The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset
Good Hotel Guide Review
A literary past accompanies this former 16th-century coaching inn, which features as the Sow and Acorn in the novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles and in two of Thomas Hardy’s short stories. Bedrooms make the most of the literary link with names inspired by Hardy’s characters and fictional locations. Snug rooms are small but stylishly done; larger rooms might have a bay window overlooking the village, or perhaps an antique four-poster carved with acorns. The loft suite has a separate sitting room. A member of the Red Carnation group (see Summer Lodge, next entry), the inn has a cosy lounge with roaring fire, country bar and smart restaurant with elegant hamstone fireplace (more carved acorns). Here, chef Robert Ndungu offers hearty seasonal dishes with ingredients from local and sustainable sources. Perhaps rump of Dorset Horn lamb or crispy belly of Dorset pork followed by a cheeseboard of regional favourites, including Dorset Red and Glastonbury Twanger Cheddar. Breakfast is equally fortifying, with scrumptious cooked-to-order choices as well as a vegetarian and fish option, and bread from the village bakery. Reports, please.
Hotel details
Address
28 Fore Street
Evershot
Dorset
DT2 0JW
England
Telephone
01935 83228
Bedrooms
10.
Open
all year.
Facilities
2 bars, restaurant, lounge, in-room TV (Sky, Freeview), skittle alley, beer garden, access to spa, gym at sister hotel opposite (£15 per day), bar and restaurant wheelchair accessible, toilet not adapted.
Background music
in bar and restaurant.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed (£12 charge per dog per night, water bowls, towels, treats).
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B £105–£240, D,B&B £185–£330. À la carte £35. Min. 2-night stay at weekends during peak season.
Good Hotel Guide articles about
The Acorn Inn
- Britain magazine: 10 of the best British inns
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