The Ilchester Arms Hotel Restaurant in West Dorset

Perplexed , the pub is lovely clean and appealing, however , First impression , 3 staff behind a bar not one said hello waited almost 5 minutes to be served and they got the most non hospitable person to say the least , asked can we do a tab was told no as other people have absconded and I get that even when I said what if I’l leave my card ! And why I’d walk off with out my card that has my name on it there is just no words , But the service was so odd clearly they were not in the best of moods , we decided not to eat here this really put us off , and the drinks were almost £25 for 2 large gin and Tonics , That’s London prices so be aware! All I can Say is first impressions put us right off , I hope others have a more enjoyable experience and good luck I won’t be back.

We called as we had 45 minutes before getting the bus. We had a delicious and generous ploughmans with our favourite cider. Lovely beer garden to the rear. Friendly bar staff who served us quickly and we were in time for the bus.

Stopped for 2 nights staff very friendly and helpful, food moderate and room could have been described as tired. They were very helpful in view of this booking having changed several times due to covid.

We really enjoyed our Sunday lunch hereAll four in our party thought the service and various roast lunches couldn't be bettered.We dined here once before in 2021 and then also the food and service was excellent . I can recommend here with confidence that diners would not be disappointed.

The pub/hotel is in the most beautiful village with the most amazing views from st Catherine's chapel.It's a shame the staff at the ilchester are so unwelcoming. As soon as we arrived it felt like they didn't want us there. They didn't inform us of breakfast times, so we just guessed and came down. The rooms are decorated ok, with the added extra of cobwebs hanging from the light fittings, the beds are comfortable but the ensuite was vile, the shower was like a trickle of water which took ages to warm up . There is a smart tv but it doesn't work, So we had the basic 5 channels. The WiFi was also rubbish in the room. Breakfast was nice, it's just a shame the staff made us feel like we were a burden. I do feel slightly robbed of £100

Lovely setting in the centre of the village. Parking at the rear of the building, a bit tight to get to, but plenty of room to park once through the arch.Room was clean and the bed comfortable. Only downside was the hot water took ages to come through for the shower and not a power shower by any means, but I was warned about this when I booked in.Food was very nice and the service excellent. Good menu and they took time to make sure my dietary requirements dealt with properly.I would recommend as a place to stay.

Reasonably priced dog-friendly hotel/pub/restaurant including decent vegetarian or non-vegetarian cooked breakfast. But rooms starting to show signs of needing some TLC for smaller details. Staff obliging and friendly. Evening meals in the restaurant were delicious with surprisingly varied menu. Decent choice of beers too. Already used this hotel twice

Well decorated place and overall staff seemed friendly. One lady, darker hair, was not welcoming. Felt more like we were inconveniencing her with our presence. It’s a shame as that was the first interaction we had. Had it have been with the other staff we probably would have had a better first impression.Fish and chip batter had a bitter aftertaste, not fluffy and still a bit wet despite being a dark brown. Maybe it was an off day as this seems to be well reviewed. Wife’s fish pie was ok.Our table was cleared by dark haired lady as we were packing to go. No goodbye or even acknowledgment that we’d been there.As we are visiting I thought I wouldn’t write a review. Maybe my expectations were too high. Been to another pub and venues with the total opposite experience.If you’re visiting I wouldn’t recommend. Probably better for locals.

We had a lovely long weekend stay at Ilchester Arms Hotel. Very comfortable room 'charlotte' with a lovely bay window to sit in. Bed was comfortable too. Staff were kind and attentive, food good too. The cooked breakfast was always freshly cooked. Anything missed? Would have liked cereals, fruit plus yogurt offered perhaps?

Very spacious inside with good service. The bagettes were superb and the Tim Taylor Landlord was the best beer we had whilst in Dorset but at £5 for 2 half pints was a bit of a rip off.We managed to park immediately outside on the road.