Compton Abbas Airfield

Compton Abbas Airfield

Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+44 1747 811767+ Add website
Hours
Sun
9:30 - 16:00
Wed
9:30 - 16:00
Thu
9:30 - 16:00
Fri
9:30 - 16:00
Sat
9:30 - 16:00
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Ratings and reviews
3.0
3.0 of 5 bubbles

RATINGS
Food
3.3 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.1 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.1 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
3.6 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £16.00
CUISINES
Brew Pub, Bar, Barbecue, British, Grill
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks
features
Is this a Barbecue restaurant?
About
Blessed with one of the best views in Dorset, Compton Abbas Airfield is a wonderful place to enjoy hearty local fare, great coffee or a pint or two of Gritchie brew! Visitor by land and air most welcome.
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £16.00
CUISINES
Brew Pub, Bar, Barbecue, British, Grill
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly
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3.0
3.0 of 5 bubbles126 reviews
Excellent
31
Very good
13
Average
14
Poor
32
Terrible
36

Dr0wl
Nottingham11 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
I was really looking forward to visiting Compton Abbas today. Heard lots about the new renovation and it was always one of my favourite airfields to fly into. Unfortunately not anymore… :’( The new look seems to be more about image rather than substance. The friendly feel has disappeared and it’s all rather fake, pretentious and superficial. There used to be a pilots menu - that’s gone and that’s a good sign of where it’s headed. You can’t expect much when a non pilot takes it over. Firstly, pricey fuel, expensive landing fee. Extremely limited menu. Difficult to get served and if you sit outside they only offer 1 item you can eat outside. They have made cuts of choice and hiked prices up to pay for the glitzy buildings. Plenty of staff who make you wait for your food once you’ve ordered and take it outside yourself. The staff got my order wrong and they brought out the fries without even saying a word - just plonked it on the table. Not even an apology. By that time it didn’t matter what the food tasted like. Just goes to show how superficial they are (not all but enough). My mum got left there waiting while the staff served “Mr I Am” groups full of themselves who pushed in. Not a very gentlemanly atmosphere and will avoid since that’s the clientele they attract. A real shame as it used to be my favourite airfield and it used to be worth the 2hr flight in but I’ll not bother again.
Written 10 May 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.

mwwindsor
Windsor58 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 couples
What a huge disappointment, went for lunch today after hearing about the new Smokehouse. Between the 2 couples we had a number of conversations with the restaurant as we were aware they only reopened on Thursday. At no point did they explain the limited menu and the fact that the smoker was not yet up and running as expected. The menu basically had Pulled Pork in a bun, Nachos and Mac & Cheese. All of which were underwhelming, extremely small portions and overpriced. We explained that we had a number of conversations before our visit and were not told how limited the menu was but were told that it wont really be up and running until next weekend. As we had travelled a distance we decided to stay and have lunch but it was a mistake. When we provided feedback on the small portions the response was both arrogant and rude from one Waiter who appeared to be more senior. On leaving we tried to give our feedback to the lady on the front desk who was busy dealing with a broken till roll and were advised to speak to the same waiter who had been so rude earlier so we decided it wasn't worth speaking to him again given the earlier interaction and we left hungry and dissatisfied. I understand there can be teething problems with any new restaurant but setting expectations with your customers could go a long way towards alleviating this and it wouldn't have taken much to put a note on the website explaining that it was a very limited menu. While the food was poor, our experience with this waiter was so bad - would most definitely not go back.
Written 27 April 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.

Grogleydog
Blandford Forum51 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 friends
We’ve been customers at the airfield cafe for years. A unique venue and a generally good ‘everyday’ dining experience. We’ve taken dozens of our visitors from all around the world for breakfasts and post walk coffee and cake and have loved it. This was our first visit since it was taken over and revamped. We won’t be going back. They make much of their smoker and as a fan of the amazing ‘Hang Fire ‘ I was looking forward to it. My pulled pork bun was inedible. Tough pork, soggy with very vinegary pickle. Choice overall was extremely limited. Where have the lovely breakfasts gone?? The cavernous dining hall was freezing with very few patrons. Staff were friendly and pleasant, though I had to ask three times for milk for my coffee which was cold by the time it arrived. This is all such a shame. Another lovely Dorset venue gone to the dogs.
Written 10 January 2025
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.

Ralph_Ferrand
Marbella17 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 couples
The corporate money grabbers have taken over, what was previously a lovely quirky little café set on the side of a small air strip. We feared the worst when we pulled up to see a huge new building had replaced the little café. It was staffed by disinterested youths, doubtless on minimum wage to maximise profits for their over lords, who had about as much as understanding of customer service as Liz Truss has of global economics. If you have a vinegar intolerance or are vegetarian you are not catered for, however if you have more money than sense and no understanding of what good food tastes like and don’t mind being treated like cattle you’ll love it. My wife and myself made our last visit yesterday and were charged north of forty pounds for poor quality fast food and a small glass of alcohol free beer, which was the only redeeming feature of the entire visit.
Written 2 June 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.

cdg48
Wimborne Minster10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 couples
Visited today for a drink. Waited ages for two members of staff to sort out how to use the till. Eventually we were able to order drinks and when we asked for some peanuts, we were told they didn't have any as their supplier didn't have any, but they should be in stock in about two months time. When we suggested that maybe another supplier would have them, we were told that "there are plenty of other places you can go to get nuts"! In other words, why don't you go elsewhere! What an attitude! I can't believe that the proprietor allows such rude and incompetent service. This was our third, and final, visit. Each one has been a disappointment.
Written 23 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.

Clairef345
Maidstone4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 friends
Very disappointing. Overpriced and underwhelming food . I am unable to understand why the extremely expensive pork or beef brioche rolls are not served with a few chips, salad garnish and a slaw on the side. The nachos were pathetic and again way too expensive. Definitely not the smokehouse restaurant we expected with a full menu of slow cooked meats, slaws, potatoes and salads. Only 3 items on the menu . When asked where the advertised slaw was with the brioche bun, the waiter rudely told us to grab some cutlery and look for it ourselves. We found maybe a teaspoonful under the beef! Such a shame as with the right staff and a proper menu this place could be fantastic.
Written 28 April 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.

Dee W
Salisbury7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
What a let down after knowing this restaurant under the previous owners. Then it was homely with well cooked food, pleasant staff and just the place for a casual family gathering. Today? The lady at the till was helpful to me but service had to chased, the menu was very limited and nothing specifically for young children. My chef companion remarked that this was cheap catering and not at its best What is the new owner trying to do? Freeze out locals and families? A fabulous location with so much potential going to waste. Someone needs to get a grip.
Written 5 May 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.

Ben R
Hedge End222 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 business
I visited with 2 colleagues for a light lunch. We waited to be seated as the board instructed. An officious lady approached us and informed us that hot food wasn't being served for another 15 minutes, even though it was 12.00, or we could go to the cabin outside. I asked if they were serving sandwiches and was told to go to the bar. She then informed me that they were getting ready for Spitfire Week and that they were very busy. I waited for far too long at the Bar where there was a limited choice of pre- packaged baguettes so I ordered a Mozarella and pesto with a coffee. The staff behind the bar were slow and although there were several of them only 1 order was being taken and processed at a time. My bill came to £10.25 which I thought was steep especially when I opened my baguette to find 3 small slices of mozzarella a sprinkling of rocket and a slight smudge of pesto. I left feeling very unwelcome, hungry and as if I had been robbed. Needless to say I will not be returning.
Written 26 July 2023
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.
Compton Abbas Airfield
Thank you for taking the time to review. Your feedback has highlighted the areas in which improvement is needed, and this will be distributed to our Team to prevent it from occurring again. We value your time and honesty in writing this, and should you wish to speak further to us about your experience, please don't hesitate to call us on 01747 811767. We hope to see you again soon.
Written 2 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Richard F
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 couples
Absolutely appalling service ! And disorganised staff that even the chefs were looking stressed over having to repeatedly ring bell and call for service only to be ignored by the disorganised mob. We were tempted to help out but after 20 mins we had to ask for order to be taken to not receive any drinks or any sign of them so we left. I apologized to the frustrated looking chefs and explained that the service was awful. We never got to order food but what we saw looked to be good quality. Guy Ritchie, who owns the place, needs to get somebody who knows how to run a restaurant and not someone who is defensive and rude to customers. I would recommend avoiding the place until you read reviews stating the service issues have been resolved. On a positive, I have visited in the evening for beer and the Gritchie beers are excellent 👍
Written 8 September 2023
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.

Heflin666
211 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 family
This place used to be really good with an excellent varied menu and friendly staff. Unfortuntaly that is no longer the case. A great deal of money has obvously been invested in this place to completely revamp it and bring in a "smoker" with which is apparantly only one of two in Europe as if anyone cares . The menu as it stands is so limited that it's not going to appeal to hardly anyone. They used to do full English breakfasts plus a wide variety of other options. Now it appears just to be a choice a 3 breakfast buns (egg, bacon or sausage), a croissant, choc twist or cake. The main menu is just a limited combination of pulled beef or pork. Not much good if you like seafood or fish or are a vegetarian. Why did anyone think that a good idea? The staff also need some training in waitressing as they didn't really appear to have a clue what was going on. I won't be returning.
Written 24 June 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.

John B
Fareham28 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 friends
I telephoned Compton Abbas airfield several days before taking a group from my motorcycle club to the Warbird day on Sunday 18 August. I specifically checked three things: 1) That the airfield would be happy for our group of riders to visit. 2) That there was no requirement to pre register or purchase tickets, simply to turn up on the day, with an arrangement that I would phone on the day to confirm numbers. 3) That food would definitely be available. The gentleman I spoke with on the phone assured me that both the cafeteria AND external catering facilities would be available, and food could be purchased. I explained that we would not need to have a group table, just to purchase burgers or similar items and drinks. He said that would be fine., On the day, the phone number (starting 077, so a "mobile" number) was perpetually engaged, so I sent a text confirming numbers. When we arrived we were told "there is no food". No real explanation was given. Staff said things like "there are a lot of people" and ",we can't control the numbers". I pointed out that I had phoned in advance and been told food was definitely going to be available. Staff were apologetic, but you can't eat an apology, and most of the group left. I pointed out that if we had been told that food was not available, we would have eaten elsewhere en route. The response was "we can't keep everyone happy!". Well, actually, you CAN! It's very simple. Either say you can provide food, and do so, OR say you can't, and we will happily eat elsewhere. To say you can, and then not do so is just unprofessional. I was also told that "our phone system has no provision for texts, so no one would have seen that." This organisation must have lost thousands of pounds worth of business by not selling food today. It's not exactly rocket science to work out that if you advertise a day with Spitfires flying, on a Sunday in August when the weather forecast is excellent, that there is a possibility that a lot of people will turn up. Sadly, such an awareness appears to be beyond the competence of the catering team at Compton Abbas airfield.
Written 18 August 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.

Rick Yeomans
Trowbridge31 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2024 solo
Great service, I arrived towards the end of breakfast serving so my bacon was very overcooked to the point that I couldn't get a fork into it. The rest of the breakfast was delicious, and the cakes are decent but choice is limited. The experience was marred by two dogs constantly barking and whining in the restaurant though. I'm happy to have dogs in places that I eat if they are well behaved, but these were not and staff should have asked the owners to sit outside with them.
Written 29 November 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.

Valerie E
Shaftesbury1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 family
What can I say? I have never written a review on TA because I have always been very happy with establishments and restaurants visited. However, yesterday was an exception. Arrived to be greeted by a harassed, rude woman who looked as though she would rather be elsewhere and sticking pins in her eyes. The best was yet to come! Menus thrown on the table by another rude, disinterested woman with a blonde pony tail who was obviously not remotely interested in providing any kind of professional waiting service. We went on to witness ‘Grumpy Pony Tail’ cleaning a table next to us with a dirty rag and flicking stale food onto the floor which probably explains our sticky table and the previous guests food under my feet! I have travelled extensively and have frequented cleaner Transport Cafes on the M6. Food was mediocre but even if it had been outstanding it could not have made up for appalling service. We witnessed customers three deep at the bar struggling to get the attention of yet another bored member of staff who didn’t have the decency to acknowledge them. So, Mr Richie, I suggest you shut your so called restaurant, clear out your existing staff and start again. Hopefully you can turn this around….
Written 28 January 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.

tahita
Fordingbridge268 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 friends
I am fairly local to the airfield and used to love going with my dog, sitting outside and eating and watching the planes and taking in the view, either after or before a dog walk. I was excited when the airfield was taken over and re-opened. I walked in one day to be told the place was booked (good for them) and I made a booking for the cafe another time but unfortunately that was cancelled as the airfield had some problem with their electrics (not their fault). I called in again on the off chance and they were booked and I was told I could get a drink and a pasty or sausage roll and sit outside. I got to the bar to order with my friend and we were told they had just run out of the pasties and sausage rolls - this was 12.30 lunchtime so bad planning by the kitchen I think. I made a booking for another day. I was extremely disappointed as the menu was very limited. We both had the festive beef burger which did not work as it contained stuffing and a cranberry sauce (I think) and the texture and combination was not nice. The young staff were very nice and friendly. This place now only takes card payments and there was a problem with the reader and my ‘wallet’. I had cash but they could not take it. Luckily my friend’s card worked. I will not be going back again and would not recommend to my friends as I do not like being forced to be cashless and the menu was so limited.
Written 9 December 2023
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.
Compton Abbas Airfield
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We appreciate your many visits of support over the first few months of us opening under new management. It sounds like you experienced a bit of bad luck with walk-in visits scuppered by us being fully booked and then a cancelled booking due to an electrical fault. We're glad you returned to try the Christmas menu but we are sad to hear you and your friend weren't keen on the Festive Burger (our best seller). It is pleasing to hear some of our young staff gave good friendly service. We're sorry to hear you had trouble paying with your own payment card on the day and can confirm, as advertised, we are an electronic/card payment only establishment.
Written 13 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Geoff B
Isle of Purbeck38 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 couples
A smart new looking clubhouse/terminal/cafe? Impressive, but sadly the overall experience was not so great. The numerous young staff were friendly and willing, but seemed untrained. Everything seemed to be taking ages while staff constantly consulted colleagues for advice. It was as though no one was really in charge. I was pleased to find they serve Gritchie ales, but at £6 a pop my pint of cold cloudy IPA was seriously underwhelming. To be fair the coffee was good and the cake delicious but the chat among people at tables near ours suggested 'could do better'.
Written 19 July 2023
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.
Compton Abbas Airfield
Geoff, thank you for your time in giving us your feedback. We appreciate the comments, as it helps us progress in our endeavour to improve your experience with us. Whilst we have a relatively new team on our cafe, they are excited and keen to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. We hope we can welcome you back you soon.
Written 20 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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COMPTON ABBAS AIRFIELD, Ashmore - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor