Business Details
Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Historic Pub in Dorchester
Established in the heart of Dorset, The Poachers Inn combines historic charm with modern luxury. Our 17th-century pub and restaurant serve locally sourced cuisine alongside an extensive drinks menu, complemented by 21 individually designed bedrooms offering premium bed and breakfast accommodation. Owned by Nigel Tancock and Sarah Harris, we prioritise hands-on hospitality, ensuring guests experience our passion for quality and attention to detail. The property features a riverside garden, outdoor pool, and proximity to Dorset's UNESCO Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and cultural attractions. 
Services
Bed & Breakfast
Restaurant
Riverside Garden
Event Hosting
Local Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer 21 individually designed luxury bedrooms with modern amenities.
- Our 17th-century restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine and fine wines.
- We provide direct access to Dorset's UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
- Our owners personally oversee operations to ensure exceptional service.
- We feature a private riverside garden with an outdoor pool and decked areas.
What people say
Great food
Very comfortable accommodation
Warm welcome
Excellent staff
Lovely setup
Services
Bed & Breakfast
Our 21 luxury bedrooms blend historic charm with modern comforts. Each room features en-suite bathrooms, premium bedding, and amenities like direct-dial telephones and tea/coffee facilities. Executive rooms include additional space and upgraded fittings, while suites offer king-size beds, whirlpool baths, and lounge areas overlooking the pool. All guests enjoy daily housekeeping and access to our riverside garden and pool facilities.
Restaurant
The 17th-century restaurant serves locally sourced British cuisine using fresh meat, fish, and produce from Dorset suppliers. Our menu features seasonal dishes, dietary adaptations, and an extensive wine list. Guests can dine indoors or alfresco by the pool. The bar offers real ales, craft beers, and a casual menu available throughout the day for residents and non-residents alike.
Riverside Garden
The private riverside garden features a sun-trap pool surrounded by decked areas for relaxation. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the River Piddle while dining outdoors or exploring nearby bridleways. The garden provides a tranquil setting for summer evenings, with lighting for evening use and direct access to walking and cycling routes in the Dorset countryside.
Event Hosting
The Poachers Inn offers versatile spaces for weddings, private dinners, and corporate events. Our 17th-century restaurant and garden accommodate up to 21 guests overnight, with bespoke catering options and event coordination support. The venue combines historic character with modern amenities, including dedicated telephone lines and accessibility features for special occasions.
Local Tours
We provide curated access to Dorset's UNESCO Jurassic Coast and nearby attractions like Monkey World, Tank Museum, and Sherborne Castle. Guests receive local knowledge about walking trails, cycling routes, and cultural sites directly from our owners. The inn's location offers easy driving access to Dorchester, Weymouth, and Salisbury for day trips exploring the region's natural and historical landmarks.
People
Nigel Tancock
Co-Owner
Nigel Tancock co-owns The Poachers Inn with Sarah Harris. He oversees daily operations, ensuring the property maintains its reputation for luxury accommodation and historic charm. With deep local knowledge, Nigel personally engages with guests to enhance their experience of Dorset's attractions.
Sarah Harris
Co-Owner
Sarah Harris co-owns The Poachers Inn and manages hospitality services. She focuses on guest satisfaction, maintaining high standards in accommodation and dining. Sarah shares her expertise in Dorset's tourism industry to ensure visitors enjoy both the property's amenities and the surrounding region's cultural heritage.
Questions
What accommodation options are available?
We offer 21 luxury bedrooms including executive rooms with upgraded fittings and suites featuring whirlpool baths. All rooms include en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities.
Is dining available for non-residents?
Yes, our 17th-century restaurant and bar serve locally sourced cuisine and drinks daily to both guests and non-residents from 6pm to 8:30pm.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is available from 3pm, with check-out required by 10am. Our reception operates daily during these hours for guest convenience.
Are there outdoor facilities?
Yes, we feature a private riverside garden with an outdoor pool, decked areas, and scenic views of the River Piddle available for guest relaxation.
How close are local attractions?
We're near Dorset's UNESCO Jurassic Coast, within easy driving distance of Weymouth, Dorchester, and attractions like Monkey World and Tank Museum.
Can I book events at The The Poachers Inn?
Yes, our venue hosts weddings and private events with bespoke catering. The property accommodates overnight stays for up to 21 guests with event coordination support.
Reviews (6)
S. B.
Jan 16, 2022
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Absolutely lovely venue hidden away in the Dorset village of Piddletrenthide. Nice choice of rooms, basic to superior. Has a pool in the garden area for hotel guests, but I'm pretty sure it's not heated Decor inside is a bit dated, but nice food & drinks selection in the bar area & a lovely English breakfast in the mornings. REALLY needs a proper website to allow online booking, not just a few pictures & a phone number, really let's the venue down in the 21st century!
Diane Barnett
Jun 12, 2020
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Stayed for a 3night break.in room 8. Nice comfortable clean room.nice shower room. Good breakfast Loved it so much that decided to ask for extra night.but they were fully booked. The staff are second to none. really friendly, helpful, so pleasant and approachable.nothing was too much trouble.everything done with a smile.lovely location. Had a lovely stay. Will definitely return.
C. E.
Apr 16, 2020
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Our lovely stay here was let down by the room. The staff were brilliant, our room (rm12) was refurbed and lovely, big, comfortable.apart from the enormous green emergency lighting placed right above the bed! We had such a nice time here, until we went to bed and didnt get any sleep due to the green neon bulb above us! Such a shame, the food and drinks were lovely, the location was beautiful. The room has been done so well, but please.move that light! I would stay again, but not in that room.
Philip Conroy
Mar 06, 2020
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This place is an absolute gem and one you should visit and stay if in the area. The setting is lovely and there is a pool for children (Summer opening). We had the Queenie Suite which had great views. I am not easily impressed but I was with The Poachers Inn.
Emily Mudie
Jan 07, 2020
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Fantastic place. I used the Poachers Inn for a group booking for a photography trip. Rooms were very clean and comfortable, the food was very tasty and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a great stay! Thankyou to everyone at the Poachers Inn!
Chrissie Bennett
Dec 27, 2019
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Nicely presented pub/hotel. I had the crab and chilli tagliatelle (starter portion) with a mixed salad. My husband had the wild mushrooms tagliatelle as a mains. Good size portions and very tasty dishes which were freshly prepared with local ingredients. I would recommend The Poachers Inn as somewhere for dinner.
