There has been a pub in the Dorset village of Winterbourne Abbas since at least as far back as 1814. Located on the famous Trafalgar Way, the Inn has a rich history of highwaymen and urgent naval messages.
Modern Country Bar & Kitchen
Hardy’s Legacy
During the battle of Trafalgar, it is thought that Lieutenant John Richards Lepenotiere was given a message to relay to the Secretary of the Navy in London, William Marsden, with news on the victory at Trafalgar and Nelson’s death. He was urged to travel, “using every exertion, that a moment’s time may not be lost in their delivery”, so set sail from Cape Trafalgar to Falmouth. On reaching Falmouth, he took to post-chaise and was on his way again within an hour of anchoring, this time on foot. The route that he undertook has since become known as the Trafalgar Way.
Hardy’s Legacy
During the battle of Trafalgar, it is thought that Lieutenant John Richards Lepenotiere was given a message to relay to the Secretary of the Navy in London, William Marsden, with news on the victory at Trafalgar and Nelson’s death. He was urged to travel, “using every exertion, that a moment’s time may not be lost in their delivery”, so set sail from Cape Trafalgar to Falmouth. On reaching Falmouth, he took to post-chaise and was on his way again within an hour of anchoring, this time on foot. The route that he undertook has since become known as the Trafalgar Way.
We know that Lepenotiere stopped in the area of Bridport on his way to London, as he sent a message to the family of Thomas Hardy, Captain of the HMS Victory (of the Battle of Trafalgar infamy). There is also talk of an eye witness who saw Lepenotiere and another naval officer travelling through Dorchester, each in a post-chaise and with four horses. So did he stop at the Coach House Inn for a pint and a chinwag? Or for his horses to have a rest? Well, we allow a little poetic licence here, but we like to think he did!
We may not know if Lepenotiere stopped at the Coach House Inn all those years ago on his way to London, but what we do know is that at the heart and soul of the Coach House Inn is the community of Winterbourne Abbas.
After laying dormant and unloved for four years, Jo and Lee Worsley bought the pub and undertook a complete renovation of the building. The pub and rooms have been refurbished to a contemporary and high standard, but it still retains those quirky Dorset country pub details. Our logo has the year 1814 incorporated in it, and our main entrance has the signpost of the distance to both Falmouth and London.
Refurbished to a contemporary and high standard
Sunday roasts and pub classics
Our Sunday Roasts have become the stuff of local legends. With fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside potatoes, perfectly cooked meat and lashings of gravy it’s not hard to see why. Our main menu showcases a selection of light bites and classic dishes, as well as a variety of meats, fish and vegetarian and vegan options on the grill. Our menu has a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients providing you with the very finest and freshest that Dorset produce has to offer you, all at a reasonable price. We feel it is essential to keep our food miles down and our quality high.
Sunday roasts and pub classics
Our Sunday Roasts have become the stuff of local legends. With fluffy on the inside, crunchy on the outside potatoes, perfectly cooked meat and lashings of gravy it’s not hard to see why. Our main menu showcases a selection of light bites and classic dishes, as well as a variety of meats, fish and vegetarian and vegan options on the grill. Our menu has a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients providing you with the very finest and freshest that Dorset produce has to offer you, all at a reasonable price. We feel it is essential to keep our food miles down and our quality high.
We look forward to welcoming you whether you are a Dorset local looking for a quick pint and friendly ear, or just dropping in for a rest stop on your Staycation while on the Trafalgar Way, just as Lieutenant Lepenotiere did!
Jo and Lee Worsely
What's on at The Coach House Inn
december, 2024