The Best Restaurant in The South, England

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In summer, and especially on summer weekends, visitors can overrun the restaurants in small villages, so either book a table in advance or prepare to wait. The more popular or upscale the restaurant, the more critical a reservation is. For local specialties, try fresh-grilled river trout or sea bass poached in brine, or dine like a king on New Forest's renowned venison. Hampshire is noted for its pig and sheep farming, and you might zero in on pork and lamb dishes on local restaurant menus. The region places a strong emphasis on seasonal produce, so venison, for example, is best between September and February.

Yalbury Cottage

$$$$

Oak-beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, and inglenook fireplaces add to the charm of this restaurant in a 300-year-old former shepherd's cottage across the road from where Thomas Hardy went to school. It specializes in daily-changing, two- or three-course set menus featuring superior French-influenced cooking using locally sourced produce, with dishes like Portland crab cocktail on a crumpet, Maiden Castle pressed lamb with kale pesto, and sticky (meaning coated with a sticky sauce) beef brisket. There's also a Sunday lunch and afternoon tea. Eight comfortable bedrooms are available in an extension overlooking gardens or fields. Lower Bockhampton is signposted off the A35, 1½ miles east of Dorchester.

French Fusion Top In This Region $$$$ Prix-Fixe Lunch Dinner
Bockhampton La., Lower Bockhampton, DT2 8PZ, England
01305-262382
www.yalburycottage.com
Known For
  • French cuisine with a British twist
  • Hearty early afternoon tea can work as lunch
  • Dinner and afternoon tea reservations required
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.
Reservations essential

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