Best Pubs for Sunday Roast in Dorset

Best Dorset Pubs for Sunday Roasts

Our love affair with the roast dinner goes way back to the 15th century and the royal guards of King Henry VII, to whom after Sunday congregation were served lashings of freshly roasted beef, hence the expression “Beefeaters”. This British staple has survived the ages and now our weekend doesn’t feel complete without Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy. What better reward for your Sunday walks than a roast dinner by a roaring fire.

In our quest to find the West Country’s finest pub roast dinners, we’re in Dorset, famous for its magnificent coast, rolling hills, and cosy pubs serving up Sunday roasts fit for a King!

Where to find the best Sunday Roast in Dorset

The Three Horseshoes


Set on the magnificent Jurassic Coast in the timeless west Dorset village of Burton Bradstock, The Three Horseshoes is a handsome thatched pub with a 300-year-old history. Surrounded by stunning coastal walks and captivating seascapes, it provides an outpost for weary walkers and welcomes kids, dogs and in the words of the landlord “muddy boots”. Punters love to gather in the pub’s sunny beer garden during the summer, and gather around the open log fires come winter. Pride of place on the menu is the Sunday roast, something the resident chef takes very seriously, sourcing the finest joints and freshest veggies from award-winning, local suppliers. Add to that ramekins of red cabbage, cauliflower cheese and roast potatoes, topped off with a boat of homemade gravy.

The Old Thatch

 

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Set opposite the ancient grounds of Stapehill Abbey, on the fringes of the riverside market town of Wimbourne Minster, lies The Old Thatch, a thriving 17th century pub that’s scooped numerus awards for its food and hospitality. This popular pub also boasts an outside marquee and garden bar, a grill and smokehouse, a woodland play area, and a “fresh and foraged” pub menu. Located just off the much-loved walking and cycling route known as the Castleman’s Trailway, the pub’s legendry roast dinners come with a choice of beef sirloin, Blandford pork shoulder, leg of lamb or five seed nut roast, all served with roast potatoes, carrots, honey and thyme-glazed parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.

The Cliff

 

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Staying by the sea, our next pub to wow its Sunday patrons is The Cliff. Set on the Canford Cliffs, with sparkling views of Poole Harbour, this stylish gastropub satisfies the most discerning of palates when it comes to Sunday dinners. The menu is peppered with inviting takes on the nation’s favourite lunch. A trio of roast meats is a popular choice for all those with bumper appetites, while vegetarian options include the fig and dolcellate roast with honey-roasted apple and onion gravy. Among the tempting extras and accompaniments is stuffing wrapped in bacon, dauphinoise potatoes, and locally harvested samphire. With Sandbanks only a short stroll away, and the bright lights of Bournemouth Pier in the distance, this swish setting definitely deserves its place on our Dorset Sunday lunch best list.

Lulworth Cove Inn

 

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The turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove provide the stunning backdrop for diners tucking into their roast dinners at the Lulworth Cove Inn. This cosy pub takes real pride in its Sunday menu, its roast of the day served with all the trimmings. 21-day-aged British beef, served pink, accompanied by a medley of roast spuds and seasonal vegetables, crispy Yorkshire puddings, pigs in blankets, and lashings of gravy remains one of the pub’s signature dishes, while their mixed seed, cranberry and vegetarian loaf is also a firm favourite. Families and their dogs are all very welcome at this inviting venue, owned by longstanding Blandford brewers, Hall and Woodhouse. The clam-shaped shores of Lulworth Cove are one of the Jurassic Coast’s most celebrated beauty spots, surrounded by enchanting coastal walks – the ideal way to work up your appetites and fill your lungs with fresh sea air.

The Elm Tree


A seat in the snuggery by a glowing hearth after your stroll along the shingle shores of Chesil Beach. Add to that a delicious Sunday lunch menu and you’ve got the perfect combination. A Taste of the West award-winner and recipient of an AA double rosette, The Elm Tree is a pub steeped in history and focused on fine-dining. Roast dinners at the Elm are a feast for the senses, the tenderest cuts of Devon Ruby Red sirloin accompanied by duck fat roast potatoes and seasonal veggies in a red wine jus – just a sample from the chef’s picks. You’ll find this outstanding freehouse in the characterful, coastal village of Langton Herring on old Shop Lane. Dating back to the 17th century, the pub routinely welcomes families, cyclists, ramblers, and dogs across its time-honoured threshold.

The Golden Fox

Another Dorset pub cooking up a storm in the kitchen is The Golden Fox found on the outskirts of Sturminster Marshall. Surrounded by the rolling hills of East Dorset, this countryside pub garners glowing reviews with punters particularly enamoured by its Sunday roast dinners which arrive on extra-large dining plates to cater for the copious portions and generous trimmings. Expect an open log fire and cosy, alcove dining, while the pub’s sun-dappled garden is a lovely spot for al fresco eating during the summer. One of The Good Pub Guide’s establishments that’s well “worth a visit”, The Golden Fox is adorned by hanging baskets for much of the year, with a host of garden roses rambling along its picket fence.

The Sun Inn

 

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Found in the historic market town of Dorchester, in the heart of “Hardy Country”, The Sun Inn is another of Dorset’s most popular Sunday lunch venues, so much so, you can tuck into a carvery any day of the week. Serving up traditional and hearty home-cooking, the fires are roaring throughout the winter months ready to toast its patrons. With its friendly staff and packed seasonal menu, it’s no surprise to see the pub picked up a 2023 Traveller’s Choice Award from Trip Advisor. This family-run 17th century freehouse pulls out all the stops with its bespoke roast dinners, sure to leave you tight around the belt buckle, just make sure you leave room for the roast potatoes which are legendary. It’s even got a “drive-thru carvery” service; your roast dinners along with all the trimmings can be delivered directly to your vehicle…now that’s a first!

The Goat on the Tricycle

We thought the name alone deserves a mention, however The Goat on the Tricycle has been making your taste buds sing too, particularly with its roast of the day. This pavement pub on the bustling Westhill Road, close to the “Bournemouth Triangle”, is best described as a real ale tavern with upwards of 11 guest beers on tap, including some Wadworth award-winners such as Bishop’s Tipple and Henry’s IPA. The traditional Sunday roast is at the heart of the menu, punters tucking into tender roast beef and veg cooked to perfection. Needless to say, “The Goat” has a loyal following of regulars as well as being a pleasant surprise for visitors exploring Bournemouth High Street.

The World’s End


One of Dorset’s best-known and celebrated pubs, The World’s End is rumoured to be the oldest in the county, dating back 600 years. Part of the Charborough Estate, the pub is instantly recognisable by its ornamental thatched roof, beautifully maintained and worthy of a visit alone. Not far from the timeless village of Bere Regis, known for its association with the Thomas Hardy classic ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles, the pub has made its mark in history as the meeting place for Churchill and Eisenhower in their preparations for D-Day.

The Sunday Lunch menu continues to pull the punters in, roast striploin of beef or loin of pork both mainstays on the menu, all served with Yorkshire puddings, duck fat roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, topped with red wine gravy. There’s also an exciting vegan roast to choose from that’s packed with flavour. A Taste of the West Gold Winner, lovers of the traditional great British pub will adore this charming venue set amid the classic rolling hills of Blandford Forum.

The Crown

Our final pub lies not far from the bustling market town of Bridport in the attractive village of Uploders. The Crown is a friendly, family-run pub that has scooped a number of awards, including a Taste of the West Gold and multiple Trip Advisor Excellence sashes. Expect to experience a top-notch Sunday roast, homecooked with exceptional ingredients. Choose from prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork, or a chestnut, cranberry and pumpkin seed loaf, all served with perfect Yorkshire puddings, golden roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, cauliflower cheese and homemade gravy. The beer cellar is also an award winner, recipient of the much-coveted Palmers Cellar Award and achieving Cask Mark Excellence for the past six years. This smashing country pub, adorned by wisteria, adds rustic charm to its exceptional food and hospitality, another of the Dorset pub scene’s hidden gems.

If that’s got your tummy rumbling, search our lovely list of holiday cottages in Dorset. From winter weekends away to summer holidays with family and friends, we have holiday homes in all shapes and sizes.