The Ilchester Arms

Colmer's Hill rises just behind it, which tells you most of what you need to know about who ends up here: walkers, cyclists, families and dogs with muddy paws, all funnelling down into Symondsbury after a morning on the West Dorset paths. The building is a 15th century village inn, oak beams and a substantial open fireplace in the bar, and Adam and Mel are the ones doing the welcoming. It has been refreshing and amusing people for generations.

Drinks are the settled part of the offer: Palmers ales kept with care, other local beers, wines, premium spirits and soft drinks. On the food side, homemade bar snacks are served all day while the kitchen finds its feet, with a full menu promised before long and home-cooked evening meals the intention. Go for the pint after the hill walk, and check what the kitchen is doing before you plan a longer lunch around it.