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The Countryman Inn, Dorchester, ENG

The Countryman Inn

4.5 (508)
£25 and under
Pub
East Knighton, Dorchester, ENG DT2 8LL

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Dog-friendly
Soak up our friendly service and homely charm when nestled in the impressive roadside pub located in the hamlet of East Knighton. Here at The Countryman Inn, we are the perfect retreat to sit back, relax and indulge in our delicious food with the perfect drink in hand. Our traditional pub classics are expertly crafted from our seasonal menus and the bar is crammed with local ales and tipples to tempt any taste buds. Using the most seasonal ingredients and decadent flavours, there's a dish for every desire. Turn your fleeting visit into a welcomed stay by resting your head in one of our Nine ensuite rooms. All decorated with cosy interiors and homely touches you'll be able to unwind in comfort and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in a home away from home.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Parking details
    Massive front and back car parks available
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 508 people are saying

The Countryman Inn 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Dorset

    Best Value

  • Dorset

    Great for brunch

  • Dorset

    Kid-friendly

  • Dorset

    Good for groups

  • Dorset

    Neighborhood gem

  • Dorset

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Dorset

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Countryman Inn offers a "fantastic carvery" with an "excellent choice of vegetables" and "tasty meat options." Guests appreciate the "welcoming staff" and "warm, inviting atmosphere." The pub's "cosy corners" and "great value" make it a "must-visit." Despite occasional service delays, overall experiences are "lovely and memorable."

508 Reviews
  1. mary

    Essex2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The Countryman promised to be a good choice having read reviews and noted its popularity locally. Unfortunately a 7.30 pm booking didn't mean exactly that. We were told upon being seated they couldn't take our order until 7.45. It was past 8 before our order was taken and 8.30 before we were served. Food ok, average for pub grub. Waitress acknowledged and apologised for the delay and also gave complimentary beer as choice of beer sold out. Very friendly staff but clearly struggled with the bank holiday custom.

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  2. Debbie

    London2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing roast dinner, great value for money. Staff very friendly.
    The Countryman InnResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Debbie, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your roast dinner and felt it was great value for money. Our team will be delighted to know their friendliness made a positive impression. We hope to welcome you back again soon!

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  3. Jenny VIP

    London42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent pub, friendly staff & great live band 🎉🥂
    The Countryman InnResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Jenny, Thank you for the lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed your time with us—the live band, friendly staff, and all. It means a lot to hear such positive feedback. We hope to see you again soon for another great experience! 🎶🍻

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  4. Michael

    Dorset7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a wonderful and good value carvery - the best about in my books! Service was attentive and we didn’t have to wait long to be kept updated. Served by Iain (with his lovely happy smile) and Becky (with her genuine interest in both of us). Both are a credit to the Countryman!
    The Countryman InnResponded 4 days ago
    Dear Michael, Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our carvery and found it to be great value. It's wonderful to know that Iain and Becky made your visit special with their attentive service and warm smiles. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to them. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best regards, The Countryman Inn Team

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  5. Angela

    Buckinghamshire2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic hot food, great portions and given a free portion of turkey for our dog. Amazing service and great value. We booked another table whilst there. Definitely recommend
    The Countryman InnResponded 4 days ago
    Dear Angela, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food, portions, and service. It was our pleasure to treat your dog as well. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, The Countryman Inn Team

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  6. Amanda

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely lovely as always, we travel to visit this pub and are never disappointed. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious and of excellent quality. The pub has a nice country ambience and quiet cosy corners. Large car park with easy access.
    The Countryman InnResponded on April 25, 2025
    Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that you continue to enjoy your visits with us. It truly means a lot that you travel to see us, and we’re so glad we never disappoint! Our team will be delighted to hear your kind words about the food, service, and atmosphere—we take great pride in creating a welcoming and memorable experience for every guest. Looking forward to welcoming you (and maybe your pup!) back again very soon. Warmest regards, The Countryman Inn.

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  7. Sheila

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    4 friends went for early evening meal, one with a birthday. Pleasant greeting, shown to table which had a birthday card, box of chocolates and a small bottle of drink. The food was good and nicely presented. All in all, a pleasant evening out.
    The Countryman InnResponded on April 25, 2025
    Dear Sheila, Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you and your friends had a pleasant evening with us and enjoyed the birthday touches. It's wonderful to know you appreciated the food and presentation. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, The Countryman Inn Team

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  8. Jayne

    Dorset7 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    We came for. Carvery meal which as usual was excellent. The pub was quite busy when we arrived at 6:30 so we had to wait tens minutes to be seated. We were seated at the front of the pub near the entrance which was fine however once everyone who was there had eaten the table service seemed to drop off and I had to go to the bar to order more drinks and get a desert menu and then go back to order the food. We didn’t see any staff after we finished our carvery meal until the second drinks came and our plates taken away. Just a small point as the food was delicious and my husband thought his desert was fabulous.
    The Countryman InnResponded on April 25, 2025
    Dear Jayne, Thank you for your review and for choosing to dine with us. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the carvery meal and that your husband found the dessert fabulous. We apologise for the lapse in table service after your meal and appreciate your feedback, which helps us improve. We hope to welcome you back soon for another enjoyable experience. Best regards, The Countryman Inn Team

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  9. Jackie

    Dorset3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous food as usual and thank you staff for making my sister’s birthday meal memorable.
    The Countryman InnResponded on April 25, 2025
    Dear Jackie, Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the food and that our staff helped make your sister’s birthday special. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, The Countryman Inn Team

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  10. Susanhuxter@hotmail . co . uk

    Dorset1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely place with a great relaxed atmosphere. Food very good and not overpriced. Went today with the family and already booked for a return visit. Highly recommended.
    The Countryman InnResponded on April 25, 2025
    Dear Susan, Thank you for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and found our food to be good value. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back soon. Best regards, The Countryman Inn Team

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Countryman Inn is rated 4.5 stars by 508 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. Dorchester
  5. Dorchester

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 PM
Booked 7 times today
Google Map for The Countryman Inn

East Knighton, Dorchester, ENG DT2 8LL

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 7:30 am–11:00 pm
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Massive front and back car parks available
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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