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Lore of the Sky, Dorset, England

Lore of the Sky

4.5 (44)
£25 and under
Barbecue
Compton Abbas Airfield, Salisbury, Dorset, England SP5 5AP

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Dog-friendly
  • Good for groups
Perched within the historic Compton Abbas Airfield, Lore of the Sky is a bold new smokehouse restaurant from Guy Ritchie’s team.

Set in the heart of Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is where aviation heritage meets Texas-style barbecue. Whether you’re watching vintage Spitfires take flight or soaking in the panoramic views over Shaftesbury, Lore of the Sky offers an unforgettable dining experience and less than an hour from the Jurassic Coast.

Our menu is a celebration of deep flavour and smokehouse tradition. Crafted by Head Chef Alex Brown, each dish—from oak-smoked pork belly to loaded nachos and rich jackfruit burgers—is smoked on-site using the legendary J&R Oyler Smoker, the first of its kind in the UK.

With every bite, you’ll taste our commitment to quality, locally sourced ingredients, and fire-powered finesse.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, reserved
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 9:30 am–4:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

What 44 people are saying

Lore of the Sky reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Dorset

    Best Service

  • Dorset

    Great for brunch

  • Dorset

    Kid-friendly

  • Dorset

    Innovative

  • Dorset

    Good for groups

  • Dorset

    Hot spot

  • Dorset

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Dorset

    Great for scenic views

  • Dorset

    Lively

  • Dorset

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Lore of the Sky offers a "unique setting" with breathtaking views of an active airfield, making it a "destination venue". Guests rave about the "superb environment" and "excellent service". The menu, while limited, features "really nice food" with generous portions. It's perfect for plane enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable dining experience.

44 Reviews
  1. Paul

    Hampshire1 review

    2.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Excited to visit and location was perfect. Food menu very basic expected a full Sunday roast option. Will visit airfield again but if menu has not changed will eat elsewhere.

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  2. Lorraine

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Had a Lovley meal just one little moan the music was a bit loud was with elderly family and they struggled to hear us over it also there was a special day on and would of just been nice to hear the planes and the general chatter of the people , apart from that we had a great meal -day

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  3. Nigel

    London1 review

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Restaurant too busy & couldn’t cope. Food was mediocre- disappointing as I’d anticipated far better. Not good value for the money paid.

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  4. Zoe

    Dorset1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Amazing location, we were fortunate to have a window seat in the restaurant and watch the spitfires and tiger moth taking off. The service was quick and friendly, however the food was mediocre.

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  5. Jackie

    Dorset2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Ribs and a pulled pork burger. The beef ribs were tough and the pork was overcooked and dry.

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  6. Anthony

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    An original authentic and very delicious menu with fresh food well presented and generous portions. Friendly service and great location with good views of the planes and airfield

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  7. Simon

    Surrey2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good size portions of really nice food. Prices are reasonable for what it is and staff were really helpful and attentive. The restaurant has huge windows which overlook an active airfield in the foreground and beautiful countryside in the distance making this a destination venue. Well worth a visit.

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  8. John

    London4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is not your ideal GA pilots restaurant. Whilst there is an alternative snack takeaway near the menus in both are limited. The site as a whole is great and still one of the prettiest airfields. But I miss the all day breakfast and in particular the Dorset apple and brie baguette.

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  9. Julian

    Hampshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely superb! The staff were attentive, drinks and food delivered quickly and the Pulled Pork Burgers and Pulled Beef Burgers and fries were absolutely divine! Flew in from Lee On Solent in our PA28 for lunch and it was magical - great food, great views across to Shaftesbury and will definately be coming back. An absolute gem of an airfield. Bravo to the staff!

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  10. Barbara

    Gloucestershire2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb environment for lunch. Food very good which is to be expected as a little bit pricey. Service excellent.

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FAQs

Lore of the Sky is rated 4.5 stars by 44 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Dorset
  4. Shaftesbury
  5. Shaftesbury

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 39 times today
Google Map for Lore of the Sky

Compton Abbas Airfield, Salisbury, Dorset, England SP5 5AP

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Shaftesbury
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 9:30 am–4:00 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, reserved
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Cafe, Dog Friendly, View, Wheelchair Access
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