ON a sunny day there’s hardly anywhere in West Dorset that would match the joy of sitting along the River Piddle enjoying an ice cold wine.

But unfortunately for us it was a wet and miserable Wednesday and we didn’t really fancy the unseasonably bad weather.

So we decided to try the Piddle Inn in Piddlehinton hoping that a nice warm country pub would be the perfect solution.

The bar was really popular and the chit chatter and laughter coming from the other side of the pub showed how much of a local favourite the place is.

Despite that the restaurant was almost empty apart from an elderly couple and, disappointingly, half of it was cordoned off and left in the darkness.

The menu was varied and the chef obviously excels with the specials board featuring delights such as a roast duck breast with port and cherry sauce and dauphinoise potatoes, priced at £14.95.

On the menu the owners pride themselves by saying that ‘fresh fish is their speciality’ so it was good to see their specials menu crammed with seafood options such as of Lyme Bay scallops, pan fried with chorizo and white wine, finished with cream.

I chose the scallop and tiger prawn skewer, which came delicately presented. The dish had been cooked in garlic butter and came accompanied by a pot of homemade salsa. The scallops tasted really fresh and were cooked perfectly and, unlike many places, not completely overpowered by the garlic butter.

The prawns were crunchy and also had a great taste and the homemade salsa was an explosion of flavours, although slightly spicy.

My partner chose the deep fried brie with was creamy and light and did not taste like it had been deep fried at all. The liquid cranberry sauce worked very well.

Both starters were served with a delicious homebaked loaf of bread.

The waiter was really friendly and attentive even though I accidentally smashed my glass at the start of the meal.

For the main course I chose the gammon rarebit – which was an eight oz gammon steak topped with a rich cheddar sauce, with onion, cider and Worcester-shire sauce and English mustard sauce which was oven baked until golden and served with chips and salad.

I chose it because it sounded unusual and I was not disappointed. The rich cheese sauce with very tasty and tangy and the steak was succulent. My only complaint was that it was too heavy for me and the chips on the side made it look a little bland.

My partner decided to try one of the pub’s Piddle Pies – which according to the menu change daily. His was a pork, leek and cider pie served with creamy mash. He was delighted with his choice. The pork was tender and the cider sauce rich and full of flavour.

His Piddle ale, brewed in the same village, complimented the dish perfectly and as far as local and homemade goes you can’t get better.

Outside the waterfront seats looked delightful and we both vowed to return on a sunnier day to take full advantage of them.

The restaurant did get busier, but the lack of music made the restaurant feel a bit lifeless, but then it was a wet and miserable Wednesday after all.

The Piddle Inn is open from 11.30am Monday to Saturday, and noon on Sundays. Call 01300 348468 for details.

The Bill

Scallop & tiger prawn skewer: £7.95

Deep fried brie: £4.95

Gammon rarebit: £10.95

Pork & leek pie: £8.95

Red wine: £3.95

Coca-cola: £1.95

TOTAL: £38.70