Deep in Thomas Hardy's idyllic Dorset countryside is Summer Lodge, a five-star country house hotel where guests are welcome to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner as well as an array of regular dining experiences.
The Restaurant at Summer Lodge
With the amazing local produce available on the doorstep, Summer Lodge's brigade of exceptional chefs create wonderful menus that carefully reflect their philosophy of “farm to fork”. The team only the best and most seasonal produce to showcase the finest that Dorset has to offer, with a light and delicate touch that allows the ingredients to speak for themselves.
Summer Lodge are all so proud of their region and incredible suppliers. From wonderful local cheeses to Dorset truffles and everything in between, the team are never short of delicious produce, enhanced by the freshest ingredients grown in their own kitchen gardens and polytunnels. With an extensive wine selection, the dining experience is made even more extraordinary.
Must Try: Sunday Lunch at Summer Lodge.
Nestled in the heart of the Dorset countryside, there is nowhere better to enjoy a traditional Sunday Lunch than this renowned restaurant. Locally sourced Dorset lamb, home-grown vegetables, and the ambience of a traditional English country-house make for a splendid occasion.
The Restaurant is proud to hold three AA Rosettes.
On Our Doorstep Dinner Menu
Two-course £45 | Three-course £55
Inspired by an abundance of superb local produce, including Dorset Vinny Blue Cheese and Dorset Beef, and seasonal ingredients grown in their kitchen gardens and polytunnels, Summer Lodge Restaurant showcases a timeless menu that combines both innovative cuisine and classic signature dishes.
Summer Lodge are proud of their long-standing partnerships with the very best local purveyors, most within 25 miles, who share values of quality and integrity.
This menu is available daily - bookings are subject to availability.
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Afternoon Tea at Summer Lodge
There is nowhere better to savour a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea than Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant with a backdrop of the idyllic English countryside and surrounded by Dorset's rolling hills.
Cream Tea
Enjoying a traditional Cream Tea is a must at Summer Lodge, no trip is complete without having savoured the delights. Served in a variety of locations within the hotel, and outside weather permitting, guests can enjoy freshly made scones served with Dorset clotted cream accompanied by a selection of speciality teas. Tailor your experience by adding a glass of Champagne, sparkling wine or Pimms. All teas, coffees and hot chocolate are fair trade.
We appreciate some guests may have dietary requirements and our experienced team are happy to discuss your requirements. Such options may include gluten-free or vegetarian alternatives.
From £17 per person
Must Try: Traditional Afternoon Tea
You simply can’t visit Summer Lodge without enjoying a Traditional Afternoon Tea, and sampling some of the finest Dorset cream with your scones. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a glorious array of cakes and delicacies.
Choose from Summer Lodge's Traditional or Savoury Afternoon Tea menu. Each comes with your choice of hot drink.
Price: £40 per person
£55 per person with a glass of Bride Valley Crémant Dorset Champagne or £60 per person with a glass of Lanson Black Label
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free and Halal options are available with 24 hrs' notice. Please advise at the time of booking. Unfortunately, Summer Lodge are unable to offer an Afternoon Tea that is both Vegan and Gluten Free
Afternoon Tea Academy Masterclasses with P.M.D Tea
Summer Lodge offers small groups the unique opportunity to arrange a private tea academy with your host, Managing Director of P.M.D Tea - Dananjaya Silva. The afternoon will give insight into the provenance of the tea served at Summer Lodge as well as provide a history of the estate where the tea is sourced. This is a bespoke experience and enquiries for dates are welcome.
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Seasonal Afternoon Teas: Halloween Afternoon Tea
Available between 1st - 31st October
Price: £40 per person / £55 per person with a glass of Bride Valley Crémant Dorset Champagne or £60 per person with a glass of Lanson Black Label
Bookings are now open
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Christmas celebrations at Summer Lodge
Enquiries and bookings are now open:
Festive Afternoon Tea - 1st December 2023 - 8th January 2024
Indulge in our Festive Afternoon Tea and experience a seasonal twist of our traditional selection of delicious cakes and pastries, freshly made scones, and dainty finger sandwiches.
Price: £40 per adult, £20 per child (under 12 years old)
Christmas parties at Summer Lodge
Host your Christmas Party at our 5-star, country house hotel and experience an occasion like no other.
Complete with thoughtful details, Christmas crackers, and a delectable three-course feast, our Christmas Private Dining experiences encapsulate the magic of Christmas.
Minimum party size of 12 people
Enquire for Lunch or Dinner
Christmas Eve Dinner
Join us before the excitement of Christmas Day for a seven-course tasting menu with Matching wines.
Price: £235 per person
Time: 7.30 pm onwards with a champagne apéritif
Please note that a non-refundable, full pre-payment is required
Christmas Day Lunch
The star of the show! Enjoy the ultimate five-course feast to delight the taste buds with vegan options upon request.
Price: £199 per person
Time: 1 pm - 2:30 pm
Please note that a non-refundable, full pre-payment is required
Boxing Day Brunch
Reminisce on the festivities of the day before with our delightful festive brunch.
Price: £45 per person
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Boxing Day Buffet Dinner
Bid farewell to the Christmas period with a delicious buffet-style dinner set amidst the beautiful ambience of Summer Lodge.
Price: £75 per person
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Please note that a non-refundable, full pre-payment is required
New Year's Eve Gala Dinner
Celebrate in style as we say goodbye to 2023 with our incredible New Year's gala dinner, including a five-course dinner with matching wines and live music.
Price: £245 per person
Time: 7 pm onwards with a champagne apéritif
Please note that a non-refundable, full pre-payment is required
Begin the New Year with an exceptional brunch at Summer Lodge.
Price: £45 per person
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
New Year's Day Dinner
Raise a glass to health and happiness in the New Year with our New Year's Day three-course dinner.
Price: £100 per person
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Please note that a non-refundable, full pre-payment is required
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Whiskey Masterclasses
Dive deeper into the world of whisky with a tasting journey led by our resident expert. Choose from a selection of tasting experiences, ranging from an introduction for whisky novices to a mind-blowing selection of rare and unique whiskies for the connoisseur, each comprising of three superb whiskies served with a delicious assortment of oatcakes, dried fruit, smoked fish, cheese and chocolate.
Tastings range from an entry-level class at £45.00 per person to an elaborate education tasting £150.00 per person.
Gin Experience
Enjoy sampling a handpicked selection of fabulous gins; including at least one of the delicious, locally-produced options – Fordington, Viper or Conker! Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the essentials of gin production from distillation to flavouring and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour! Cheers!
Enjoy 3 local gins, 3 different tonics and 3 garnishes with a presentation from our bar team
£30 per person
Cocktail Hour 5 pm - 6 pm daily
Guests can enjoy one cocktail and one small plate for £25 per person. Additional cocktails and small plates can be purchased for £12.50 each.
Bar bookings are available but not essential
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Masterclass Events
Fermentation Masterclass
Learn the secrets and health benefits of fermentation at our Fermentation Masterclass and discover valuable lessons that you can practise in your own home.
Using local ingredients from our kitchen and gardens, our fermentation expert will guide you through the techniques used to create delicious and healthy drinks including Kvas, Keffir, Kombucha, Shrub and Apple Cider vinegar. The session lasts 90 minutes and includes a fermented cocktail – alcoholic or alcohol-free, a brief history of fermentation, the associated health benefits, as well as the chance to create these amazing drinks.
Price: £50 per person
Classes are on an enquiry basis
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Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop
9th December 2023
Learn how to make your very own Christmas Wreath from scratch with the expert guidance of our innovative, in-house floral designer, Robyn Semple-Dower. With a beautiful selection of seasonal foliage, blooms and berries, as well as all other materials you will need to hand, we will teach you how to create a beautiful and unique wreath to adorn your front door for the festive season. Tea, coffee, and homemade cookies will also be served on arrival to kick-start the festive cheer.
Time: 10am -12.30pm
Price: £55 per person, including refreshments
Full payment is required upon booking
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Private Events and Weddings
Summer Lodge offers a picture-postcard location for guests looking to arrange an event, whether for business, a celebration or a wedding.
The dedicated Conference and Events team can guide you through options so if you are looking to secure one conference room or the whole venue for exclusive use.
Summer Lodge boasts a number of options for private dining including the Drawing Room and the Dorchester Suite. Bespoke services can be offered to tailor your event and add your unique stamp.
Sun, 1st Jan 2023 - Thu, 30th Nov 2023
More info
Sun, 1st Oct 2023 - Tue, 31st Oct 2023
More info
Fri, 1st Dec 2023 - Sat, 23rd Dec 2023
More info
Fri, 1st Dec 2023 - Sun, 7th Jan 2024
More info
Sat, 9th Dec 2023 @ 10:00 - 12:30
More info| Offer | Availability |
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Cocktail Hour
Enjoy a selection of cocktails and small plates: One of each for £25 per person Each additional plate or cocktail £12.50 |
Monday 17:00 – 18:00
Tuesday 17:00 – 18:00 Wednesday 17:00 – 18:00 Thursday 17:00 – 18:00 Friday 17:00 – 18:00 Saturday 17:00 – 18:00 Sunday 17:00 – 18:00 |
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On Our Doorstep Menu
Enjoy Two-courses £45 or Three-courses £55 from this specially curated menu showcasing the very best of local produce |
Monday
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday |
| Day | Open | Close | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Tuesday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Wednesday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Thursday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Friday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Saturday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
| Sunday | 7:30 | 22:00 | Lunch every day from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Sunday lunch from 12.15pm – 1.30pm Afternoon Tea: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 3.30pm – 4.30pm Dinner: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Bar: Open daily: 8am - 10pm (10pm last orders, closes at 11pm) Private Bookings available on enquiry |
Address
Summer Lodge, 9 Fore Street, DT2 0JR
Area
Dorset
| Name | Type | Capacity Seated |
Capacity Standing |
Cost | Min spend Midweek* |
Min spend Weekend* |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusive Use of Summer Lodge | Venue Hire | 76 | 0 | - | From 10000 | From 14000 | |
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Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa can be yours, exclusively and is the perfect venue for a special occasion. Privacy is guaranteed, and greater flexibility assured for any type of party, celebration, wedding or corporate event. The Restaurant, Drawing Room, Bar, gardens and all of the 24 hotel rooms and suites are yours from 3pm on the day of your arrival until midday on the day of departure. Hiring the venue includes the following: 24 luxurious rooms and suites Because of the size, comfort and the dimensions of the main house, Summer Lodge is ideally suited for private house parties. What better way could there be for celebrating a special occasion than in the environment of a private country house, without having to lift a finger? A typical exclusive use weekend could take the form of:
We have different pricing structures, depending on the time of the year as well as the time of the week. On most weekends, we require a minimum of a two night stay. Exclusive use does not include the Spa, since it is open to private health club membership. However, the Spa is detached from the hotel, and entry is therefore separate and not gained through the hotel. The exclusive events team is very experienced and includes the organiser, Head Chef and Cellar Master. They would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create an event that will captivate and suit you perfectly. |
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| The Dorchester Suite | Private Room | 24 | 25 | £750.00 | 750 | 750 | |
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Make business a pleasure in the fully equipped Dorchester Suite located in the Courtyard House of Summer Lodge Hotel, Dorset. Suitable for private meetings, receptions, lunches and dinners, it can seat 14 people in a boardroom style as well as 24 theatre style providing an intimate environment in which to focus your attention. When planning meetings and events, whether it be a special executive meeting or maybe a presentation; Summer Lodge offers a luxurious and intimate venue for gathering colleagues and professionals together.
Facilities include
Room Capacity: Banquet - 16 Boardroom - 14 Classroom - 12 Reception - 25 Theatre - 24 U-shape - 14
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| Restaurant Area | Private Room | 76 | 0 | £750.00 | 750 | 750 | |
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When planning a private celebration, whether it be a special birthday surprise or maybe an anniversary; Summer Lodge offers a warm and intimate venue for gathering friends and relatives together. We are able to host various party sizes in either the elegant restaurant area, in the sophisticated Drawing Room or the private dining room; The Dorchester Suite, offering style and refinement in unhurried and peaceful surroundings. |
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| Drawing Room | Private Room | 30 | 60 | - | From 2000 | From 2000 | |
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When planning a private celebration, whether it be a special birthday surprise or maybe an anniversary; Summer Lodge offers a warm and intimate venue for gathering friends and relatives together. We are able to host various party sizes in either the elegant restaurant area, in the sophisticated Drawing Room or the private dining room; The Dorchester Suite, offering style and refinement in unhurried and peaceful surroundings. |
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| Wedding Packages at Summer Lodge | Venue Hire | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | |
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The range of choices available at Summer Lodge for your wedding celebration is so extensive, so to help we’ve created a selection of special packages that include the most popular options – these can be customised with ease but you might find them a useful place to start! The Melbury From £90.00 per person, this includes:
The Ilchester From £115.00 per person, this includes:
The Hardy From £210.00 per person, this includes:
The Evershot Priced from £105 per person this includes:
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* The minimum spends are a guideline only and vary according to the day and time of the year.
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