The Poet Laureate

Description:

The Poet Laureate

The Poet Laureate is run by landlords Brian and Gloria and you are always assured of a friendly welcome. This renowned pub, which is located in the main square of the Prince Charles development of Pounbury which was opened by him in 2002, has recently won a 2009 Taste of Dorset award as a finalist in the Best Dining Pub category.

The pub was named after the former Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes and indeed his profile is depicted on the pub sign situated at the front of this attractive building. The pub is situated one side of a quadrangled square at the heart of the Poundbury development and is within easy access of the A35 and A37 trunk roads. There is easy and plentiful parking within the square and the pub has easy access and facilities for the disabled. Inside there is an extensive bar and restaurant which can seat up to 70 and adjacent to this there is a lounge area with comfy seating - why not take a load off and relax with a drink or a coffee and have a read of the newspaper. On more sunny days there is an attractively located exterior seating area to the side of the pub.

There is an à la carte menu, with starters ranging from £4.25 up to £6.50 and main meals from £9.25 up to £15.95.  There is a char-grill menu, a vegetarian selection, as well as "The Poet Pie Corner", and not forgetting the famous and very popular traditional Sunday Carvery.

There is also a daily "Specials" menu, a "Lunch & Light Bites" menu, an extensive "Childrens" menu and a comprehensive and reasonably priced wine list is available to compliment the food. At the bar you will find local beers such as Butcombe and Bridport's Palmers.

All ingredients are sourced in the West Country including fresh fish such as locally sourced scallops from West Bay and Weymouth. All meals are made to order on the premises which means that special dietary needs can be catered for.

The pub's unmatched reputation has spread far across the country and thanks to its wonderful friendly atmosphere, stunning decor, location in the heart of Poundbury and delicious menu, many people are making their way to The Poet Laureate.

Telephone: 01305 251511

Opening Hours:   Monday - Saturday 11.45am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm;  Sunday noon - 10.30pm. Food served:  Monday - Thursday noon - 2.15pm, 6pm - 9pm, Friday & Saturday noon - 2.15pm, 6pm - 9.30pm;  Sunday noon - 8pm.

Whilst in Dorset

Why not take a visit to Brian and Gloria's other pub The Wise Man Inn at West Stafford near Dorchester. The pub lies just two miles from Thomas Hardy's former cottage. Although the building is 400 years old, it has only been a pub for the last 70. It was originally a shop, it exchanged businesses with a smaller building that has previously served as the village local.

Brian and Gloria lovingly brought the The Wise Man Inn back to life after a devastating fire in 2006 which virtually gutted the building. They re-opened the family friendly pub in May 2008. The pub is an attractive thatched building in a very pretty Dorset village.

The pub has been attractively decorated with many personal touches throughout - with glass lamps, wood panelling, ambient lighting and candles on the tables to provide that romantic touch.

There is ample parking to the front and side of the pub and a large, attractively planted and tranquil beer garden to the rear.

At the bar you will find a good range of beers such as Butcombe and Jurassic. Also quality European and new World wines are served at reasonable prices. The food is capably overseen by head chef Simon and has proven so popular that a take-away menu is soon to be added.

Besides a regular menu there is a "Specials" board, a vegetarian menu and a light lunch selection. All meat and fish are sourced locally. Why not indulge in a heavenly homemade pudding or ice cream. Customers can pre-order meals prior to taking a walk in the local countryside. Dogs are allowed in the bar and the beer garden. Booking is recommended, particularly for the exceptional Sunday carvery. The pub has facilities for the disabled.

Location:  Middle Street, West Stafford, Dorchester, DT2 8AG       Telephone: 01305 261970


Opening Hours:  Monday - Saturday 11.45am - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm; Sunday noon - 10.30pm. Food Served:  Monday - Thursday noon - 2.15pm, 6pm - 9pm, Friday & Saturday noon - 2.15pm, 6pm - 9pm; Sunday noon - 3pm (and 6pm - 8pm during Summer).

Both pubs operate a Diner's Club which costs £5 per head to join, in exchange for special offers and money off vouchers. The Diner's Club offers can be redeemed at either pub.