If it’s fresh air, delicious food and heaps of friendliness you’re after, look no further than La Fosse at Cranborne.
The low-down
La Fosse at Cranborne is a restaurant with rooms. It’s your typical homely B&B but with the perks of having a fantastic restaurant downstairs. That means gourmet dinner (and brekkie) that champions fresh, local fare.
La Fosse B&B is located in the tranquil village of Cranborne, just 20 minutes by car from Dorset and the breathtaking Jurassic Coast. The New Forest National Park is even closer.
What makes it special?
Owners Mark and Emmanuelle have a wealth of experience that clearly shows. They’ve worked at some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, including The Chewton Glen Hotel and Le Manoir aux Quatre Saison.
La Fosse is a make-yourself-at-home type of place. There’s a cosy lounge with a roaring fire and more space to kick back in the restaurant. You’ll sit among family trinkets and antiques that all have a story to tell. Emmanuelle’s the perfect host – she’ll happily entertain or leave you be. Whatever you prefer, you’ll leave La Fosse feeling totally and utterly relaxed.
The rooms
There are six individually designed and spacious rooms, named after cheeses. We reckon that was Mark’s influence – his award-winning cheeseboard is a pretty big deal in Dorset.
Don’t expect lavish, five-star standards – La Fosse is home away from home, so the décor follows suit with floral wallpaper, homely colour schemes and antique furniture. The beds are insanely comfy and you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay; fresh milk, a decent coffee machine, underfloor heating in the bathrooms and large bottles of Cowshed toiletries. Anything fancier would feel out of place.
Dining
The restaurant’s modern menu makes the most of local, in-season produce. La Fosse restaurant is led by passionate chef and B&B co-owner Mark, who recently won best chef in Dorset. Sourcing is taken seriously. Practically every ingredient and its sourced distance from the hotel is listed on a separate menu.
The food menu is small but perfectly formed and changes regularly. A silky, creamy rosemary and mustard pannacotta with crunchy quinoa crumble stole the show from the starters. From the mains, a chicken and chorizo Pot Au Feu (a classic French dish) hit the spot.
Be sure to leave space for Mark’s cheeseboard. It won Dorset’s best, twice, and is delivered to the table by Mark himself who’s handpicked every chunk. It comes with a selection of tasty chutneys, artisan crackers, and dried and fresh fruits chosen to compliment the flavours.
Breakfast is definitely worth paying extra for. The buffet boasts homemade goodies such as marmalade made by Mark’s aunt and (of course) a block of very good cheddar. There are plenty of cooked options, including a hearty full English, eggs benedict and porridge served with clotted cream.
Things to do
If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, there’s heaps of it here. The village of Cranborne is sleepy and beautiful. The picturesque Cranborne Estate boasts 5,000 acres to explore by foot. La Fosse also has a couple of bikes you can use for free. If you do fancy a change of scenery, there’s a decent local’s pub on the corner of the entrance to the village.
It’s best to arrive by car so you can explore Dorset – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It includes the dramatic Jurassic Coast where you’ll find famous Durdle Door. There’s also nearby Bournemouth and the super-rich Sandbanks estate. Lyme Regis is definitely worth a visit, if you don’t mind a longer drive.
La Fosse At Cranbourne – Where & How?
La Fosse At Cranbourne is located at London House, The Square, Cranborne, Dorset, BH21 5PR.
W: www.la-fosse.com
T: 01725 517604
E: [email protected]
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