Harden's survey result
Summary
“The Acorn Inn is a must-visit” – a “charming” and “atmospheric” spot immortalised in Hardy’s ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ as the ‘The Sow and Acorn’, and whose dining room turns out “exceptional food that celebrates the best of local Dorset produce”, balancing “hearty classics and creative dishes”. The “burgers are highly sought after”, but “guests particularly love the Exmoor venison and line-caught cod, alongside the indulgent desserts” – and there are “great local beers” to accompany the “beyond average pub fayre”. The venue is linked to the nearby Summer Lodge Hotel, both being part of the Red Carnation hotel group.
Summary
This “quaint pub in the tiny village of Evershot” – immortalised as the ‘Sow and Acorn’ in Thomas Hardy’s ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ – offers “beautifully presented, consistently good and interesting” food from Kenyan-born chef Robert Ndungu. It is the more informal sibling of Summer Lodge on the other side of the village, from the Red Carnation hotel group.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Acorn Inn?
28 Fore St, Evershot, DT2 0JW
Restaurant details
The Acorn Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We ate a very good dinner here, enjoying well sourced food with interesting and novel variations on familiar dishes. It was nicely presented and charmingly and efficiently served by the friendly and professional staff. The wine list was decent too, and breakfast also turned out to be very good. This is quaint but not twee pub may have additional attractions for Hardy fan. But for us the appeal was that it was genuinely dog friendly throughout, making for a very relaxing time. Well priced, very good food and genuinely hospitable - we could do with more places like this!"
"Acorn offers a fantastic dining experience with its creative, seasonal menu and welcoming atmosphere. The dishes are beautifully presented and full of flavor, while the service is attentive and friendly. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable meal."
"The restaurant at The Acorn Inn is a standout feature, offering exceptional food that celebrates the best of local Dorset produce. With a menu that balances hearty classics and creative dishes, everything is freshly prepared and beautifully presented. Guests particularly love the Exmoor venison and line-caught cod, alongside indulgent desserts. The dining room is cozy and atmospheric, making it perfect for both a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with friends. Complemented by a fine selection of wines and local ales, the dining experience here is consistently praised as one of the highlights of a visit."
"The Acorn lnn is a must-visit. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the food is exceptional - all locally sourced and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Highly recommend!""
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
28 Fore St, Evershot, DT2 0JW
Opening hours
| Monday | 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑1:45 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
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