Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-750x1000.jpg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-300x400.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2071_Fotor.jpg 1422w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than in tucking into a splendid three-tier tea in the comfort of <a href="https://thekingsarmsdorchester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King&#8217;s Arms </a>in Dorchester, a 300-year old coaching inn turned foodie pub with boutique rooms, acknowledged as one of Dorset&#8217;s best inns (they were finalists in the Best Hotel/Inn category of the National Muddy Awards 2022, no less). 



Award-winning Executive Chef Tom Blake and Head Chef Steve Yates oversee the locally sourced and inventive – but not poncy – all-day dining in the bar, lounge and restaurant. There are regular <a href="https://thekingsarmsdorchester.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a> in the Casterbridge Room. Now there&#8217;s another reason to come to The King&#8217;s Arms: their scrumpalicious afternoon teas.



Literature buffs: Author and poet Thomas Hardy, who was born and lived for most of his life close to Dorchester, often dined, met his friends and wrote some of his works at The King&#8217;s Arms, including one of his most famous, The Mayor of Casterbridge (aka Dorchester).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



The historic coaching inn, reincarnated in September 2020 as a destination pub and boutique hotel, has spectacular bow-fronted Georgian windows and a porch with Doric columns, making it one of Dorchester&#8217;s most iconic buildings. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-45193" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/08/The_Kings_Arms_Dorchester-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Inside, they&#8217;ve managed to combine period charm with contemporary decor to create comfortable, stylish interiors, to eat, drink and hang out. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-46720" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2020/09/kings-arms-sept-29-2020-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Alongside the bar, lounge and a smoking room, there&#8217;s a restaurant where you can see the action in the kitchen, leading out onto what looks like it would be a suntrap terrace in the summer. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--1000x750.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea--700x525.jpeg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-afternoon-tea-.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We had afternoon tea in the restaurant but you can also indulge in the lounge if you prefer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



We&#8217;re talking traditional afternoon tea as it should be – the full three tiers of sandwiches, scones, pastries and cakes – with a choice of teas and pretty much everything made in-house, right down to the the bread for the finger sarnies. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-1000x750.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82920" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046-700x525.jpeg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2046.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Pinkies out for layer one: neatly cut rectangles of home-made bread generously filled with smoked salmon and cucumber, honey roast ham and wholegrain mustard and super creamy egg mayo and watercress, plus a couple of nicely herby sausage rolls made with light and flaky pastry. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-1000x1000.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2064.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



When my companion suddenly remembered she was a veggie, they whipped up a plate of cheese and coleslaw, and egg and mayo sandwiches, and a tomato and feta bruschetta in a jiffy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-1000x750.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061-700x525.jpeg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2061.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



So freshly baked they were still warm *sigh*, the scones – fruited and plain – were as light as anything and served with strawberry jam and a bowl of Cornish clotted cream topped with a perfectly ripe strawberry. Cream first or jam first? Decisions, decisions&#8230;.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-1000x1000.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82923" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2062.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The top layer of sweet delights, rich and delicious, couldn&#8217;t be rushed and had to be savoured. Delicate profiteroles that can be eaten in a single mouthful. Luscious lemon and golden syrup cake topped with a thick swirl of lemony buttercream and a sliver of what I think was homemade honeycomb. Miniature doughnuts dusted with a cinnamon sugar. Rich chocolate delice (which was like a dense mousse) with white cremeux and dotted with pistachio. Jars of creamy lemon posset with a deep red berry compote. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-1000x1000.jpeg" alt="king's arms, dorchester" class="wp-image-82921" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/04/00-kings-arms-tea-IMG_2060.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Call us lightweights but we couldn&#8217;t manage everything. No problem; they gave us a doggy bag to take cakes home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



A little way up the same road: the <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/shire-hall-historic-courthouse-museum-dorchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shire Hall Museum</a>, an historic courthouse where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and now a fascinating interactive museum, and the newly refurbed <a href="https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorset Museum</a> covering 250 million years of the county&#8217;s history. Walk through the main shopping street to <a href="https://brewerysquare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brewery Square</a>, a development built around the town&#8217;s former brewery where you&#8217;ll find a clutch of interesting indie shops and a cinema. Hardy fans: his birthplace <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hardy&#8217;s Cottage</a> and home for many years <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/max-gate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Gate</a>, are now owned by the National Trust and within three miles. You&#8217;re only eight miles from the sweep of the iconic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesil_Beach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chesil Beach</a> on the Jurassic Coast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: A lazy afternoon treat with your mum or girlfriend(s). Birthdays, other celebrations or just because? 



Not for: A quick in and out. You&#8217;ll want to take your time with this. 



The damage: Given that we left with cakes to go, we&#8217;d say £25 per person is pretty sweet. 



Afternoon tea is available at The King&#8217;s Arms every Saturday from 12am–5pm. You do need to book at least 24 hours beforehand. 



<a href="https://thekingsarmsdorchester.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kings Arms</a>, 30 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1HF. <a href="tel:01305238238">01305 238238</a>

Review: Afternoon Tea at The King’s Arms, Dorchester

You may also like