The Queens Arms
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The Queens Arms
Welcome to the Queen's Arms, a family owned pub in the quintessential 'English Country Village' of Corton Denham. Situated in the rolling green hills of the Dorset and Somerset border, just three miles from Sherborne, our focus is on good food, a comfortable night's sleep in one of our ten refurbished rooms, and coffee and fresh bread from our newly added pub hub.

Good food lies at the heart of the Queen's Arms. Our menu remains loyal to traditional pub dishes whilst offering a seasonal, modern and European take on British classics. From fresh homemade pasta to locally sourced lamb, fresh salads to wholesome puddings, we have dishes suit a range of tastes and occasions.
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The Queen's Arms is owned and run by the Mackenzie-Francis family, who live just up the road with their three children, one dog, and eight quail. Before becoming owners of the pub the Mackenzie-Francis's were regular customers there, always feeling it was one of the best spots the area. When it came up for sale in 2020 they felt it was an opportunity too good to miss.
Good food and drink are central to the Queen's Arms. Whether you're looking for pub classics or something a little different, we aim to provide a range of choice. With a menu that changes seasonally, our focus is on locally sourced, sustainable dishes that explore new takes on British classics.

Being on the border of Dorset and Somerset, we're spoilt for choice with the haven of good quality produce growing or being reared responsibly right on our doorstep.Our aim is to use as much of it as possible - from spelt flour to Somerset cheddar cheese - as well as celebrate those who have a passion for their craft.
In 2021, The Queen's Arms was completely refurbished from top to bottom. Care has been taken to make each room feel unique, warm and comfortable, with bright colours that lift the spirits and reflect the landscape. The are five en-suite bedrooms in the main part of the pub, each with their own unique style and views over green rolling hills.
The Queen's Arms is situated just off the A303, making it a perfect place for those stopping-over on their way to or from London, Devon and Cornwall. Follow directions into or out of London onto M3 and then the A30. Take the junction marked 'South Cadbury', keeping an eye out for signs to to Teals in advance.
The Pub Hub is a new addition to the Queen's Arms. The intention is to offer a place where the local community can congregate and meet. The Pub Hub offers freshly ground coffee, pastries, fresh bread and a milk machine for milk-refills. Coffees can be enjoyed on the terrace in front of the Pub Hub, which catches the morning sun.
Reviews (20)
David M.
David M.
Jan 01, 2022
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Absolutely faultless, stayed overnight, the room was perfect with everything and more you’d expect, including fresh milk left outside the door in the morning, it was lovely. Dinner was a magnificent feast we enjoyed over a few relaxed hours, breakfast the next day was excellent. Staff were welcoming, lovely and efficient. Can’t be beaten, we’ll be back soon.
We frequently travel down to the South West and the queens arms couldn’t be located in a better location to explore and relax.
Nick Mann
Nick Mann
Nov 13, 2021
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A surreal lunchtime experience at what used to be one of my favourite pubs. Nice new electric car charging points though.
Frazer Timmerman
Frazer Timmerman
Oct 10, 2021
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Great country pub with lovely decor and rooms. Excellent food and service. Highly recommended for a meal or stay over! Danny and the team took very good car of us. Thank you.
Chris L.
Chris L.
Sep 11, 2021
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Found this lovely gem by accident only 3 weeks after they had reopened back in July. Visited again this weekend and again was not disappointed. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and nothing was too much trouble for them. The evening meals were excellent. Will certainly come back again.
Lois Martin
Lois Martin
Sep 09, 2021
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We're visiting from the States on a walking tour and stayed three nights at the Queens Arms. The entire place was recently renovated. The room was beautiful with a gorgeous tub and separate shower. The staff members were very friendly and we got to know several of them by name. They would ask each day about our adventure and were genuinely interested.
The food - FANTASTIC! We tried as many dishes as possible and not one disappointed. The crispy chicken was a favorite starter. The cheeseboard was a nice assortment of local cheeses. The chickpea stew was hearty and flavorful. The granola with yogurt
Naomi Blackmore
Naomi Blackmore
Sep 09, 2021
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Lovely food but would have liked to have 2 Yorkshire Puddings as one tiny one was not enough to go with my 3 slices of beef. Staff were polite but could have been a little more friendly, but we had a lovely afternoon there. Love the new decor
Annie Willoughby
Annie Willoughby
Aug 11, 2021
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Very disappointed. Myself and my sisters booked a table for lunch on 4th August to celebrate our Dads life, this was one of his stomping grounds. We had received the booking confirmation via text that morning so when we arrived at our requested time we were met with blank faces, to be told that the chef was not cooking that day and all they could offer us was a pie or sausage roll. After some discussion it was relented by ‘Sharky’ that they would prepare a ploughman’s platter for us (5). We waited almost 30 minutes and when they arrived we could not believe it! We had two plates each containing
Warwick Grigg
Warwick Grigg
Jul 14, 2021
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Attractive and stylish pub in a very pretty location. We just popped in for drinks after our walk. Hospitable and helpful service. Would return for a meal if we're in the vicinity again.
Sara Jane Warr
Sara Jane Warr
Aug 02, 2020
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Sunday lunch at its best! Great service and food, friendly atmosphere. Thank you 😊
Alison Garnett
Alison Garnett
Mar 10, 2019
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We have been to film nights at The Queens Arms and cannot recommend them enough- amazing food - a great pint and a film in lovely surroundings for just £15 - you can't go wrong! we had venison wellington with a pint of cider to watch A Star is Born for date night and it was perfect.
Carole Warner
Carole Warner
May 02, 2018
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Another great weekend at the Queens Arms. Wonderful pub, great food, beautiful location, friendly staff. Thanks so much Jeanette and Gordon.
Van Hutton
Van Hutton
Apr 07, 2018
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Absolutely Delightful pub!!! It was specifically shared with us by our daughter Erin and her Husband Harry from Dorset during our visit from the U.S. to attend their wedding. I truly have to say the the Queens Arms was definitely one of the absolute highlights of our incredible trip!! Truly loved the Lawrence Dry Hard Cider and the Pork Pies!!! Absolutely To Die For!!!
Davina Johnson
Davina Johnson
Oct 14, 2017
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I took the family here to celebrate my dads birthday and the food was excellent, great atmosphere and decor.
Brian John Richards
Brian John Richards
Aug 07, 2017
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On a weekend visit from Wales , table reserved for 4 by family who had visited previously . The place was busy as expected for a Sunday lunchtime . Service was excellent , food was superbly cooked and presented and thoroughly enjoyed . Not cheap but superb quality from locally sourced suppliers . Well worth another visit .
Julia Hinks
Julia Hinks
Jul 26, 2017
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Lovely, restful break - just what we needed, with fantastic staff and food. Totally recommend if you need somewhere to recharge your batteries! Thank you!
Julian A.
Julian A.
Jun 26, 2015
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Lovely pub in idyllic location. However, the food is over thought, way over-priced, and the service (on a Tuesday lunch) abysmal. Took over an hour for our ploughman's lunch and burgers to arrive on a slow afternoon. Food really disappointing - trying to be gourmet, but just comes off as pretentious and inadequate. Shame, as the setting is fantastic
Norman B.
Norman B.
May 05, 2014
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I was disappointed here on many counts. I had been looking forward to a nice Bank Holiday Monday lunch and had checked out the sample menus online. It wasn't clear if they would offer the Sunday lunch menu, or the weekday set lunch but both looked good, with healthy and inventive options - two of our four are gluten free and two were elderly but adventurous eaters.

In the end what was offered bore no relationship to what was advertised online. It was largely bar snack type food - the only GF options were ham, egg and chips or a burger without a bun. The latter would obviously be dire so
Julie D.
Julie D.
May 31, 2012
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I was staying in Long Load and we drove at least 25 minutes to get to the Pub. My hosts had heard about it from friends. Our party was 3 adults and two kids, age 7 and 9. We were there end of May 2012, at about 7 in the evening.

At the same time we arrived, a local farmer pulled up in his tractor. He had stopped in for a pint on his way to feed his cattle. I thought that was a good sign.

Nice atmosphere inside, but we had such good weather we sat in the garden. There was a decent selection of beer on tap. I was offered tastes of several so that i could make up my mind. Kids had macaroni
Linda H.
Linda H.
Feb 22, 2009
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Eight of us had Sunday lunch here. The menu had an impressive choice. The table was grubby. There were ridges in the wood and this had remains of previous diner's meals and tiny pieces of broken glass. Starters were good and fairly priced. My haddock was superb, I made the right choice. The four that had roasts had more fat than meat on their plates. It would have been nice to have had different gravies for the pork and beef. No sign of horse radish sauce and the smallest pot of apple sauce for 3. The vegetables looked good but were not enough for four. Some had puddings and cheese they enjoyed
Qype User Catgir
Qype User Catgir
Jul 31, 2008
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Stuck in the middle of a small village, this recently renovated pub has a fresh modern feel about it whilst retaining its earthy muddy boot feeling.


Fantastic fancy pub food at a very reasonable price.


In the winter it has open fires and mould wine on the bar and in the summer, Pimms and pork pies..........


There is a separate more formal restaurant or if you prefer you can eat in the equally comfortable bar area.


This place also has a handful of simply decorated guest rooms which have been kitted out to the highest standard. My partner and I live fairly locally but we experienced the