The King's Arms Hotel

England

Immortalised in the tales of Thomas Hardy and host to illustrious figures from Queen Victoria to The Beatles, this 34-room hotel in the heart of Dorchester has had a revamp, the imposing Georgian facade, Doric columns and original stained-glass windows meeting 21st-century charm. Think vintage armoires and floral wallpapers complemented by retro Roberts radios, rich velvet touches and muted palettes of green, grey and blue. Tasselled lamps and open fireplaces embellish the elegant restaurant, where guests can sample the best of the region – be it Devon crab with coconut and pumpkin seed crumb or dry-aged rump steak with Dorset Blue Vinney – or go international with cream of white onion soup, served with the flakiest of sage pin wheels.

Nearby, the Jurassic Coast beckons – enjoy an afternoon stroll in Golden Cap, explore Weymouth Harbour or take the historical experience up a notch with a visit to Dorset Museum.

Doubles from £105. 01305 238238, thekingsarmsdorchester.com

Words by Jas Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the April 2023 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.