The Saxon Arms, Stratton, is Dorset Echo pub of the week

The Saxon Arms is a traditional venue nestled in the heart of Stratton, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Dorchester.

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

Rod and Janette Lamont took over the thatched country pub back in 2004 – just three years after it was built as part of the village extension.

Mr Lamont described the Saxon Arms as ‘a community pub with a bit of a contradiction,’ adding that it’s also ‘a destination pub with a good reputation for its food.’

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

He added: “A lot of people come a long way to consider this place as their local.”

The furthest that regulars come from is Winchester and they visit approximately every other week, whilst others use it as a halfway meeting point when travelling from Devon to meet friends from Bournemouth.

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

Mr Lamont has been working in the hospitality industry all of his life, starting out by training as a chef which eventually led him onto a path of running his own business and alongside his wife, he has owned pubs in the Dorset area for the past 47 years and the duo also have The Kings Arms, Stoborough, in their catalogue.

The pub has also established a good reputation for their food offerings and change their menu a few times a year, offering a selection of ‘pub classics with a twist,’ as well as a specials board.

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

Throughout the years, the venue has collected a number of awards including ‘West Dorset CAMRA Pub of the Year.’

The publicans have really embedded themselves into the community and over the years they have hosted some ‘great fundraisers,’ collecting more than £80,000 for local and national causes.

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

Mr and Mrs Lamont have recently celebrated their 20th anniversary of running the Saxon Arms, with Mr Lamont putting their success down to the fact that they are able to move with the times.

He said: “We have moved with the times – nobody has had to adapt more than pubs.”

The Saxon Arms (Image: Hollie Carr)

Located next to the village church it is frequented by villagers and tourists alike and there are also some lovely walking routes in the area.