I'm sure if you come from across the water The Old Thatch in Wimborne would be your mental image of a traditional english pub, think chocolate box style, beautiful tended hanging and garden seating just add to the curb appeal. Definitely the kind of place I would stop off at if I was passing.
Last Tuesday evening I had the opportunity to review their food offering along with Emma and Katie from the Bournemouth Bloggers. Unlike most food reviews we are invited to, we were able to bring along a plus one and could choose three courses from the menu.
The pub is the original gatehouse to the Uddens Estate, apparently built on the instruction of one Nathaniel Grundy - a knight of the Realm, it certainly has some history about it and has grown considerably in size since those early days. This pub could be an ideal stop off if you are walking the Castlemain Trail, it has a rustic charm, think country artwork, low wooden beams and quirky corners.
Ed took the advice to duck.
The bar is well stocked with local beers along with all the traditional ales from the South West, the wine list held a good variety to suit all tastes and budgets too.
We experienced a warm welcome from the staff and were shown to a round table in an alcove,
perfect for a group of six. Plenty of food options were available on the menu with the addition of specials and the Blackrock Grill as it was a Tuesday night. Between us we ordered quite a variety for starters ranging from Pan Fried Hallumi, Lamb Koftas and Calamari. I chose the Pork Belly that was sticky with a sweet & then sour addition of the sliced Gherkin, really enjoyable.
Three of us chose steaks for the mains and although they took quite a while to arrive we were all happy with the way they were cooked - all differently I might add.
One of our group took the opportunity to try the Blackrock Grill - the meal is presented to you on a volcanic rock and you literally cook the steak to your own taste. It was fun to watch but I prefer to have my steak cooked for me if I am eating out and to be honest it was quite smokey with just one being cooked at our table, something to consider if more than one of you orders this option.
Other food ordered included the pub classic Hunters Chicken and a Chicken Burger.
Dessert for me was an old favourite but one you might not consider on a August evening, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Custard - don't think about the calories Rachael, again nothing fancy but tasted exactly as it should and didn't stay on the plate long.
Since the new management have taken over it is clear they are trying to make it an all year round pub, not just attracting tourists, they are offering:
Pizza Monday
Black Rock Grill Tuesdays
Express Lunch Menu
Pie and Pint Wednesdays
Thursday Pub Quiz
Fish and Chip Fridays
Traditional Sunday Roast
Live Music sessions
If you enjoy pub style food or simply a pint in a traditional old pub garden you can't go wrong with The Old Thatch in Wimborne.
The Old Thatch
285 Wimborne Road
Wimborne
BH21 7NW
Tel: 01202 406779
All food and drink was complimentary for the purpose of this review, opinions and photography are my own.