The Thimble Inn
An enchanting eighteenth-century thatched pub in a picturesque village, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious home-cooked meals with a wide selecti...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Thimble Inn
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An enchanting eighteenth-century thatched pub in a picturesque village, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious home-cooked meals with a wide selection of Palmers Brewery beers.
"This is the best pub we have been to in years!"
Book for Sunday Lunch
Highly recommended for exceptional quality; book in advance to secure a table.
Explore Menu Variety
Enjoy refined meals and traditional pub food; special menus cater to dietary needs.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Gastropub
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1300 348270
Address
14 High St, Piddlehinton, Dorchester DT2 7TD, United Kingdom
Website
thimbleinn.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Sunday Roasts
Melt-in-your-mouth roast beef and delightful vegetarian options like homity pie and nut roast make for a must-try Sunday lunch.
Cozy, Historic Ambiance
An enchanting eighteenth-century pub with a thatched roof, sandstone floors, and antique furniture creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Delectable Home-Cooked Meals
Indulge in top-notch home-cooked classics including steak & ale pie, pan-roasted hake, and rich chocolate brownies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book for Sunday Lunch
Highly recommended for exceptional quality; book in advance to secure a table.
Explore Menu Variety
Enjoy refined meals and traditional pub food; special menus cater to dietary needs.
Arrive with an Appetite
Portions are generous, especially for the roast dinners. You might struggle to finish everything!
Enjoy the Garden
A peaceful and pretty beer garden offers a lovely setting for drinks or a meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book for Sunday Lunch
Highly recommended for exceptional quality; book in advance to secure a table.
Explore Menu Variety
Enjoy refined meals and traditional pub food; special menus cater to dietary needs.
Arrive with an Appetite
Portions are generous, especially for the roast dinners. You might struggle to finish everything!
Enjoy the Garden
A peaceful and pretty beer garden offers a lovely setting for drinks or a meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Thimble Inn is celebrated for its exceptional food, particularly the Sunday roasts and home-cooked classics, served in a cozy and historic pub atmosphere. Diners praise the friendly and attentive staff, noting the warm welcome and good service. While generally highly rated, some reviews mention that service can occasionally be slow, but the quality of the food often compensates for any minor delays.
"We booked for lunch as it was my parents Wedding Anniversary and we all had a lovely time. Great atmosphere, friendly hosts and staff. We ordered the Thimble Pie which was a choice of Steak and Ale or Chicken, ham and leek that day which came with mash potatoes or chips and mixed vegetables and gravy. Both pies tasted fab. We would highly recommend the Thimble Inn."
Sarah McNulty
"A great find in the middle of the countryside. Staff were all very pleasant and welcoming, as we opened the door we was greeted with a smile.
The roast dinner was perfect and a very large portion. It’s not often I struggle to eat everything but I did on this visit.
We sat in the beer garden and it was really peaceful, the perfect location.
We will be back…"
Paul Bartlett
"A good place to bring friends to dine out. Superb menu choices. Beautifully cooked to order.
Excellent table service. Very personable and friendly.
Plenty of parking accessed over a narrow bridge.
Garden seating area.
Wi-fi did not want to play."
Colin Lothian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular times like Sunday lunch, to secure a table.
Yes, the restaurant offers delightful vegetarian options and special menus catering to vegan and coeliac dietary needs.
The pub has a cozy, warm, and friendly atmosphere with a historic charm, featuring a thatched roof and a beautiful garden.
Popular dishes include the Sunday roast, steak & ale pie, pan-roasted hake, fish and chips, and chocolate brownie.
Yes, the pub boasts an enchanting garden with outdoor seating, offering a peaceful setting.
The Thimble Inn serves a wide selection of Palmers Brewery beer and ales, brewed in West Dorset.
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Featured in these publications
Best Dorset Restaurants - Reviews & Restaurant Guide
2023 Review: This thatched eighteenth-century Piddle Valley pub with an “enchanting garden” wins solid ratings across the board for its “great service and good food, whether you prefer pub grub or something more ambitious”. Its popularity was sealed by a rave review from The FT’s Tim Hayward a couple of years ago, and you need to book early to secure a table at busy times, especially Sunday lunch.
15 of the Best Pubs in Dorset to Explore
The Thimble Inn is the last stop on our best Dorset list and the final option for the best country pubs in Dorset. Found in the scenic village of Piddlehinton, this pub is full of character and culture that’s sure to make your stay in Dorset one to remember. You can choose from a brilliant menu of modern British cuisine, expertly prepared with the finest locally sourced ingredients.
The Best Country Pubs To Visit In Dorset
The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton is a historic and award-winning thatched 18th-century pub in the picturesque Piddle Valley, just a short drive from Dorchester. Led by executive chef and proprietor Michal Trawicki, the team at The Thimble Inn creates innovative seasonal dishes focusing on the best Dorset produce, suitable for all dietary needs.
The best pubs in Dorset
This thatch-roofed inn looks as picture-perfect as it sounds. Nestled in the tranquil Piddle Valley not far from Dorchester, it’s surrounded by scenic green gardens and streams with plenty of outdoor seating. Inside, the antique furniture and sandstone and oak floors match the pub’s rich historic past.
19 Cosy Pubs in Dorset to Visit | Pub Guide
A traditional chocolate box pub in the beautiful village of Piddlehinton in Dorchester complete with pretty streams flowing through the gardens. The Thimble Inn is a real find. Boasting beautiful sandstone floors, antique furniture, open fires, an indoor well and excellent food.
Best Country Pubs in Dorset
This quaint thatched inn is located in the Piddle Valley just outside of Dorchester. It is a Palmers Brewery pub and as such serves a wide range of their cask ales which are brewed in Bridport in West Dorset. The Thimble Inn is renowned for its warm welcome and great food.
The Best Country Pubs in Dorset
The Thimble Inn near Dorchester is an award-winning thatched country pub. Steeped in history this 18 thcentury building is set in a picturesque rural setting in Piddlehinton. Visitors are treated to stunning views across the Piddle Valley and nearby gardens.
Best places for Sunday lunch in Dorset Tripadvisor
Set in an 18th century thatched building, the team of chefs like to create seasonal menus with all the best local produce.
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