The Blue Raddle
A cozy, traditional freehouse pub in Dorchester, famed for delicious homemade comfort food, local game, and a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
Highlights
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The Blue Raddle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, traditional freehouse pub in Dorchester, famed for delicious homemade comfort food, local game, and a warm, community-focused atmosphere.
"A quirky gem of a pub with layers of pure community feel, and good choice of pints and food to boot."
Weekend Only Opening
The Blue Raddle is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Don't Miss Sunday Lunch
Savor the generous portions of their Sunday lunch offerings, featuring options like lamb roast or venison sausages.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Gastropub
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hearty Homemade Comfort Food
Indulge in delicious homemade comfort food, with a focus on local game choices like venison and pheasant. The Sunday lunches are particularly generous.
Cozy Traditional Freehouse Pub
Experience a welcoming, cozy atmosphere in this traditional freehouse, perfect for a relaxed pint and conversation. It's a true community spot.
Amusing & Unique Decor
Appreciate the interesting decor featuring amusing newspaper articles from the past, adding a unique and humorous touch to the ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekend Only Opening
The Blue Raddle is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Don't Miss Sunday Lunch
Savor the generous portions of their Sunday lunch offerings, featuring options like lamb roast or venison sausages.
Great Beer Selection
Explore a great selection of real ales and ciders, alongside other drinks, with friendly service.
Dog-Friendly Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome and often receive treats, making it a great spot for dog owners.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekend Only Opening
The Blue Raddle is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Don't Miss Sunday Lunch
Savor the generous portions of their Sunday lunch offerings, featuring options like lamb roast or venison sausages.
Great Beer Selection
Explore a great selection of real ales and ciders, alongside other drinks, with friendly service.
Dog-Friendly Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome and often receive treats, making it a great spot for dog owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Blue Raddle is a highly-regarded traditional freehouse pub praised for its cozy atmosphere, excellent homemade comfort food, and welcoming staff. Many visitors highlight the hearty Sunday lunches and the great selection of real ales. While most reviews are glowing, one reviewer found the atmosphere uninviting and mentioned cleanliness issues.
"This was a great experience of Sunday lunch at an old English pub (free house actually). My wife tried the lamb roast with vegetables, accompanied by a half pint of light ale. Absolutely loved it! I tried venison sausages and mash, accompanied by a locally made raspberry lemonade - the kind pubs served when I was a boy. Both great. We would have tried their deserts, but no room left after the big main course. Husband and wife hosts were lovely and the regulars also made us feel welcome. Small word of caution- they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday."
John Olson
"Quirky gem of a pub. Layers of pure community feel, and good choice of pints and food to boot. The kind of third space that must be protected at all costs, go and support these places!"
Simon Caruana
"A friendly & welcoming pub- I've been here several times and the food and welcome has been top notch. Tonight I had the whitebait followed by the steak & kidney pie, while my companions had the pheasant & vernison burger, and the chicken & bacon pie.
The dishes were geneous and fresh, and all plates went back to the kitchen spotlessly clean. Finished with a slice of their homemade cake now the day and all but rolled back to our hotel.
Highly recommended 👌"
Mark DJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Blue Raddle is open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It's best to check their specific hours before visiting.
Yes, well-behaved dogs are very welcome at The Blue Raddle and often receive special treats.
They serve delicious homemade comfort food, including local game like venison and pheasant, and hearty Sunday lunches.
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian and pescatarian options that are noted for being plentiful and tasty.
The Blue Raddle focuses on conversation and community. There is no music, screens, or machines to distract from the atmosphere.
Young children are not admitted, but well-behaved dogs are welcome. The atmosphere is more geared towards adults.
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15 Delightful dog friendly pubs in Dorset
If you’re in Dorchester at the weekend, you’ll need to sniff out The Blue Raddle. This snug pub has a limited but delicious menu of homemade comfort food, and visitors and residents alike are all treated like much-loved locals. There’s no music, screens, or machines in here, it’s a proper little social spot for good beer, great food, and good times.
Top 5 Dorset Dog Friendly Pubs and Restaurants
Another characterful place to eat in historic Dorchester, The Blue Raddle is well known for it’s landlady’s marvellous meals and it’s faithful local patronage -not to mention inclusion in 2016’s The Good Beer Guide, and the recipients of a whole slew of Pub of the Year awards. “Young children are not admitted, but well-behaved dogs are.
12 of the Best Dog-Friendly Pubs in Dorset
Your best dog-friendly pub local to Silverlake, where laughter is on tap!. In the historic town of Dorchester, The Blue Raddle has become a community favourite pub for locals and visitors alike and well-behaved dogs especially are always welcome to come and join the fun. The Blue Raddle Pub, Dorchester photographed by Jim Linwood.
19 Cosy Pubs in Dorset to Visit | Pub Guide
Favoured for its beer and ale selection (although there is also a wide selection of other drinks on offer), The Blue Raddle was converted in to a pub in 1850 and originally named The Dolphin. Today, the pub preserves its traditional atmosphere, frequented by locals and serving up food, cooked by the Landlady.
Dog friendly places to eat in Dorchester
If you’re looking for a quirky pub with a great menu, then The Blue Raddle is the pub for you. Although small there is always a good atmosphere and a delicious selection of home cooked meals. Dogs will be given water and a bowl of treats on arrival as well as plenty of ear ruffles.
Doggie Pubs | Find out where you and your best friend are welcome
Splendid friendly small Free-House in the centre of town, with an ever-changing range of real ales and ciders and a good wine list. The food is regarded by locals as being the best of any pub in the town. Doggie treats are usually offered to canine visitors.
Top 5 Dog Friendly Pubs in Dorset
If you’re after something a little quirky but great fun then you won’t be disappointed with The Blue Raddle!. ”–their words, not ours, but they’re as true as the day is long. Their tagline is also ‘Laughter On Tap,’ so you get the picture.
Top 26 Things to Do in Dorchester
The Blue Raddle : A traditional pub loved by locals and visitors alike, The Blue Raddle has been a pub (with various different incarnations) since 1850, and is still a Dorchester favourite.
THE 30 BEST Restaurants in Dorchester
Interesting decor with some humour including Private Eye front pages. May not be attractive to young ones who can't entertain themselves.
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