The Elm Tree Inn

The Elm Tree is a 16th century village inn set in spectacular countryside close to the Fleet lagoon nature reserve on Chesil beach. The Elm Tree, named after a tree which once stood on the site, dates back to the 16th century. It has three open plan bars, one with an inglenook fireplace and bread oven. Old photographs of the village and shipwrecks off Chesil Beach hang on the walls. This renowned inn - no accommodation despite the name - is hugely popular with locals, visitors and tourists. It is a short walk to the south west coast path and so attracts many walkers and birdwatchers. The owners, Debbie Hughes and Jamie Walker, who took over in May 2011, also have a fish business, The Portland Scallop Company, which provides the pub with a wealth of seafood caught locally. Fresh fish is therefore a speciality as is local game and all food is home cooked. The Sunday carvery is extremely popular and usually includes topside of Aberdeen Angus beef and free range leg of pork from Nallons Farm, Askerswell. There is a large car park with extra parking in the paddock which walkers are welcome to use provided they are returning to use the pub. Dogs are welcome both inside and out provided they are on a lead and are well behaved. There is a pretty sunken garden with palm trees and flowering shrubs with tables should you wish to eat outside.