MENU dorset issue 25 MENU25.dorset pdf issue 25.final | Page 61

THE
CHURCHILL ARMS
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“The food we love to eat, is the food we love to serve” is the motto at this pub where Liz
Connolly finds a warm welcome and a menu hearty enough for Winston himself to tuck into…
ikers, burgers and a few bevvies. Not to mention pretty
scenery and bags of historic spots en route. What more
could a girl want from an afternoon getaway, albeit in a
modest car rather than astride a Triumph?
Set on a country road between picturesque Cranborne and the
riverside town of Fordingbridge, there’s little wonder motorbike
enthusiasts have adopted the friendly Churchill Arms in the
village of Alderholt for their ride-outs.
Outside, there’s plenty of space to park, a newly landscaped
beer garden and decorative plant pots bordering the pub’s
spruced up period exterior. Inside, we’re greeted with neutral
walls adorned with old photos of local landmarks, blue and white
pottery and a mysterious Winston Churchill ceramic, providing
an interesting talking point about the former prime minister’s
historic connections to the area - although staff reliably informed
us the pub was originally named after a local family.
A quirky sweet dispenser, books and board
games enhance the relaxed air of the place,
while posters promote the weekly bike night
and motorcycle fundraisers.
But it’s not all about two-wheeled machines.
Dogs, families, cyclists and walkers in muddy
boots are all welcome too, assures landlady
Tanya Wynyard. And with the website
promising “the food we love to eat is the food
we love to serve”, it’s a dead cert for all tastes
and appetites.
B
Drinks and Starters
At the bar there’s a decent selection of wine
and beer, including Hall and Woodhouse pale
ales. As designated driver I opt for a refreshing
lemonade, while my companion chooses a
South African chenin blanc by Paarl Heights.
We’re spoilt for choice with the menu. Pub
classics, sizzling steaks, light bites (jacket potatoes, nachos and
sandwiches) and meat-free dishes all vie for our attention.
Traditional prawn cocktails, soup of the day and creamy garlic
mushrooms feature among the starters, but we’re in the mood for
cheese, opting for beer battered brie and a grilled goats cheese
and beetroot salad. These well-presented dishes more than
satisfied our need for an indulgent dairy hit.
Mains
More delicious options tempted us, including sausage and mash,
scampi, lasagne, and ham, egg and chips, alongside an impressive
specials board featuring curry, pasta and fish dishes.
But it’s a phrase on the burger board that caught my eye – “no
great story ever started with a salad” – and with that I happily
chose a Moroccan lamb burger, complete with thick cut chips
and a leafy side salad. This gut-busting bite did not disappoint.
Two 4oz circles of juicy lamb packed with
spices arrived stacked between an obligatory
gherkin, warm sesame seed baps and crunchy
onion rings. Creamy hummus, tomato salsa and
coleslaw completed the dish.
But for those wanting something a little bit
more mainstream, the Molly Mac comes highly
recommended, especially as it’s named after an
employee who fancied a burger like the ones
they serve in McDonalds! Or choose from tasty
spinach and falafel, venison, mushroom and
garlic, wild boar, and chicken burgers.
In contrast, my companion stuck to a
comforting steak and kidney pudding with
chips and peas.
“We’re
spoilt for
choice…
sizzling
steaks, light
bites and
meat-free
dishes vie
for our
attention”
Pudding
Rounding off the meal was a trip down memory
lane to the treats of my childhood - banana
split, fruit pavlova, sundaes and homemade
cheesecake, to name a few. I plumped for jam
roly-poly and custard, the suet oozing with delicious raspberry.
Not to be outdone by this retro delight, my companion went for
knickerbocker glory, filled with mixed fruits, New Forest ice
cream, cream and strawberry sauce. Delicious.
The Churchill Arms
Menu’s Verdict
The Churchill Arms is a down-to-earth haven for hearty meals
and friendly conversation set in stunning part of Dorset. It’s well
worth a visit.
Starters £4.50-£5.50
Mains: £8.25 to £19.95 (not including the lunch
menu offer, lighter bites or the breakfast menu)
Puddings: Sundaes £5.25, other puddings £4.95
www.menu-dorset.co.uk
Bookings:
The Churchill Arms
Daggons Road, Alderholt, Dorset SP6 3AA
01425 652147
www.churchillpub.co.uk
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