“A reinvention of the English country pub, boutique style. Original highlights - wooden beams, inglenook fireplaces - retained, with addition of stylish, freshly designed rooms. The gourmet pub food has gained a reputation for Sunday Roasts, inspired menus and a breakfast fit for a king. ”

Hotel review

Out have gone inglenooks, false beams, jaded staff and horse brasses. In have come young, friendly managers, toys for children, first-class food leaning heavily on local produce of the highest quality, and taste in design and decoration. It has interesting draught beers and 30 bottled ones. Cider and wines taken equally seriously. The rooms are quite large, neat and comfortable (White Company towels and robes, mineral water, fresh irises, free DVDs). Breakfast even better than dinner. Exemplary.

Fiona Duncan
Fiona Duncan Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • Locally sourced, responsibly reared meats, veggies from the back garden, homemade pork pies, scotch eggs and relish- heaven!
  • Families

    • Child friendly, with kids menu, highchairs, crayons, and plenty of fun countryside activities.
  • Other Activities

    • The village holds annual festivals such as the conker championship, wine tasting, village fêtes and mini beer festival.
  • Great walks

    • They will show you where to go, supply you with wellies, umbrellas and picnics- so get out there and explore!
  • Riding

    • Good stables just ten minutes down the road, the perfect way to see the Dorset countryside.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Curl up with a movie in your room, or better yet have a go on their giant Connect 4 set.
  • Restaurant

    • Mouthwatering cuisine from the sunday roast, to the bar snacks and breakfast.
  • Child friendly

    • All rooms can accommodate cots and two have sofa beds for older children
  • Local markets

    • Towns of Shaftesbury and Gillingham both have markets to explore.
  • Good wine list

    • Plus a huge range of craft beers and ales.
  • Lively

    • Buzzy in the evenings and at weekends.
  • Eco

  • Townhouse

  • House party feel

  • Full of character

  • Boutique

  • Less £

  • Quiet

  • Owner managed

  • Gourmet

  • Free wifi

  • Romantic

  • Intimate

  • Charming

  • Restaurant with rooms

  • Chic

  • Village

  • Antiques

  • Inn

Facilities

  • Rooms

    4 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Mouthwatering cuisine from the sunday roast, to the bar snacks and breakfast.
  • Child friendly

    All rooms can accommodate cots and two have sofa beds for older children
  • Good wine list

    Plus a huge range of craft beers and ales.
  • Garden

  • Cots available

  • In room DVD

  • Fireplace

  • Bar

  • Parking

  • Bath robes

  • Free wifi

  • Wifi

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Sitting Room

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • The village holds annual festivals such as the conker championship, wine tasting, village fêtes and mini beer festival.
  • Great walks

    • They will show you where to go, supply you with wellies, umbrellas and picnics- so get out there and explore!
  • Riding

    • Good stables just ten minutes down the road, the perfect way to see the Dorset countryside.
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • Curl up with a movie in your room, or better yet have a go on their giant Connect 4 set.
  • Local markets

    • Towns of Shaftesbury and Gillingham both have markets to explore.

Map & Location

Other reviews

Dorset Pub Guide

"If the good smells coming from here are all too much and you can't wait for lunch, home-made pork pies can be eaten at the bar off chunky wooden boards. "

Originally published by The Telegraph

Stapleton Arms

"A foodie haven, The Stapleton Arms is worth visiting just for dinner, or lunch or breakfast- It's a bonus if you manage to bag one of the four popular rooms to roll back to."

Originally published by The Guardian

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