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The Ollerod

Dorset, Beaminster - Modern European - Restaurant with rooms - £££

Thriving, personally run venue for all seasons

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

‘Ollerod’ is Dorset vernacular for ‘cowslip’ – the flower which brightens the hills of Thomas Hardy country every spring – though in truth, this titular venue blooms irrespective of the season. With low beams and a wood burner in an ancient hearth, the 15th-century building makes for a cosy refuge from the winter cold, while in summer you might opt for the conservatory round the back to savour the Wessex sunshine.The menu shows a bias towards what is seasonal and local. Dorset accents are evident in starters such as a trio of Poole oysters or perhaps potted Portland crab with grilled fennel. Our visit yielded a simple but satisfying starter of chicken liver parfait, resting on a bed of homemade chutney. Beaminster is little over seven miles from the sea and you can catch a tang of saltwater in many of the mains too – such as whole grilled sea bream paired with spinach and samphire, crushed potatoes and piquant confit tomato salsa verde; also lo...

‘Ollerod’ is Dorset vernacular for ‘cowslip’ – the flower which brightens the hills of Thomas Hardy country every spring – though in truth, this titular venue blooms irrespective of the season. With low beams and a wood burner in an ancient hearth, the 15th-century building makes for a cosy refuge from the winter cold, while in summer you might opt for the conservatory round the back to savour the Wessex sunshine.

The menu shows a bias towards what is seasonal and local. Dorset accents are evident in starters such as a trio of Poole oysters or perhaps potted Portland crab with grilled fennel. Our visit yielded a simple but satisfying starter of chicken liver parfait, resting on a bed of homemade chutney. Beaminster is little over seven miles from the sea and you can catch a tang of saltwater in many of the mains too – such as whole grilled sea bream paired with spinach and samphire, crushed potatoes and piquant confit tomato salsa verde; also look to the specials board for Swanage lobsters.

The kitchen strays from its (mainly) European linchpins to minister to local appetites with burgers, steaks, takeaway pizzas and lunchtime sandwiches (look out for biltong on the side – a clue to the owner's South African roots). All-comers, however, are surely tempted by the desserts in the form of chocolate brownie with honeycomb or, perhaps, a mixed berry Eton mess. A decent wine list offers house selections from around £24. Note that on Wednesdays the kitchen is closed and food is provided by a Mexican pop-up (evenings only).

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VENUE DETAILS

3 Prout Bridge
Beaminster
Dorset
DT8 3AYGB

01308 862200

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Outdoor dining, Parking, Electric car charging, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required

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