Eating Out and Takeaways in Blandford Forum

The historic town centre of Blandford Forum, with its characterful shopfronts has a wide selection of places to eat and drink.

From independent coffee shops and cafés to bistros and the local brewery, there is something to suit all budgets and tastebuds.

Whether you're seeking a roast dinner, light lunch, cream tea or a real ale tasting experience, you'll find it all in Blandford. Many of the town's eateries are located in the town centre, but you'll also find more places to eat and drink in the nearby villages.

Brewery tours and dining in Blandford

Blandford Forum is the home of Hall and Woodhouse, who are one of the few remaining regional family brewers - brewing award winning Badger Beer here in Dorset since 1777.

Discover the generations of brewing expertise behind Hall and Woodhouse with a two hour Brewery tour. The tour guides will teach you how the master brewers combine the finest hops and malted barley to craft their beers, which are all brewed here in Dorset. 

After having a tour, why not stay and eat at the Brewery Tap restaurant? Located in the malting’s of the old brewery, the Brewery Tap is steeped in history and the perfect place to sample the unique, characterful beers or a fresh coffee and slice of cake. You’ll also discover a great food menu featuring everything from breakfast, brunch and lighter bites to more hearty dishes, like their award-winning steak and ale pie, which is almost as legendary as the Tanglefoot Beer they use in it.

Blandford's historic dining venues

When entering the town from the south you will see the historic building of The Crown Hotel, which was an Inn in the 1300s, a coaching house in the 1700’s and now a characterful hotel with pub and restaurant. The restaurant serves seasonal, local produce and has a pleasant garden to enjoy the summer sunshine.

Independent cafés and tearooms

Lover of coffee or cake? You can follow the Independent Café Trail where 10 proudly independent businesses offer you a warm welcome, serving up your favourite brews and a selection of cakes, breakfasts and light lunches.

Traditional country pubs

In the villages surrounding Blandford are some of the most traditional and picturesque pubs in Dorset and which are not to be missed.

Hidden away in Child Okeford, you find delicious food and drink at The Saxon Inn. With menus for lunch, evening meals, children and Sunday roasts, many of their ingredients comes from independent local producers.

Head out to Pimperne for the thatched pub the Anvil Inn or to the award winning 17th century thatched pub and gardens at the Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton.

The little village of Winterborne Kingston is the home of The Greyhound. Serving a range of great pub food and pizzas cooked in the wood fired oven, head here for lunch or dinner and relax in their award-winning garden.

Markets and shopping local

At Blandford Forum Market you can find fresh produce and support local producers and artisans. The market stall holders sell fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, cake and cheese. The market is held on Thursday and Saturdays each week.

There is also a Farmers Market held on the second Friday of every month.

Local Badger Ales from Hall and Woodhouse is widely sold in the town, but for the full selection of bottled beers to take away, visit the Hall and Woodhouse visitor centre and shop at the brewery.