Review on Yalbury Cottage
Recently voted 'Rural Idyll of the Year' by the Good Hotel Guide, this enchanting 300-year old thatched cottage was once home to the local shepherd and keeper of the water meadows, but is now a beguiling country retreat just two miles outside Dorchester.
New owners Jamie and Ariane Jones have certainly made an impact since their arrival in June 2007, but they have wisely resisted the temptation to 'improve' the lovely interior of the cottage. Old oak beams, exposed stone walls and inglenook fireplaces still give the lounge and dining room a rustic, domestic feel - although the kitchen's food is firmly in tune with today's trends.
Dinner is a fixed-price, three-course event that might open with twice-baked crab soufflé or cured duck and foie gras terrine with pickled cherries. Main courses could involve - say - Lyme Bay scallops with samphire, risotto nero, lemon syrup and artichoke or slow-cooked best end of lamb with steamed aubergine mousse and minted truffle jus, while desserts might feature rhubarb and ginger crumble or pistachio pannacotta with warm chocolate flapjack.
The owners recently started serving 'farmers' market' Sunday lunches prepared with carefully sourced ingredients that are low on 'food miles'; traditional roasts are the centrepiece and the all-in price includes a glass of local sparkling wine.
Yalbury Cottage is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Anglo French
Chef
Christopher Holmes
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Sun
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.00pm Mon-Sun
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card