THE last time I walked through Charminster completely parched on a summer’s day, this inn, now called The Gamekeeper, was boarded up.

I was on a lengthy circular walk with two friends and we were dismayed to see that the beer wouldn't be flowing at this particular watering hole.

This time around someone tipped me off that this recently re-opened pub was worth a look.

Ever the cynic, I was expecting considerably less than I got.

I've done many reviews as an Echo reporter, but rarely have I come across an overall dining experience of this quality.

From the moment we arrived during a moderately busy lunchtime, we were ushered to a table with a delightful view of the new beer garden.

The inside of the pub was tastefully decorated and the dining area was light and airy.

We were instantly dazzled by a beautifully bound menu which offered a two-course lunch for £9.95.

My friend and I were both drawn to the roast pork belly with creamed potato, caramelised apple and black pudding as our main course and she opted for the chef’s soup of the day (tomato) and I went for the salmon fishcake with spinach and lemon veloute for our starters.

From the first bite, I knew I was going to like this place. My salmon fishcakes were a perfectly formed trio with a zesty but not-too-tart sauce drizzled over them, accompanied by two of my favourite vegetables – spinach and watercress.

My friend gave praise of the highest order to her soup – ‘the best she’d ever had’.

The bar wasn’t set too high though because on came the mains.

The marrying of the black pudding with the creaminess of the potatoes was exquisite, and the pork flaked apart at the touch of the fork.

My favourite part of the dish, though was the crispy crackling, which was done to perfection.

I shared a dessert with my friend – a fluffy and light coffee mascarpone torte.

It was delicious, and we could only fault it for being a little over-priced at £6.25.

Throughout our meal, our waitress was marvellously attentive, checking to see if we needed more drinks and that everything was to our satisfaction.

We both agreed that the real secret to the outstanding customer service at this establishment was the amount of smiling the staff did – something that is lacking in many other eateries.

We even saw our waitress patiently help an elderly diner out of the dining room and into a waiting car using a chair as a walking frame, which has to be going above and beyond the call of duty.

The Gamekeeper has set itself some very high standards and I shall certainly be returning.

The Gamekeeper, 16 North Street, Charminster, near Dorchester, DT2 9QZ. Tel: 01305 459349.