The Acorn Inn

Mentioned in Tess of the d’Urbervilles and located near the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, The Acorn Inn delivers everything a visitor would hope to find in a historic English coaching inn. Exposed beams, oak-panelled walls and roaring log fires all speak to its 16th-century origins.

Under head chef Ana Martins and second-in-command Luyanda Nkonyeni, the kitchen combines influences from Portugal, South Africa and beyond with generous use of local produce.

Dishes include Dorset lamb loin with lamb lollipop, croquette, broad beans, burnt cauliflower puree and mint jus, and Jurassic Coast pork schnitzel with potato and ‘nduja terrine, marinated savoy, wild garlic aioli and sage jus.

Light bites change regularly and include dishes such as king prawn brioche toast with Kewpie mayo and caviar.

The drinks offering is curated with the same attention to detail. Herbs and flowers grown in the garden find their way into a dedicated Garden Spritz menu, while local ciders, ales and English wines from producers including Furleigh Estate and Nyetimber provide plenty of choice.