If you are in the mood for a roast and want someone else to prepare it for you then you can't go wrong with the roast served at The Woolpack in Sopley. This 17th Century building is situated between Ringwood and Christchurch in the quiet little village of Sopley.
The core menu at The Woolpack consists of traditional pub food but alongside those firm favourites Chef Dee is keen to make the most of the seasonal local produce in order to offer homemade cooking at its best.
I had recently read that the Woolpack serves one of the best roasts in Dorset and having ordered the mixed roast last Sunday, I have to agree. Living in Christchurch it is only a ten minute drive and the jammed car park shows just how popular it is. Booking on a Sunday is essential!
Actually, looking at this picture right now is making me salivate!😋
If you could see a 360º photo of my dinner you would spot, parsnips, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, beef, pork, crackling and a huge yorkie that dominated the plate all topped off with a delicious gravy that I later learnt takes several days to make. It certainly wasn't lacking in fresh ingredients or flavour.
If I had to criticise I would say it was a little too much, I couldn't finish it. Perhaps a smaller portion for those with a smaller appetite might be an idea?
After a sneak peek in the kitchen (thanks Dee) I photographed some other dishes heading out for service, they all looked equally as tasty.
My dessert of choice was a traditional pub favourite, sticky toffee pudding, slithers of honeycomb decorated the plate adding an extra texture, and vanilla ice cream that my husband devoured, it was yummy. Now I really was ready to pop! Heading home we stopped off and walked along the beach ending our Sunday perfectly.
Something a little bit different that The Woolpack offers ( I admit to not knowing until we left) is the fact that, not only is the pub dog friendly, they actually have a menu for your four legged friends!
How cute is that?
How would your dog like a slow cooked lamb hotpot or turkey and rice dinner (others are available)? I know next time we will be taking our labradoodle as he never says no to a good home cooked dinner, just steer away from the cabbage!
Personally, I am looking forward to going back during the game season when we can expect some lovely game pies served with root vegetables, good old comfort food for the colder weather when I'm sure that log burner will be crackling away too.
I recommend checking the website for details of special offers and events coming up, but if you want that amazing Sunday roast booking is essential ( 01425 672252). Thanks, The Woolpack we will be back soon.