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
“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.
Summary
“Chris Staines (ex-Foliage) in the kitchen continues to serve delicious dishes, whether mains or small plates” at this thirteenth-century restaurant-with-rooms with “staff under Silvana Bandini’s expert eye” (honed at The Pig hotels). “Attractive” surroundings (not least the garden) also contribute to what’s a “first-class operation much appreciated by lucky locals and those from further afield”.
For 33 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 Ollerod?
3 Prout Hill, Beaminster, DT8 3AY
Restaurant details
The Ollerod Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The formula changed some time ago to small plates ( following the departure of Chris, who left some years ago now, this was a good decision). The old dining room has been turned into a bar, leaving a choice between a covered outside area and the garden, both attractive in fine weather, a conservatory and a small dining room. The small plates concept is our preferred to choice to the normal a la carte dishes. Very pleasant staff provide a welcoming atmosphere. Well focused wine list. Best place to eat in Beaminster "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SundayLunch | £31.00 | £39.00 |  |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £9.80 | £28.00 | £4.00 | £6.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
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 | 8 am‑10 am |
| 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 | 8 am‑5 pm |
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