Acorn Inn

Literary-inspired dining at Acorn Inn

Mentioned in Tess of the d’Urbervilles and located in the birthplace of its author Thomas Hardy, The Acorn offers everything you’d expect from a history-steeped English coaching inn. Exposed ceiling beams, oak-panelled walls and roaring log fires all allude to its 16th-century origins, but it’s the award-winning restaurant that attracts a contemporary clientele.

Chef Ana Martins compiles menus that capitalise on Dorset’s finest seasonal produce while staying refreshingly unpretentious. Local favourites include braised Jurassic Coast pork belly with creamy potatoes, chantenay carrots, spinach and scrumpy jus, and line-caught cod fillet with a crab bisque, savoy cabbage and bacon.

Attempt to save a little room as The Acorn is renowned for its salivation-inducing puddings. Pair the apricot mousse, shortbread crumble and white chocolate compilation with a dessert wine or liqueur from the extensive drinks list.

Trencherman’s tip: Those chasing the full coaching inn experience can book a bed for the night in one of ten tastefully decorated guestrooms. Or, if you’re simply passing through for the day, grab a bench in the sun-dappled beer garden and tuck into a ploughman’s lunch or fish and chips with a pint of local ale or a refreshing gin and tonic.

Discover more Trencherman’s restaurants in Dorset here.