommend this gem of a village pub!

This place is remarkable. I honestly feel like I have to leave a review because I had a private room booking for party of 7 (engagement celebration). The team took care of us extremely well and I want to give special honour to our hostess Verity, so sweet, so patient, clear in her communication- 5 stars for her. The food was gorgeous and pretty affordable in my opinion . Some portions were small but I understand that it is more on fine dining side. The only critique I would give is about some cleaning aspects in which the rooms had like old cobwebs, spider webs on the windows, just could use a deep clean.

Incredible food. Went for my birthday and the food was absolutely amazing!! Best steak we’ve had and the portions were generous! Staff were extremely polite and friendly, we cant wait to go back !!

Visited by chance on a wet Wednesday and so glad we chose Al Molo. Restaurant was busy but staff were excellent, very friendly and attentive and despite being rush off their feet always available when needed. Food was fabulous and when we visit Dorchester again will definitely be back.

Beautiful food had 3 courses and all were beautiful, service was well paced and not fast so you get to enjoy the dishes . Steak was more than an 8oz fillet and my wife’s seafood linguine was in her words divine. Waiters were lovely and honoured to meet one of the chefs . Thank you

Had a lovely stay at Hunters Moon. Staff are really friendly and I loved the dogs Dubury and Dilbert. Made it feel very homely. The rooms are small and cosy, they were quite cute and private. In the morning I could get ready with my door open as the room are not overlooked. The area is stunning! beautiful old listed buildings, beautiful nature, such a pretty area. The pub has quiz nights, live music and a great atmosphere. Breakfast was very good. Thank you :-)

The food was good but pricey for what it was. 10% service charge added but politely told at bill stage and offered the choice, so that was appreciated. The landlord and staff made the experience, good banter so would return but not as often as I'd like due to cost.

We didn't stay overnight so cant score them as we just dropped in for a quick pint after a walk. The barman was very friendly and welcoming. My friend had a sandwich for lunch which looked lovely. It is what I call a 'proper pub' - beams for example that looked like they had been part of Noahs Ark! Well worth a visit!

Lovely food and service. But if you eat in the big room it feels a bit like a canteen of refectory. There is a smaller room the other end which is nicer. Otherwise excellent.

Amazing food, we went for the Sunday carvery and there was a good choice of meats , plenty of vegetables and condiments including crackling for the pork. The staff were very friendly and helpful . Parking was easy, very family friendly will definitely be visiting again!

Our visits to The Halsey Arms in Pulham are always nothing short of exceptional! We are delighted by the fantastic carvery, kid-friendly atmosphere, and the wonderful beer garden. This hidden gem, just a short 14-minute drive from The Victorian Barn, is wonderful. The carvery at The Halsey Arms is a culinary delight. The selection of succulent meats, accompanied by a wide array of delectable vegetables and flavourful gravy, makes for a truly satisfying meal. The attention to detail in every dish is evident, and the flavours are simply outstanding. What sets The Halsey Arms apart is its warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families with children. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that our little ones feel comfortable. One of the highlights of The Halsey Arms is its picturesque beer garden. The beautifully maintained outdoor space provides a relaxing setting to enjoy meals while soaking up the lovely surroundings. It is the ideal spot to unwind, sip on a refreshing drink, and enjoy the company of family and friends. The close proximity of The Halsey Arms to The Victorian Barn, just a short 14-minute drive away, makes it a must-visit destination for guests staying at the barn. Whether you're looking for a delicious carvery or a family-friendly atmosphere, The Halsey Arms offers the perfect combination. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend The Halsey Arms for an outstanding dining experience. From the mouthwatering carvery and kid-friendly atmosphere to the charming beer garden, every aspect of your visit will be superb. Take a short drive from The Victorian Barn to The Halsey Arms and treat yourself to a memorable meal that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Best pub food we have had for a long time...highly recommend

We had a wonderful experience at The Royal Oak recently. We had a great lunch and an amazing dinner. Caroline was so welcoming! A lovely place full of character and friendly people!

Very cosy pub with friendly staff loved the soup as it was delicious, definitely recommend a visit.

This is a wonderful old English inn dated from 1540. Has loads of character & charm. We had Sunday roast here... Was fabulous, prices are very reasonable. Staff are friendly, helpful... Inn has wonderful atmosphere. We also stopped here for afternoon tea with Dorset Apple Cake... Again fabulous. Highly recommend

Lovely welcoming traditional pub. We only stopped for coffee and dessert but really enjoyed it. Pets are welcome. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Food a little pricey but good size portions and tasty.

Came in on the off chance, staff were very warm and welcoming, food was delicious and good value for money, My husband loved the homemade tartar sauce. Did use the facilities the toilet clean and fresh. Will definitely pop in again whenever we are in Cerne abbas. The place was bright and light and spacious

Absolutely delicious Sunday lunch. The vegetarian options were just as good as the meat roast options. Treacle tart pudding was wonderful. So glad we stumbled upon this little gem!

We booked to go for Sunday lunch. The food was delicious and hot. Vegetables cooked to perfection. Cosy setting and quiet atmosphere even though fairly busy which we like. Staff friendly and attentive. Recommend.

A group of 4 of us came in today at lunchtime, including a very disabled gentleman who is in a supportive wheelchair. Great choice of food and we all enjoyed it. Briony was serving behind the bar and bringing our food. She was so very helpful, friendly and attentive, we were really impressed. We'll come again!

Fabulous Gardens. We visited in Early May and saw the stunning rhododendrons at their best. It was so much better than we had expected, with lovely walks through long established gardens. A real treat.

Visited today with 3 adults, 1 teen, 1 child. Lovely serene gardens. We did the fairy and dragon trail which was loved by all. The variety of plants, trees and flowers is amazing with all the different colours. The river walk is stunning with all the mini waterfalls and the big bridge at the end. Will be revisiting. A hidden gem 💎

We have been to Minterne Gardens a few times, this time we went to see the rhododendrons and azaleas in flower, we weren't disappointed. Be aware that some of the paths are a bit steep and uneven, so may not be suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs or anyone a bit unsteady on their feet. Teas, coffees and snacks are available on the terrace . Toilets available in the gardens.

Amazing house and gardens nestled in the Dorset countryside with a lovely tea terrace. Very quiet and peaceful as we wondered through the garden walk, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature. There was a Himalayan hut and gorgeous riverside walk as well as a Japanese pagoda. All so serene! Will definitely come again. All lit up at Christmas, I believe.

Charming olde world pub. Great food and friendly staff. Our room was lovely.

We met friends here today for lunch, on their recommendation. Absolutely delicious food, beautifully cooked and served, excellent value for money and lovely, friendly staff. My new favourite place, especially as it's only 10 minutes away!