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King John Inn
Review
About
On the borders of Wiltshire and Dorset, inside the beautiful Cranborne Chase, our newly appointed BBI (Butcombe Boutique Inn) The King John Inn is a dog-friendly, quintessential British country inn with a well-stocked bar featuring award-winning beers, ales, and wines. We also offer 8 elegantly designed bedrooms to relax in after a hike in the countryside. Our menu focuses on traditional pub fare, cooked with the finest seasonal and local produce, including our signature Sunday roast, which we are famous for. When the sun is shining, our outdoor beer garden is perfect for al fresco drinking and dining, ideal for unwinding and watching the day go by. The King John Inn is located near Cranborne Chase, RSPB Garston Wood, and Martin Down National Nature Reserve.
Features
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Dog Friendly
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Open until 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 - 21:00
Monday
8:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
8:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 23:00
Thursday
8:00 - 23:00
Friday
8:00 - 23:00
Saturday
8:00 - 23:00
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4.0
343 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
66
Average
50
Poor
38
Terrible
18
SLF
Salisbury169 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
The roasts were ok but the puddings were so disappointing that I don’t think we’ll be back.
The server over-sold the ‘special’ which was a white chocolate bread and butter pudding. It was awful - cold (you’d have thought she might have mentioned that), a watery berry compote and no crème anglaise as promised. The second, a cheesecake was only average.
The chef obviously has skills but why try to mess about with the puddings (deconstructing cheesecake and serving solid cold B&B pud)
The second Butcombe pub in a row that has been a disappointment so probably best not to try another.
Written 7 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.
General Manager
Dear Sif65,
Thank you for taking the time to share your honest review with us. We strive to offer an amazing, revisited gastro-pub menu, that can focuses on high quality, local products cooked in house daily.
I'm sorry to read that on this occasion, your experience did not meet your expectation. I would love to have the occasion to discuss furthermore with you and to re-invite you for some puddings and coffee - and show you the true butcombe experience!
Feel free to reach out to me at the pub, I will arrange a reservation for you,
Charlie April
General Manager
King John Inn
Written 13 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BORNTOKITE
35 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
Lovely Inn and friendly staff and a good menu with some very tasty sounding dishes but our food was a bit disappointing. Starters were good but mains were a let down. The descriptions on the menu were not what we received. The ravioli should have come with slow roasted tomato but instead was served with a lump of cold uncooked tomato and the pork ribeye was very fatty and lacked any flavour of the supposed smoked sausage accompaniment - just tasted of tinned tomatoes and no burnt lemon. Important differences that affected how the meal tasted. We will probably be back but likely to stick to simpler dishes!
Written 6 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.
General Manager
BORNTOKITE,
Firstly, thank you for leaving us feedback, we at the King John strive for 100% satisfaction and it seems this time we have let both your party and ourselves down.
I would love to discuss your visit further so if possible could you kindly visit our website and please leave us an email and i can get back to to try and re-establish your faith in us.
Kind Regards
Dan and The King John team
Written 8 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CLARK H
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
Me and my partner came here for dinner and we absolutely loved it. For starters we had the prawn & crab cocktail also the calamari which were excellent choices. For the main i went for the Ox cheek Wellington, it was amazing and cooked to perfection! My partner had the brixham fishcakes with the gorgeous paris butter source. After our meal we moved to sit closer to the lovely roaring fire where the manager Don very kindly made us an old fashioned with whiskey, slightly off the menu but was the best I've had outside London. Another mention to the friendly & charming chef with glasses we spoke to in the carpark, we didn't catch his name unfortunately but we will not forget him and his team's lovely food. We look forward coming back here soon to soak up the atmosphere and try a few more things off of the menu!
Written 21 October 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.
General Manager
Dear Clark,
Thank you so much for your amazing review!
Dom our Assistant General Manager loves to go the extra mile, I'm very happy your got to taste his cocktail craftsmanship for something really matching your taste. You spoke to Wes our head chef in the parking lot - he is very passionate about his food - you tried some of our most famous staples!
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We work hard to give all our guests a memorable experience and this is widely driven by our team. Its a pleasure to read our staff gave you such a lasting impression.
Sincerely,
Charlie April
General Manager
Written 24 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M C
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
Hi,
Firstly I want to say that I don't normally write reviews, especially unfavourable ones ! however, on this occasion I thought you would appreciate some honest feedback.
We booked a table for Christmas Day Lunch for 5 people, we were one off the last sittings. On arrival we were greeted by very welcoming staff, orbit under pressure and looking very flustered ! then shown to our table.
Sadly we had to wait 40mins to get our drinks and nearly an hour to get our starters which only consisited of a few very, very small sad looking salads and a tart that was burnt!
Regrettably it didn't get better, it took an age to get our main courses. It was very apparent that the turkey roast had been pre cooked then reheated.
This resulted in the potatoes, yorkshire's being too tough to eat and soggy vegetables. The food was barely warm and looked like it had been simply dumped onto the plate without much thought !
However, the toffee apple tart was to die for; absolutely wonderful !
You have a lovely pub in a lovely location and lovely front of house staff, they just
needed more support ! Can't say much about Kitchens !
You may have under-estimated the work involved ; maybe just a day in the office !
This was a special occasion for us and the first time we have eaten out on Christmas Day; at £500 plus I don't think we will venture out on Christmas Day again !!
End ;
Written 2 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.
General Manager
Good evening MC,
Thank you very much for reaching out and sharing your honest review of your experience. The experience you describe is very far from our the excellence we strive for.
If you agree to give us another chance, I would love to have the opportunity to show you what the King John has to offer. You can reach out to me directly at the pub and I will be happy to arrange a fully complimentary visit for you.
Thank you,
Dominic Sutton
General Manager
Written 18 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael H
3 contributions
Mar 2025 • friends
We hadn't been to the King John for many years. Went for Sunday Lunch.
In response to our email booking, an email came back giving us 90 minutes to eat.
Staff friendly and efficient.
We ordered one of each of the three roasts and one fishcakes.
Beef - overcooked; pork and chicken just OK; fishcakes no flavour.
Roast potatoes tasted as if they had been reheated.
Gloopy tasteless gravy.
All piled unappetisingly on the plate.
Crackling missing with pork.
Two of the Yorkshire puddings crisp-ish but tasteless; the third really soggy.
Cappuccinos rather expensive at £4.10 each.
Written 10 March 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.
gleedo
Bournemouth25 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
I booked lunch for two yesterday for a short business meeting with a colleague. Earliest slot was 12:00, and we had to leave about 12:30, so we arrived at 11:30 to have a coffee and hopefully order food on the dot at 12:00 if not before. The two lovely ladies serving were very helpful, and they asked the chef what would be the quickest item (e.g. sandwich?) and would it be possible to have something on the table by 12:10-12:15 as we were (sadly) pushed for time. Unfortunately, word came back from the chef along the lines of "No, if people book a table for a nice dining experience, they cannot expect to rush". So we did not eat. The ladies gave us a coffee by the fireside which was lovely and on the house. They were very apologetic. Whilst I understand the chef's frustration that we were rushed, how hard could it have been for his to say "yep, okay, it's a shame they can't stay longer, but I can make them XYZ in 10 minutes." It is unfortunately inevitable that not all punters who book a weekday lunch have the luxury of time. If this pub wants to exclude business customers like us, then they should say so. In reality, I suspect what needs to happen is that Management needs to reprimand the chef for losing them money!
Written 9 March 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.
Dan K
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • solo
Unreal food for local on Weds night in a village. There's more here than you expect cos of these big shooting parties they can run a great menu... I could type it, but what matters is its great. All the dishes had acidity / well cooked / great portions / great service from Charmaine and Zach who advised on great dishes.
All over the corporate stuff without ramming it at you too... perfect weds meal. And Weds meals are what pubs need.
Written 24 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.
General Manager
Dan
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how se did.
We are always striving for 100% satisfaction and its nice to see we achieved that with your visit. I am glad you enjoyed your food and I will be sure to pass this onto our chefs.
Thank you for the team mentions, it is always appreciated to see that they are mentioned in the reviews.
Andy & the King John Inn team.
Written 29 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
Sherborne11 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
The King John Inn and the staff was excellent 👍 We had room (2) lovely a nice view into the village. Lunch and Dinner was great. I am a big foodie and the food was the best I have had for a long time 🍴👍 The staff and chef’s were very friendly and engaging to talk to, which makes you feel at home. A great Seasonal Menu with a varied choice. Keep up the Good Work to all at The King John Inn 😀😀👍👍 Thanks David & Helen we will be back.
Written 7 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.
General Manager
Hi David & Helen,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such an amazing review, we're so glad that we were able to go above and beyond your expectations!
I will make sure I pass this review onto Ash (Head Chef) and Zac who was serving for evening meal.
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Kind regards
Andy and the King John Inn team.
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
beats1
Dorset5 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Why can’t chain businesses such as Butcombe hire Chefs and allow them to be creative? Clearly the food here is designed centrally and rolled out across all branches. Poor quality produce at high prices is such a disappointment. Customers don’t mind if there’s not a huge choice but we want delicious exciting food, locally sourced as Dorset has an abundance of excellent local suppliers! Such a shame as staff and location are fab
Written 2 March 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.
General Manager
Hi Dream03585677903,
We appreciate your honest review. We set a high standard for ourselves, so we are disappointed to hear that your experience with us was not a positive one.
If you would like to call us I would be happy to discuss this with you.
Kind regards
Andy and the King John Inn team.
Written 4 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katharine R
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • friends
We came with some friends to celebrate my Husband's birthday. Thanks to the generous loyalty card, we enjoyed a complimentary drink on arrival. The food and service was excellent, and being dog friendly we took our dog with us (she has separation anxiety so we prefer to take her along with us) and she enjoyed some treats too! This was our third visit and we'll definitely be back!
Written 2 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.
General Manager
Dear Katharine,
Thank you so much for choosing us to celebrate your husbands birthday. Being a part of our guests celebrations is the best gift we can get!
Looking forward to see you and your pup again,
Charlie April
General Manager
King John Inn
Written 7 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elizasflowers
Dorset70 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
This restaurant is in a beautiful location and we’ve passed by many times We booked on line for Sunday lunch and were absolutely delighted. The staff were welcoming and very obliging despite there being only two that we could see. The dining room is pleasant, relaxed and stylish. The food was absolutely excellent, plentiful, fresh and hot. We chose traditional Sunday lunch and loved it. Desserts too are imaginative and delicious. You can also opt for a smaller dessert dish.
Written 30 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.
General Manager
Elizasflowers, it's experiences like yours that really keep us motivated! Thank you, and have a fantastic day!
Written 10 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Whyterider
Christchurch9 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
The food we had was very good but over-priced when judged against similar menus in other establishments. The service was slow considering the restaurant was quiet and although friendly was somewhat disinterested. We would visit again if we specifically wanted to eat in Tollard Royal but would not make a special journey.
Written 22 October 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.
Pjls-4
Zug12 contributions
Jan 2022 • friends
A group of us had booked a dinner expecting a mid week enjoyable meet up…
Sadly, we were greeted by a less than hospitable front of house whose lack of engagement / interest in her customers was obvious from the beginning…
The menu in this gastro/ restaurant pub has not evolved for years so feels stale , limited and out of date ( along with the faded shooting prints all around the place ) - many of our group could not find any interesting or dishes that catered to vegans / gluten free …
Service was unbelievably slow and when we got the food it was underwhelming ( ie chewy pheasant and dull fish) .
More than anything we were not made to feel welcome and overall we felt this was poor value for money.
We left feeling very disappointed- how hard is it to smile at your customers?
Written 21 January 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.
Doric
Salisbury776 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
Great service, nicely presented food and a proper, country pub buzz. We visited on a Saturday lunchtime and the place was busy with locals who all seemed to know each other. Great spot for lunch after a long walk.
Written 8 February 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.
Jessica M
Cornwall12 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
I’d like to start by complementing the food, which can’t be faulted. However the cold, snooty service provided by who we believe to be the manager, very nearly ruined our lunch altogether.
As young professionals who were maybe not turned out as smartly as other guests, we were made to feel borderline like a nuisance which is unacceptable most of the time, but especially when you’re paying for a £100 lunch. Premium prices mean you not only expect premium food but also premium service. My partner was silently handed the bill and got a half hearted afterthought thank you after paying. Unfortunately we won’t be recommending The King John Inn and won’t be returning, moreover I’d suggest the owners look to invest in comprehensive customer service training for their staff as it was nothing short of embarrassing.
Written 29 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.
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