Yalbury Cottage

Deep in Thomas Hardy country, this picture-perfect thatched cottage is a popular restaurant-with-rooms run with great charm by Ariane Jones and her husband, Jamie. They extend guests a ‘very warm welcome’. One reader’s country-style bedroom in a modern extension was ‘on the small side but quiet and comfortable, overlooking fields’ with a ‘good shower’ in the ‘compact bathroom’. Lounge and dining room are cosy with low beams, exposed brickwork and a wood-burning stove. Take drinks in the former before moving on to the highlight of a stay. ‘The real attraction here is the food,’ says a regular who praises Jamie’s menus. ‘The lemon roast chicken breast with tabbouleh salad was one of my best meals this year.’ Other guests spoke in superlatives about the Lulworth estate venison; one was delighted to have a ‘gluten-free menu with the same level of choice as the main menu’. Breakfast is a feast of omelettes, smoked haddock, the full grill, and croissants baked to order: ‘delicious and meant we did not need lunches’. 'A model establishment overall, decorated with taste and enhanced by graceful service.' (Sir Frank and Christine Berman, Bob and Jean Henry, PA, SH, SP)