Award-winning Brace of Pheasants is Echo Pub of the Week

The Brace of Pheasants, a country inn at Plush, near Dorchester, is a Grade 2 listed 16th century building which was originally the village blacksmith's forge and two cottages.

In the 1930s, the three buildings were merged to become a pub which it has remained ever since.

The current owners are Matt and Shannon Gernetzky, who took over in November 2021.

The pair have continued the success of the previous owners, and say they have a focus on offering excellent food, accommodation and drinks, sourcing everything as locally as possible, whilst also being at the heart of the local community.

Inside the pub (Image: Supplied) The dog-friendly pub, with its distinctive two thatched pheasants on the roof, has recently been awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award for being ranked in the top 10 per cent on Tripadvisor.

Matt, who hails from South Africa, said: "The pub is a traditional thatched country inn, full of character and it's hard not to get lost in its charm!

"Everyone who visits loves the cosy atmosphere and the fact the pub has retained so many original features including the beams and open fire.

"The table set back in the inglenook fireplace is a favourite for a cosy dinner and guests love to look at the black and white photos adorning the walls which tell the story of the village, the pub and the people! "

Staff at the Brace of Pheasants (Image: Ryno Oostuizen) The Brace of Pheasants is one of the few remaining pubs where real ale is served straight from the keg at the back of the bar, 'always ensuring the freshest pint', Matt says.

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The pub has a daily changing, seasonal menu, often featuring local game.

Current favourites include slow cooked, crispy pork belly, homemade venison burger, whole roast partridge and venison fillet.

A selection of nibbles and starters are available including homemade billtong (made by South African landlord Matt), olives and nuts, gamekeeper’s rarebit, homemade pate and creamy garlic mushrooms.

Traditional roasts are served on a Sunday with a choice of two meats (sometimes including partridge or pheasant) and a vegan beetroot, chestnut and wild mushroom roast.

Food at the Brace of Pheasants (Image: Robin Goodlad Photography) The most popular dessert among the homemade selection is Gill’s sticky toffee pudding!

"The recipe is a closely guarded secret (only Gill knows it) and regular diners are very disappointed if it isn’t on the menu!" Matt said.

An old picture of the pub (Image: Supplied) In the summer months customers can enjoy a large 'beautifully planted' beer garden at the back of the pub. In the summer the garden hosts South African Braais (BBQ) with live music whilst in the winter it hosts a Christmas play and carols.

The Brace of Pheasants today (Image: Supplied) Monthly charity quiz nights are held throughout the winter and throughout the year we host other special events take place such as wine tastings and special menu evenings.

Just last week the Brace of Pheasants hosted a Celebration of Dorset night with a five course menu, celebrating some of the best food from the local area.

The New Year will be seen in with a for course set menu and live solo music.

The pub's Nicolle Driscole said the pub 'is a great venue for this time of year as it has that 'cosy feel to it'.

"It's really nice winter venue," she added. "It really has retained its character with some modernisation and it still feels olde worlde."