The Acorn Inn

Mentioned in Tess of the d’Urbervilles and located near the birthplace of its author Thomas Hardy, The Acorn delivers everything you’d expect of a history-steeped English coaching inn.

Exposed beams, oak-panelled walls and roaring log fires all reference its 16th-century origins. However, it’s the award-winning, two-AA-rosette restaurant that attracts a contemporary clientele, thanks to chef Ana Martins’ seasonally changing menus, which capitalise on Dorset’s finest produce.

The bounty of the coast and countryside – and the restaurant’s own veggie and herb garden – can be discovered in refreshingly unpretentious dishes. A Jurassic Coast duo of pork belly and shoulder, for example, is partnered with sous-vide swede, charred shallots, purple carrot and vermouth jus. Veggie and vegan diners are well catered for via a growing number of options incorporating fungi, grains and spices.

Epic puds, such as a deconstructed rhubarb and custard confection with sweet shortcrust pastry and rhubarb gelato, complete the proceedings.

Book a bed for the night to get the full coaching inn experience – and the opportunity to explore the expansive drinks list. The cocktail line-up namechecks South West spirits including Conker Gin, Black Cow Vodka and Devon Rum Co., while local wines come courtesy of West Dorset’s Furleigh Estate.

Trencherman’s tip

The light bites menu changes monthly and includes delights such as king prawn brioche toast with Kewpie mayo and caviar, and lamb koftas with chimichurri and tzatziki.