Harden's says
Formerly, The Bridge House Hotel, this 13th century restaurant-with-rooms (and a secret walled garden) has been taken over by Chris Staines (ex-Foliage) and Silvana Bandini (ex-The Pig hotels); small plates or meals use Dorset produce to realise a globally wandering menu. Supper clubs and 'foodie breaks' are also on the menu.
Harden's survey result
Summary
An “understated” but “comfortable” inn dating back to the fourteenth century, and where the “very experienced and charming owner” (Silvana Bandini, who honed her talents at the Bath offshoot of the Pig hotel empire) oversees the “cheerful staff”. “The decision to focus on small plates continues to prove spot-on” – a lengthy selection, outweighing heartier mains including burgers, steaks and pizzas – while there are a range of appealing spaces in which to eat them, such as “a more formal dining room; a conservatory, and a garden for when outdoor dining is possible”. For a more casual visit, “the bar is very popular” too.
Summary
“In a delightful old hotel in a lovely little Dorset town” – a 14th-century house full of charming original features – this “hidden gem” was snapped up by Silvana Bandini in 2018, after a stint working at the Bath outpost of foodie hotel chain, The Pig. The “reliably fine cooking” (of everything from pizzas to small plates) is overseen by ex-Mandarin Oriental/Bath Priory chef Chris Staines and wins nothing but praise for its “unusual combinations” (that are “exceptional value for money too”).
Summary
Former The Pig alumnus Silvana Bandini (FOH) and ex-Bath Priory/Mandarin Oriental chef Chris Staines are behind this “hidden gem” – a “comfortable” hotel-restaurant, set in a characterful fourteenth-century building, and with an “attractive outside space”. The “delicious, sophisticated” small-plates menu is strong on SW produce and offers solid (fans would say “exceptional”) value.
Summary
“A hidden gem in Beaminster”, this “atmospheric” fourteenth-century stone house is now a restaurant-with-rooms (‘ollerod’ being an old Dorset name for cowslip) serving “outstanding food” from Chris Staines, former head chef at Bath Priory and the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Knightsbridge (“there are clear but subtle oriental touches throughout the tasty menu”). The “charming front of house” is run by owner Silvana Bandini, formerly of Pig hotels.
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Have you eaten at The Ollerod?
3 Prout Hill, Beaminster, DT8 3AY
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.00 | £27.00 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £10.50 | £39.00 | £3.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
3 Prout Hill, Beaminster, DT8 3AY
Opening hours
| Monday | 8 am‑10 am, 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am‑10 am, 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑10 am, 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑10 am, 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am‑10 am, 12 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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