Group Friendly Eating Out in Dorset

Finding somewhere large enough to cater for your group isn’t a problem in Dorset, as we have a great range of places to eat out – from pubs and restaurants to cafes and tearooms.

It goes without saying that if you are bringing a large group, booking is essential to guarantee that you all are seated together and able to eat at the same time.

Some of our establishments offer exclusive use or separate dining rooms, so that your group can have their own space and not worry about making a bit of noise – which for school and youth groups is a bonus.

If you need to find somewhere to park a coach, many of our larger pubs and restaurants have free coach parking, or a coach drop off point nearby. And some will also offer free refreshments for the driver or group organiser.

Many also cater for guests with food allergies or special dietary needs – just let them know when you make your booking.

Pubs and Inns

The Thimble Inn is a quaint thatched pub on the outskirts of the county town of Dorchester. Chef and proprietor Mark Ramsden and his team create seasonal dishes from scratch using the finest local ingredients. The Inn can cater for up to 80 people and offers exclusive use for large groups.

Offering real ale, great pub food and a hearty welcome, The Saxons Arms is located just a few miles from Dorchester. The pretty, thatched pub seats up to 80 guests, offers exclusive use of the restaurant and can cater for special dietary requirements.

Restaurants

Perfect for smaller groups, Brassica Restaurant in Beaminster can cater for up to 40 people and offer exclusive use of the restaurant. Offering delicious food and wine in a beautifully designed setting, they are open for Elevenses, Lunch and Supper. The menu changes daily and they use only the freshest and highest quality produce cooked simply.

Specialising in contemporary Indian and Nepalese cuisine, The 29029 Restaurant in Wareham offers buffet lunch and A La Carte dinner menus. Food is cooked fresh on the premises using the finest local produce, fresh ingredients and spices offering diners a balanced, flavoursome, and delicious taste to remember. Free coach parking by arrangement.

Located in the picturesque village of Corfe Castle, Morton's Manor restaurant enjoys a fine reputation for offering traditional and innovative cuisine. They can cater for up to 60 people for exclusive hire of the restaurant or for smaller groups, a private room. Coach parking is available.

The restaurant at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club has panoramic views across Poole Harbour. The head chef offers an enviable range of freshly prepared haute cuisine. They are able to cater for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as evening functions for 30+ people. Free coach parking by arrangement.

Cafes and Tea Rooms

Corfe Castle Model Village Tearooms is set in a 17th courtyard. They serve Dorset cream teas, breakfasts and light lunches, all made on the premises using locally sourced ingrediants, and cakes made by Jessica’s Farmhouse Cakes in Bridport, with no additives or genetically modified ingredients. They also cater for special diets including gluten free, sugar free and lactose free.

Farmer Palmers is an adventure farm park for the under 8’s. Their onsite restaurant, The Hen House, offers traditional home cooked food, prepared from fresh, including gluten free options. Free coach parking available.