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

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!

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.

A group of us are lunch at the white horse yesterday, the food is exquisite, there were 7 of us and every plate we were served was exceptionally presented and tasted amazing!!!! We will be back, what a memorable time. Thankyou so much. The village this pub is situated in is idyllic, like a fairy tale.

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!

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.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable and delicious dining experience at the Clockspire Restaurant this evening. Food was excellent along with the service. The old school building has been beautifully restored and creates a delightful surrounding and atmosphere, complimenting the whole experience. This has just become my favorite restaurant. We shall return.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

Just had lunch at the Brewers Arms , fantastic food, brilliant Landlord and friendly staff , the best pub I’ve been in for years. I’ll definitely visit again when next in the area .

This was a very good place for a family celebration lunch for 12, including 3 children. My parsnip was inedible, but the roast beef was delicious. Our 3 vegetarians said their squash wellington was delicious. Leanne and Ben were very helpful in accommodating us. It is the fourth time I have had lunch at the pub and it has always been good.

Really friendly welcome from all the staff. We didn't stay here, just a quick visit as we were in a shepherds hut down the road. Nice village pub with a lovely friendly feeling. The beer garden was good and the feedback from lunchtime was positive from all the customers. Definitely worth a visit.

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 !!

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

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.

Have had two visits over the Christmas holidays and both times and found the food, service and atmosphere really good. Have not had the carvery yet but the beef burger, chicken burger, pie of the day and cold cuts have been good value and filling. Many thanks to all at the Sun Inn

Visited The Sun Inn whilst staying in a holiday cottage 5 mins walk away. We booked in for a second time that week because we enjoyed it so much! Highly recommend the carvery, it was delicious. Can’t fault the staff, they were all lovely and so attentive. Great atmosphere, and great pub in general. Would suggest booking in advance because it’s very popular.

Thank you for accommodating us as walk-ins for the Sunday Roast. The food was delicious, the staff were welcoming, the atmosphere was warm, relaxed and peaceful (some places can be very noisy during afternoon roast dinners). We have also tried the outdoor seating previously for some nibbles and the review remains exactly the same. We really enjoyed on both occasions and we will definitely return.

Amazing service, one of the best Sunday roasts I have ever had. Carvery is excellent for vegans and vegetarians too! Staff really friendly and helpful especially the two young lads who have helped us both times we were there.

A lovely place which such an amazing team! We were well looked after celebrating our first wedding anniversary and the crispy lionsmane mushroom dish at the restaurant was one of the best I have ever had! We had the most perfect stay.

Went for a Mexican and half price cocktails on a Wednesday evening. Mexican is cooked in a van in the car park, but served in the bar/conservatory - excellent food (real cutlery but takeaway boxes).

A stellar experience. Lovely service from the team, who clearly are passionate about what they do. The steak I had was maybe the best I have ever been served - a lovely cut and cooked perfectly. Just a great experience.

Had lunch one day and drinks another. Great place. Nice atmosphere. Pleasantly upmarket without being pretentious.

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.

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 visited on a weekday. We chose this pub over others in the village because of the reviews and because the food looked good value. There was one bartender on quite a busy lunchtime. She was good humored and efficient, taking drink and food orders, and delivering the food to the tables. We ordered our food and took drinks out to the garden at the back. Our food soon arrived despite being warned it might be a time. Simple fare, but generous portions. I ordered ham, egg and chips. The ham was delicious, three thick slices cut from a ham leg. Not the normal plastic ham in a prepacked plastic container. My partner had Nachos with a vegetarian chili. She enjoyed it. After lunch we walked around the village and came back for another pint before leaving on the bus. Good collection of beers including a local beer brewed in the village The pub has music events as well.

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

Lovely local pub in the heart of the Dorset Countryside. Lots of nice walks around and rural spots to explore!

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!

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.

Lovely eccentric gardens with a very grand sandstone house which is used as a wedding venue. Check for the occasional partial closure. Gardens are quirky and most enjoyable. Nice cafe terrace with everything from panini to a variety of salad specials. Very visit able.

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.

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 💎