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PRICE RANGE
£22.00 – £30.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Does this restaurant have a full bar?
Details
About
Fresh, local, seasonal produce is sourced as close as the Cranborne Estate. The resulting dishes are traditionally English with a dash of International. Mark has resurrected some traditional favourites and added his personal style.The menu changes on a regular bases and you can always expect quality and creativity in equal measures.Voted Best Dorset Cheeseboard two years running now, In the Finals of this years Taste of Dorset Award for Best Dorset Restaurant, winner of Best Dorset Recipe.We are a husband and wife team with a relaxed Restaurant and Rooms.If you are not predisposed towards a large, vibrant Gastro type environment, then we are definitely the right establishment for you.
PRICE RANGE
£22.00 – £30.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service
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4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
26
Average
11
Poor
6
Terrible
2
sagbucks
20 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The best kind of restaurants are the ones owned by the chef. La Fosse is a good example. We wined and dined and then were able to stay overnight in one of the 6 bedrooms. No need to drive home giving us the opportunity to indulge and enjoy. We were not disappointed. We were treated to a magnificent 6 course meal with optional wine flight. The food was superb. Locally sourced as much as possible, even during a wet February, beautifully presented, cooked to perfection and reasonably priced for the quality. Would highly recommend a visit to La Fosse
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki Davies
Blandford Saint Mary23 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We met friends here for a get together with back in December and ate off a Festive menu which was excellent value at £32 for 3 courses, we also stayed overnight in one of the rooms which was really lovely. Nothing was too much trouble and the bed was super comfy.
We had a warm welcome on arrival and after checking into our room we joined our friends for pre-dinner drinks in the lounge area whilst we made our choices from the menu.
The service was friendly but not obtrusive and all the food was absolutely delicious. Gin selection was very good for a small restaurant and great wine choices too.
The breakfast was also of a very high quality and the personal attention from all staff was second to none.
We would definitely recommend and would love to visit again.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George R
Manchester27 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Really enjoyed our two-night stay at La Fosse as part of our walking tour of Dorset. Mark is a superb chef and his six course tasting menu is delicious and interesting and also great value. The wine flight is well judged. He is a tireless host producing massive breakfasts under COVID rules as room service. Rooms well-equipped and comfortable. Highly recommended.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jez A
Brighton and Hove156 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
After reading all the reviews I was really hoping for. Upon arrival there were only two other couples so they were not busy but the atmosphere was like a library due to no music playing. I know it says if your in a hurry to tell them but it took 15 minutes to take our order, the main course didn’t come out until after 9.00pm an hour and 15 minutes after arriving. Sadly the pork was to salty for my wife and my fish was ok but no spice to say it was meant to be Thai style with sweet chilli veg. As the main course had taken so long to arrive we had to decline pudding despite having to pay for two courses there was no offer of being allowed to take a pudding home or slight discount off the bill.
I understand it is one chef but cooking for 10 people shouldn’t be an issue especially as I had a cold starter.
Sadly we would not return again
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren Janes
London40 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
My partner and I had a meal for two on the last night before lockdown and we had a wonderful meal. The menu I believe changes daily and there's plenty of options available. The cheeseboard definitely lives up to its hype, absolutely delicious and the chef brings this to the table and tells you all about the cheese & its origin. I managed to even buy some of the cheese at the Farm Shop opposite the next day. The venue itself is very warm and cosy and both husband and wife running the place were very welcoming.
Written 5 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amoebaclifton
15 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
I had an absolutely wonderful time trying the tasting menu with wine flight the other night; the dishes were playful, interesting and beautifully crafted, the accompanying wines, dessert wine and port were well thought out and great value, and the service was relaxed and efficient.
I went with a large family group and we were made to feel extremely welcome and taken care of by our waitress from the moment we arrived. The rear garden was a lovely place to unwind and grab some canapés, and the drinks range was actually rather impressive.
Each course was gorgeous in its presentation and style, and showed Mark's obvious passion and creativity, through wasabi rocket to an incredibly rich gravy/jus with our streaky-bacon wrapped tenderloin.
The amuse bouche of a blackcurrant sorbet tasted like it came straight out of a hedgerow (it did), and the cheeseboard was varied and delicious.
If you're in the area, go. If you're not, drive there anyway.
Written 12 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianehorwwod
Neath32 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Lovely food but for the cost I think menu could of been more of a variety. Only set meal I have never seen on other resterauant menus was the spice plaice in chowdry broth with saphrone which was really supreme. Cheese board was lovely, I love cheese and is always my dessert choice. In all fairness we were told we were emailed the choice prior to the evening if the meal but where we were staying we had no wi fi to check email. Was given choice of still opting for the set menu or opting for something off the daily menu but deciding on set menu. Each course was tasty but as already stated could order off any restaurant menu. Would of liked the set menu set out on thier Web site as had choices we haven't tried before, would visit again
Written 12 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malcolm F
9 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
There is a great deal to cover but briefly we stayed for two nights and had the most superb evening meals and breakfasts. The service we had should be described as very friendly, efficient and relaxing.
Mark, Emmanuelle nd the whole team are to be congratulated on their dedication. I will probably never look at another cheese board without comparing it with the superb cheese board I had both nights with port.
Try the tasting menu and also add their section of well matched wines.
Breakfasts were fresh cooked and very wide ranging including fish. The selection of beers and other choices were wide.
They detail where nearly all of their ingrdients come from including the allotment. The products are high quality with food miles. They really believe in buying as locally as possible.
As an example one simple source for milk and cream is from Meggy Moos of Shroton. I could taste the difference with the butter.
They also use provide products such as Cow Shed hand wash soaps etc which they sell along side recycled procucts
This review could continue for a long time but you get the picture - this is a gem please enjoy it especially if you like walking in the area
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nettie
24 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
I took my husband to stay for his Birthday treat staying over at our favourite B&B, La Fosse at Cranborne - la-fosse.com , with a delicious 6 course taster menu, delicious, as always. Breakfast was delicious as well, lots of choice.
What a fantastic place to stay. About time we had some time ❤ together ❤, Such a quiet, clean, homely place to stay with a delicious breakfast and dinner. It's a really nice place, with gentle music, not too many guests, which makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy time together.
The bed was so comfortable, wanted to take it home or move in!!!
Thank you Mark Hartstone and your brilliant staff.
We cannot wait to stay again, especially the Suite, perfect stay, thank you.
Such a beautiful village to walk around, you can get anywhere, like Salisbury, Wimborne, Poole, Southampton, Bournemouth within 30 to 45 minutes.
Thank you Mark and Emmanuelle for such a wonderful stay, perfect in every way.
We will be returning asap, cannot wait!!
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike F
Province of Valencia238 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We booked through Booking.com on a non refundable basis and 3/4 days before we were due to arrive we were forced to take PCR covid tests and although negative felt it inadvisable to retain the reservation. On advising the owner and questioning if under the circumstances we might defer the booking to another date were told in no uncertain terms that would not be possible. Totally understand but thought that it might have been more customer friendly to have said yes even if there was a surcharge. Not sure if we will ever consider making a booking with them again.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbus
Sorry but that is not correct at all. You contacted us on a Friday and said you needed to cancel your Monday booking. We said that you had booked with booking.com and we could not change or cancel any bookings from a third party booking, that you needed yo contact booking.com directly for them to make the changes. We advised that you had chosen a non refundable rate with them and that therefore they might not accept the cancellation.
We never heard back from you again, neither from booking.com with a cancellation (who we have to pay 15% commission to ).
On Monday you did not show up. Therefore you where a no show for booking.com and get charged the full rate.
Only after that did you start complaining and wanting your money back.
Why did you not just contact booking.com on Friday as we suggested it to you and sorted it out there. and then? You would not have been charged and could have moved your booking. But just to ignore it and then complain after your arrival date is not correct at all.
Written 13 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter S
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
We have dined (and stayed) at la Fosse several times. Always enjoyable, this most recent visit for a special birthday was no exception. The menu choices are varied and change by the season, and feature mostly locally-sourced ingredients. An extensive and reasonably-priced wine list compliments the food, all of which is carefully prepared by owner/chef Mark. Thoroughly recommended !
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
901es
70 contributions
Apr 2020 • none
Whilst you may no be able to eat in at La Fosse mark is producing takeaways on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu changes each week. This is one way to eat locally sourced food excellent cooked.
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil W
Florida321 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Love the area, however disappointed in the food offered locally, until we visited La Fosse. The restaurant provides a pleasant abience with seating for 20. We were offered an outside seating to peruse the menu and wine list (which was extensive), before being seated. Our server was personable and efficient. I did identify she was the only member of staff serving 10 patrons, however she managed.
Stacey had the Langoustine, followed by a mushroom dish with seasonal vegetable in a wine sauce. I decided on the lamb Ragu followed by the Venison plate. The food was excellent and the portions just right. It was so good I decided to go for the dessert, whih was the ruhbarb/berry crumble. Again very good and a perfect portion.
The experience was so good we booked a table for another night!
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miles124
Bournemouth21 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Just back from a stay over at La Fosse - a truly fantastic place! The hotel is relaxing, quirky, comfortable and cosy, and is set at the heart of a small village that feels remote (it really isn't) and peaceful (it really is). The food is simply stunning (and I can personally recommend the cheeseboard). With menu ingredients all locally sourced, attentive staff and a talented chef (for which nothing was too much trouble) this is the perfect place to be. Breakfast is unhurried and delicious (each table with its own toaster too), With so many walks around Cranbrne Chase (and so much history and archaeology in the immediate vicinity) La Fosse is the ideal base for multiple excursions or as somewhere to simply escape from it all. Can't recommend it enough - we will certainly be back and, given there's also two good pubs, a village store AND a second hand bookshop in Cranborne, we may even move here :)
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry D
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • friends
We've dined here many times, with the supper club and tasting menu. The standard of food and service is always faultless because what drives Mark & Emanuelle is passion for these things rather than a wish to separate you from your money. For the price of a mediocre pub meal you can experience fine cuisine in relaxed surroundings. Perfect!
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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