Having recently visited the stunning Summer Lodge, in the picturesque village of Evershot, I was drawn back this month by the quaint charm of Dorset to stay at the hotel’s four-star sister hotel next door, The Acorn Inn.
Part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, this four-star historic inn is a legendary resting place – mentioned by Thomas Hardy in his novels as the ‘Sow and Acorn’, and favoured by the great author himself as a drinking spot.
The current owners have retained all the charm of the 16th century coaching inn, with its old beams, oak panelling and flagstone floors.
The hotel has a dog-friendly policy too, so pampered pooches need not worry – they are treated as VIPs with their own bowls, beds and treats provided in-room, along with a doggie towel, in case they get wet out on walks.
One of ten individually designed en-suite guest rooms, our twin boasted pillowy mattresses, REN toiletries and beautiful linen.
The cosy restaurant played host to a rambunctious dining experience. My guest and I were wowed by the bold flavours of our lentil soup with olive bread, and layered smoked salmon and mackerel terrine with orange and fennel chutney, homemade walnut bread to start.
Mains of roast rump of spring lamb with potato terrine, braised shoulder bon bons, honey roast carrots, broad beans, peas and sauce vierge and wild mushroom & herb risotto topped with a crispy poached egg and peashoots were both exemplary. And we our did our bests to finish pudding – sharing a delectable coconut panacotta with berry and pineapple compote, coconut cake and pineapple sorbet. Staff were highly friendly too and helpful, with tales of the area and local anecdotes to keep us amused.
Too full to play a game at the inn’s original skittle alley, we retired instead with our coffee in the Acorn’s cosy drawing room. While chatting to two fellow dog-lovers we learned more of deep Dorset to discover, on our no doubt next adventure, far from the madding crowd.
Prices start from £99 per room for a ‘Snug Double’. More information can be found on The Acorn’s website here.
