Tucked away in the heart of Tarrant Monkton near Blandford, The Langton Arms is a standing symbol of rural Dorset. Surrounded by rolling fields, with little chance of passing traffic beyond the odd wandering sheep, it’s a destination that feels just far enough away to make the journey feel like an adventure – especially when to get there you have to drive through the Tarrant via the ford.
Upon arrival, the warm and welcoming atmosphere of The Langton Arms invites you to settle in and forget the outside world. On a damp winter’s evening, we were greeted by the comforting glow of roaring fires and friendly smiles – perfect for whiling away an afternoon or enjoying an indulgent evening with friends.
We began our visit with a drink in the snug bar, sinking into the cosy sofas by the fire and letting the warmth seep into our chilly bones. There was no rush to move to the restaurant, and when we were ready, the staff made the transition seamless – we enjoyed just the right level of attentive service throughout the evening.
We began our visit with a drink in the snug bar, sinking into the cosy sofas by the fire and letting the warmth seep into our chilly bones. There was no rush to move to the restaurant, and when we were ready, the staff made the transition seamless – we enjoyed just the right level of attentive service throughout the evening.
For starters, we chose to share three dishes between the four of us, a request handled graciously by the kitchen, who provided extra plates for easy sharing. This turned out to be an inspired idea, as we all got to sample a little of everything. The crispy salt and pepper calamari with sweet chilli sauce had the perfect balance of crunch and tang; the Langton’s crispy beef with horseradish mayo was bold and satisfying, and the creamy garlic mushrooms topped with Somerset brie? Utterly indulgent. The crispy beef was a standout, stealing the show with its rich, comforting flavours.
For mains, the gentlemen in our party couldn’t resist the steak – locally sourced from Rawston Farm Butchery and cooked to perfection. The quality of the meat spoke for itself. I opted for the sea bass, which was delicate and tender, while my friend was delighted with her fresh skate wing, which she described as both generous and beautifully cooked.
Though the dessert menu was tempting, we decided to linger over the remainder of our wine and finish with coffee instead. The relaxed pace of the evening was a highlight – we never felt rushed, just encouraged to enjoy ourselves.
If you’re not keen to take on designated driver duties, The Langton Arms has six B&B rooms for an overnight stay. At closing time, you can simply wander from the bar into your cosy quarters. The rooms are well appointed, with everything you need for a comfortable short stay. While not wildly luxurious, they are perfectly suited to an overnight visit and carry the same charm as the rest of the Langton Arms.
Morning brought another treat: a hearty breakfast showcasing local produce. The bacon was a particular highlight – smoky, flavourful and some of the best we’ve had in a long time. We lingered over coffee and enjoyed a rare slow start to the day, making the most of the peaceful countryside setting before heading home.
From the inviting atmosphere and excellent service to the delicious food and the charm of its rural location, The Langton Arms is a good choice for a special evening or weekend treat. Whether you’re settling in by the fire or exploring nearby, this is a place that invites you to relax, unwind, and savour the moment.
thelangtonarms.co.uk
Open Wed-Thu, food 12-2.30 and 5-7.30pm | Fri, food 12-2.30 and 5.30-8pm | Sat, food 12-8pm | Sun food 12-4pm
