The Queen’s Arms

Almost everything on the menu at Corton Denham’s The Queen’s Arms is crafted in-house – from the celery salt sprinkled on the Bloody Marys to the pork scratchings devoured at the bar.

Straddling the Dorset–Somerset border in the village of Corton Denham, the pub has a longstanding reputation for its use of homegrown ingredients. Yet, when the Mackenzie-Francis family took over in 2021, they worked with head chef Rich Townsend to take the homemade ethos even further. Now, if something can feasibly be made in The Queen’s Arms kitchen, it is – resulting in a menu of hyper-seasonal dishes.

What Rich and his team can’t craft themselves is sourced from quality local producers, including Montgomery Cheddar in North Cadbury and pork from The Story Pig in Sherborne. Expect to sample these ingredients in elevated pub dishes such as rose-harissa-marinated lamb rump with charred aubergine, sweet-pickled peppers and mint yogurt.

Above the pub lie five bedrooms, individually decorated with handpicked antiques and fabrics from the likes of Colefax and Fowler. There’s also pooch-friendly accommodation for those visiting with a four-legged friend in tow. Stay the night to explore the many local walkways that surround the pub, and a drinks list that includes cocktails such as the Somerset Sour (three-year-old cider brandy, Angostura bitters, lemon juice, sugar and egg white).

Trencherman’s tip

A charming two-bedroom cottage, tucked away and with garden views, is ideal for a get-together and comes with the option of private dining.