Escaping the weekly grind (From Dorset Echo)

Escaping the weekly grind

10:40am Monday 18th April 2011 in Features By Lucy Pearce

NESTLING in the heart of the village of Piddlehinton, The Thimble Inn offers a blissful retreat for anyone looking to escape the weekly grind.

Using the warmer weather as an excuse to treat ourselves to a mid-week drink, my companion and I decided to take a drive in search of a pub.

Enjoying a glass of sauvignon blanc in the family-run pub’s garden area, I decided it was the perfect way to spend a sunny evening.

We were only planning on staying for one or two, but catching sight of the menu while at the bar quickly tempted us to stay for dinner.

Inside the thatched inn, situated by the River Piddle, we opted to sit in the restaurant area where every table was candle-lit.

The Grade II listed building, which was built around 300 years ago, boasts ancient beams, a well and two large open fireplaces – a warm and cosy contrast from the garden once the sun starts to set.

Scanning the menu that offers a variety of homemade dishes and specials including fresh fish, meat and vegetables that are all sourced locally and priced reasonably, we agreed there was plenty to choose from.

I decided to have the tagliatelle dish with mushroom while my companion went for the steak burger.

My pasta was beautifully cooked and lavishly coated in a rich and creamy sauce complemented by a generous portion of mushrooms.

We were both impressed by the presentation of the steak burger that arrived on a wooden board with the triple-cooked chips stacked in a rack alongside a portion of salad and onion rings.

My companion commented on how the steak was cooked ‘just right’, the onion rings were delicious and the chips were light and fluffy in the middle with a crispy exterior.

Although both dishes left us feeling full and satisfied, we couldn’t resist opting for a desert.

Again, the presentation for the raspberry cheesecake certainly impressed – topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh raspberries and spun sugar, drizzled with raspberry sauce.

I couldn’t fault my brulee either and because I had some reservations about going for a rhubarb-based desert, I was pleased that the rhubarb came in a separate pot.

Despite the fact the pub was busy for a weeknight, the service was efficient and our waitress was friendly and attentive.

I left The Thimble Inn knowing that I’d be returning again soon.

I’m looking forward to spending many summer evenings in the picturesque surroundings of the pub that can only be described as truly charming.

The bill

• Tagliatele mushroom £9

• Steak burger £9.95

• Raspberry cheesecake £4.90

• Rhubarb creme brulee £4.90

• Kronenbourg £1.85

• Glass of white wine £3.85

• Total £34.45