Review on The Ollerod
Set in the delightful picturesque old market town of Beaminster surrounded by the magnificent Dorset countryside, The Ollerod, formerly the Bridge House Hotel & Restaurant has new owners, Chris Staines and his partner Silvana Bandini. They both have impressive credentials, Chris held a Michelin star at the Foliage in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and was also the Executive Chef for five years at the Abbey Hotel in Bath, while Silvana worked at the the highly regarded The Pig Hotel outside Bath.
Ollerod, an old Dorset dialect word for cowslip has seen a stylish refurbishment of the the 13th century building in keeping with its history, resulting in a cosy and inviting environment. The 50-cover restaurant has retained its beautiful fireplace, and wooden tables displayed with pretty vases of flowers are set with wicker chairs.
Chris sources from the fields, the foragers and the fishermen, and the kitchen is inspired by daily hauls from local producers, to create menus which balance a delicacy of technique with an intensity of flavour. Kick off with roast Norfolk quail, quail eggs, charred broccoli stems, chicken liver parfait, plum sauce and sesame ginger dressing before a main course of roast loin of Skrei cod, foraged sea herbs, bulgur wheat, brown shrimp, lemon and bergamot. Desserts conclude proceedings with a classy flourish witness, baked vanilla yoghurt, poached Yorkshire rhubarb, praline biscuit and and blood orange sorbet or warm almond financier, sea salt caramel, poached Passe-Crassane pear and bay leaf ice cream. Other options with regard to dining is the small plates menu that operates all day.
Should you wish to linger and explore this beautiful area further, The Ollerod has 13 individually styled bedrooms.
The Ollerod is also featured in: Michelin Guide, AA Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Modern British
Chef
Chris Staines
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 3.00pm (12.00 - 9.00pm Small Plates Menu)
Dinner: 6.00 - 9.00pm (9.30pm Sat & Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express
