King John Inn

Hotel review

You’ll receive a warm welcome from manager John. Walk up a steep staircase to your room. The King Room, at the front of the Inn, is palatial with a 6ft bed, two easy chairs, good hanging cupboard, thick curtains and masses of room, and a spacious bathroom boasting a large bath and shower. Mobile signal is not great but, thoughtful as always, there is an old-fashioned black telephone in each room, albeit with numbers to punch, not dial! The other four rooms in the main building are attractively and differently decorated, if a bit smaller. After the King Room, our personal favourite is Room Five, with charming views over the Victorian garden. There are three rooms on the ground floor Coach House across the yard, where there is also a Residents’ Lounge. Six bedrooms have baths; two power showers. Outside there is ample parking. Dinner, under the supervision of head chef Lloyd, was excellent. From delicious devilled venison liver and kidney to succulent pigeon breast to start with to juicy homemade burgers saddle of lamb with chorizo for main – dining here it quite the treat. Sweet tooth’s won’t be able to resist the chocolate and orange fondant to finish with. Game and beef comes from neighbouring estates, including Guy Ritchie’s at Ashcombe, and fish fresh every Thursday from the market in nearby Poole. Meals are served either in the open plan pub area next to a roaring log fire or in the informal restaurant, which doubles as the breakfast room. In the morning, newspapers are provided and a good selection of Dorset cereals, speciality teas, ‘full English’ and even a kipper if desired. The King John Inn is in the heart of Cranborne Chase - fantastic walking country. It is busy in the winter with shooting parties and in the summer with couples wanting a break in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Dorset/Wiltshire border. A prime British hospitality establishment.

Malcolm Orr-Ewing Review published: 03/12/2024