MENU dorset issue 23 MENU23.dorset pdf issue 23.new | Page 58

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THE STOUR INN
Over 400 years old, this pub is under new ownership with plans to put it on the map.
Liz Connolly sees if the home cooked, locally sourced food will help it stand out
D
on’t judge a book by its cover. Or in this case a pub.
At first glance The Stour Inn in Blandford St Mary
is quietly unassuming; a listed building set between quaint
cottages, just a hop, skip and a jump from the grounds of
Bryanston School.
But step past the facade and you soon enter an unexpected
world of ghosts, gin and good times, with open fires, teal-
painted rooms and quirky wall decorations to boot.
We were seated in the restaurant on a drizzly Sunday
lunchtime. Tables were furnished with stylish glassware
and fabric napkins, accented with white candles in Bombay
Sapphire Gin bottles. Nearby, there was an
eclectic mix of twinkly lights, Laurel and
Hardy images and motorbike memorabilia –
immediately setting the tone of this relaxed
establishment.
The drinks and starters
58
Woodhouse, but on this occasion, we opted for a refreshingly
light French Sauvignon Blanc.
Attractive dishes featured on the starter menu – popcorn
olives, cockles, home-smoked salmon and a vegetarian scotch
egg made with potato and Manchego to name a few.
My companion opted for a modern classic – locally-caught
Portland scallops (roe on). Four beautifully seared scallops
arrived delicately balanced on generous circles of black pudding
and pea and mint puree. Delicious.
I chose homemade scotch egg (meat version) which gave a
satisfying crunch as I cut through the golden breadcrumbs to
reveal a hard-boiled egg and sausage meat mixed with black
pudding. A winning combination, enhanced
with a mixed leaf salad and tasty chutney.
"…you have
all the
ingredients
of a
cracking
party and
food to
nourish
the soul"
A quick chat with landlady and head chef
Erika Watt, who appeared in the popular
Four in a Bed television series with a previous
business, revealed she’s "bringing the pub to
life" by revamping the interior, serving freshly
cooked dishes and hosting a variety of events,
including jazz, beer-tasting and psychic nights
(resident ghoul included).
But a real draw for punters is the garden,
home to a smokery, barbecue and vegetable
plot. Throw in some of Erika’s homemade
chutneys and a dazzling display of gins from
around the world – and you have all the
ingredients of a cracking party and food to nourish the soul.
At the bar, there’s a fine selection of brews from Hall &
What's on the menu
The mains
The main menu was equally appealing.
Torn between shellfish bouillabaisse with
fresh bread; tagliatelle with capers, crème
fraiche and roasted tomatoes; gut-busting
homemade burgers; and steak with garlic
butter, I eventually settled on a hearty liver
and bacon dish. It came with a portion
of creamy horseradish mash with buttery
undertones, onion gravy and watercress
garnish. A comforting dish on this cold day.
My companion plumped for topside of
roast beef, resulting in big thumbs up for
its quality and tenderness. An impressively-
sized Yorkshire pudding and vegetables
accompanied the dish, including a surprising
wedge of roasted beetroot.
There was mango cheesecake, coffee cream torte, chocolate
brownies and more on the pudding menu. Good old apple
crumble and custard pipped everything to the post for me.
A traditional crumb concealed a smooth apple base which
was delightfully sweet and tart. My companion indulged in a
raspberry and white chocolate roulade served with raspberries
and coulis. Every spoonful was met with enthusiasm.
But if savoury nibbles are your preference, the pub has an
impressive cheeseboard - Stinking Bishop, Wild Garlic Yarg,
Cornish Blue and vintage cheddar with a side of crackers,
celery, grapes, homemade chutney and a tipple of port.
Menu’s verdict
This family-friendly pub's quirky approach will put it firmly on
the map. With the full backing of local people and a great team
running the place, it is set to be a true feather in the cap for
Hall & Woodhouse.
Starters £4.50 to £7
Mains £9.50 to £13.50 (including specials). Smaller
portions can be made for children.
Puddings £4.95 Cheeseboard from £9.50
The Stour Inn
5 Dorchester Hill, Blandford St Mary, Blandford Forum DT11 9LH
stour-inn.co.uk 01258 451276
www.menu-dorset.co.uk