REVIEW: Is This Dorset's Best Sunday Roast? A buzzing, family-friendly feast at The Old Thatch

We arrived at The Old Thatch in Wimborne at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon - and instead of winding down, it was absolutely buzzing.

Every table was full. The bar was lively. Families, couples, friends - all ages soaking up that unmistakable Sunday energy. It felt like the kind of pub you hope still exists… and rarely find.

Low ceilings. Dark beams. Open fires. Cosy corners. Oozing character at every turn.

There’s something timeless about The Old Thatch - but what they’re delivering on the plate feels thoroughly elevated.

If you’ve heard the buzz around The Devonshire in London - refined British classics, exceptional produce, a proper pub atmosphere done exceptionally well  - you’ll understand the vibe. The Old Thatch is bringing that same energy to Dorset, but with its own deeply local, welcoming charm (and the perfect pint of Guinness of course)

And honestly? It works - so well!

We Skipped Starters… and We’re Glad We Did

We’d heard whispers that the roasts were epic, so we went all in.

Between us we ordered:

• Roast Beef
• Roast Lamb
• Pork & Beef (for my husband who couldn’t choose!)
• Kids Roast Beef
• Kids Roast Pork

When the plates arrived, it was everything you want a Sunday roast to be - generous, beautifully cooked and properly hearty.

The beef was tender and pink. The lamb rich and full of flavour. The pork crisp on the outside, juicy inside.
And then came one of our favourite touches…

Individual mini gravy jugs served in tiny milk urns.

Honestly? We LOVED this. Generous, individual jugs meant no rationing and no awkward reaching across the table. Just glorious, silky gravy poured exactly where you want it.

The Veg Deserves Its Own Paragraph

Because this wasn’t an afterthought.

• Cauliflower cheese - creamy and indulgent.
• Red cabbage - sweet, sharp and perfectly cooked.
• Carrots - vibrant and full of flavour.

Everything tasted considered. Nothing felt mass-produced.

Even the kids polished theirs off - which says a lot.

A Proper Family Pub

One of the things we loved most was the atmosphere.

It’s rare to find somewhere that feels both elevated and completely family-friendly - but The Old Thatch nails it.

There were games available (we ended up deep into a family Uno battle by the fire), plenty of space, and absolutely no sense of being rushed. We stayed long after plates were cleared, chatting and playing cards while the pub continued to hum around us. My husband enjoyed a local Ale, which they rotate bi-weekly.

It’s that perfect balance:

Refined food. Relaxed setting.

Service That Makes You Want to Return

Our waitress, Rei, told us she’s been working there since she left school - six years ago. And that loyalty shows.
The team were warm, attentive, and genuinely proud of what they’re serving. Nothing felt forced. Everything felt natural.

That kind of consistency says a lot about a place.

Somehow… We Managed Pudding

Despite clearing every last bit of roast, we couldn’t resist dessert.

The kids went for towering Ice Cream Sundaes.

For the adults:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding Ice Cream
• Biscoff Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Ice Cream
• Brownie with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Rich, indulgent, unapologetically satisfying.

The kind of puddings that make you loosen your belt and immediately start planning your next visit.

Looking Ahead to Bear Island

We’re already planning to return in the Spring when Bear Island reopens - a whole new experience to explore, with the same great food and service we experienced inside.

Add in loads of free parking and a location just minutes from Wimborne town centre, and it’s easy to see why this place was still packed at 4pm.

The Verdict

The Old Thatch delivers everything you want from a Sunday lunch and indeed a Pub

• Character.
• Atmosphere.
• Exceptional roasts.
• Proper gravy.
• Family-friendly warmth.

It has that “destination pub” energy - the kind people travel for.

If this is what Dorset’s answer to elevated British pub dining looks like, we’re here for it.

We’ll be back - and next time, we might even try a starter!

Explore More: Guides, Tips and Resources

Sunday Lunch in Wimborne

Total Guide to Wimborne

Pubs with Play Areas

Cosy Pubs in Dorset

Author Bio - Liz Hutchings

Liz Hutchings is a mum of two with years of hands-on experience reviewing and testing family-friendly dining and days out across the county. From toddler-approved menus to date night spots, Liz personally visits and reviews each location to ensure it’s genuinely worth your time and money.

As a parent herself, she understands what families really need when planning days out, making her a trusted source for honest, practical recommendations on the best places to visit with children in Dorset.

The Old Thatch FAQs

Do The Old Thatch have a children's menu?

Yes! The Old Thatch do serve up their very own kids menu for the little ones dining with you. They also have an outside play area to keep your children entertained. 

What times do The Old Thatch serve their Sunday Roast? 

Sunday Lunch is served weekly at The Old Thatch in Wimborne from 12pm until 6pm.

The Old Thatch Menu?

The Old Thatch have numerous tailored menus. Including their:

• A La Carte - 12pm-9pm daily, featuring elevated pub classics and seasonal dishes.
• Sunday Lunch - Every Sunday from 12pm until 6pm
• Wine and Cocktails - Carefully curated wine list, designed to pair perfectly with our menu. Elevate your dining experience with wine!
• Kids Menu - With mains ranging from £3 to £7, desserts and puddings for £4 and a kids Sunday Roast for £10
• The Hatch at the Thatch Pizza - Freshly baked 12" pizzas baked from the Hatch at the Thatch in Bear Island.