Pub Review: Drusilla's Inn, Wigbeth, Hoton, nr Wimborne (From Bournemouth Echo)

Pub Review: Drusilla's Inn, Wigbeth, Hoton, nr Wimborne

11:30am Wednesday 10th February 2010 in

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ALMOST every time I step through the door of this inn, I feel it’s like one of those old Western films, where the momentum of the saloon door continues to swish behind you and everyone turns to stare.

It is a hidden little gem and if it’s too well hidden for you, then here’s a clue – Drusilla’s is just a few miles away from Wimborne in Wigbeth.

And I have lost count of the number of times I have turned up with a friend to ask if we could possibly have some dinner, to be met by: "Dinner? Have you booked?" and seemingly consternation from waiting staff, who ask each other "but where should we seat them?"

This of course strikes me as a comedy turn because it’s an early dinner on a weekday and there are loads of empty tables without reservation signs.

And of course if they’re full, they’ve got plenty of space in front of the roaring fire in the pub section.

That said, maybe we should break our spontaneous decision to go out for dinner and book in advance because the circular beamed restaurant is just stunning.

Once seated and food ordered, things always calm down and dinner is great, with top notch presentation.

It’s also superb value as they have a fixed price three course menu and also offer a regular menu and specials choices, and a tasty Sunday lunch. And if none of that grabs you, they also do a bar menu.

On our most recent visit, we chose a three-course £15 a head dinner menu.

We both went for the warming leek and potato soup, served with fresh hot ciabatta bread and butter.

I then chose the grilled trout while my dinner companion had a roast vegetable and herb crumble.

The mains were fine but she was disappointed because her most favourite thing– their delicious baked camembert – was not available the night we went.

The side vegetables were a good combination of nicely overcooked broccoli, carrots and cauliflower – and my now favourite mustard mash which is just divine, boiled potatoes and roasted potatoes.

And if you can, it’s definitely worth saving a tiny space for dessert.

This time around we both had Dorset apple cake, served warmed with a side dish of thick cream, sliced strawberries and dusted in icing sugar. I can also highly recommend their sticky toffee pudding or their mixed berries for a lighter option.

The total for dinner came to a very reasonable £34 including drinks.