Reviewed: The Poet Laureate in Poundbury

The Poet Laureate pub in Poundbury, Dorchester

The Poet Laureate in Poundbury, Dorchester. Photo: Michel Hooper-Immins.

THE POET LAUREATE is one of Dorset’s newest pubs, at the centre of Prince Charles’ model village of Poundbury. I visited there with a colleague, following a late-running meeting.

Bright and Christmassy, the pub was surprisingly full on a cold Wednesday lunchtime. We settled on a table in the corner and studied the interesting menu, supplemented by chalked specials on the board above us.

Andy settled for a pot of tea, while I opted for a pint of Butcombe Bitter, real ale brewed in the Mendips. There was also Ringwood Best Bitter.

How to choose between the delights of the Casterbridge Grill, confit of duck and traditional fish and chips? Then I spotted braised beef – a great favourite of mine and often more tender than steak these days. By now, the Poet Laureate was full and with a nice warm buzz. Wizzard wished for a Merry Christmas on the unobtrusive piped music, as lights twinkled on the Christmas tree.

Understaffed

As time went on, we realised that the tables either side of us – who had been in situ when we arrived – still had not been fed! By now, my glass of Butcombe had emptied and on seeking a refill at the bar, I discovered the barman and the two female waitresses were fully occupied serving food. Ten minutes later, the barman brought my beer over and it was to be well over half an hour after ordering that our food arrived.

I was impressed by the cutlery being brought on a tray with a serviette on top – a nice touch. The tender cubes of beef were immersed in a tasty gravy, with succulent herb dumplings and mashed potato – which I much prefer to chips these days. Vegetables came in a separate dish – cauliflower, carrots and broccoli. I asked for Worcestershire sauce, but there was none – not even behind the bar.

Having much enjoyed the braised beef, I turned to the dessert menu. The cherry frangipane was moist and tasty.

With a mix of pews, and dark wood chairs, the Poet Laureate has a comfortable feel with a good standard of cuisine. However, being well understaffed that day meant longer waits for customers.

Our food and drinks bill came to £36.90.

Notes: The Poet Laureate is at 5 Pummery Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3GW. Tel: 01305-251511.

Children & dogs are allowed inside.

Open: 11.45am-3pm, 6-11pm.

The landlords are Brian and Gloria Dodge.

The pub is named after the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, whom Prince Charles greatly admired.

Michel Hooper-Immins belongs to the British Guild of Beer Writers, whose members share “a love of beer and a desire to see its virtues communicated more effectively.” He is a leading member of CAMRA’s Wessex Region, and his name can often be found in The Good Pub Guide.

The Poet Laureate pub in Poundbury, Prince Charles' model village on the edge of Dorchester.

Another view of The Poet Laureate in Pummery Square, Poundbury, taken from the Brownsword Hall by Chris Downer, and reused under Creative Commons Licence.