One of Dorset’s most picturesque pubs with stunning views can be found in the heart of the Purbeck region.  I was very excited to visit The Greyhound Inn at Corfe Castle and the moment we walked in we were greeted by cheery staff who were ready to welcome us and explain the one way system to follow for our table after completing the track and trace.

The 15th century Purbeck Stone building is both traditional and modern inside with lots of paintings on the walls and signs of local history throughout.  Head out to the back garden and you’ll find a stunning seated area and heated terrace with twinkly lights and a magnificent view of the Castle ruins.

Whilst perusing the menu my husband asked which gin they had and was pleasantly surprised with the wide choice so it took him some time to decide on a rhubarb and ginger gin with a Mediterranean tonic which I’m told was extremely flavourful while I had a refreshing glass of chilled white wine.

Alongside the main menu which offers pub classics like cod and chips, burgers and rotisserie chicken there is also mini mezze and bread boards, ploughmans, open ciabattas, stone baked pizzas, cream teas and dishes using local produce like the Dorset crab stack and mussels in steamed Purbeck Cider with a cream, leek and chorizo sauce served with crusty bread and chips.

My husband ordered the Jurassic Coast 28 day aged rib eye steak which was served on top of asparagus with roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine, chunky chips and a rocket and parmesan salad.  I’m always nervous when my husband orders a steak as he likes it blue and has often been left disappointed but luckily this was not the case which is obviously down to the locally sourced meat and skilled chefs.  I ordered pulled pork from the specials menu which was equally as tasty and served with slaw, pickles, gherkins and potato wedges.  The pork shoulder had been rubbed with a house blend of spices then smoked low and slow for 18 hours in their own smoker and then hand pulled and mixed with a Kentucky Bourbon BBQ sauce.  I love pulled pork so it was a winner for me but because it was so moist the bun quickly fell apart so I just devoured it without the bun.

We were unsure if we could manage a dessert but settled on sharing the churros which came out hot and fresh served with chocolate for dipping and vanilla ice cream, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

The staff were very attentive and friendly throughout and after our meal we asked if it would be ok to take our drinks out to the garden to enjoy sitting back in the beautiful surroundings.

We had such a lovely evening that we didn’t want to leave but we were off on holiday in the morning and sadly we knew the car wouldn’t pack itself.  We have however booked to go back on Father’s Day so the children can join us.  Looking forward to it already!

The Greyhound Inn offers a variety of dishes which include vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. The food is fresh and they use seasonal produce where possible including local butchers and brewers.

If you are visiting Corfe Castle then bring your tickets in to receive a 10% discount.

The pub is very dog friendly and because they shouldn’t be left out they have Bottom Sniffer brew beer, Little Star treats and Scoopdog ice cream for sale.

Children are very welcome and highchairs are available.  The kids menu includes pasta, fish and chips, beef burger, chicken nuggets and sandwiches.  They also have loaded milkshakes which I’m desperate to try myself and include caramel biscoff, vanilla smarties, chocolate oreo and salted caramel and banana.  Yum!

So, if you're looking for somewhere special for date night, a get together with friends or a family celebration then I can definitely recommend The Greyhound Inn.

Dorsetmums was invited to The Greyhound Inn for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

Emma Tomes is a licensed and certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist with a passion for helping children and adults to move beyond loss.

Children and young people can feel a range of difficult emotions in grief, such as anger, irritability, anxiety and sadness.  They may not be able to sleep well, find it hard to concentrate, or become withdrawn and feel lonely.  They may have physical aches and pains.

The intensity of one emotion may differ to the next.  There’s no one way to grieve – and every person’s experience of grief and loss is unique.

And because children and young people are still growing and maturing, their understanding of grief and loss will be developing as well.  They may find it hard to express themselves.  Their behaviour may be changeable, prone to outbursts or recklessness.  Or they may withdraw into themselves and hide away.

Parents, carers, teachers and anyone who works with children, can be provided with specific tools to help children and teenagers cope and recover from their grief and loss.

The Helping Children with Loss programme uses techniques from The Grief Recovery Method® that have been specifically adapted for use with children.  The programme was created with the awareness that adverse childhood events can have a permanent impact on a person’s wellbeing.

About Emma…..

“I’m so proud to be able to say my sessions have enabled people to release the pain from their grief so they can build a happier life.

Looking forward to a future, bright with possibility, is so important.  But it hasn’t always been this way.  In 2010, my heart was truly broken when my former partner ended his life by suicide.  I was absolutely devastated – and not just because he was one of my closest friends but because we also had a son.

Overnight, I found myself experiencing overwhelming feelings of loss, guilt and sadness.  I wasn’t at all prepared for how these intense feelings would change my life, and my son’s.

What followed was years of feeling weighed down by unresolved grief. I didn’t know where to turn to for help.  I was stuck.  I felt so alone but I couldn’t give up because I had my children to care for.  And then I discovered The Grief Recovery Method®.

Following a structured 8-week course, I became equipped with the essential tools I needed to recover. Moving beyond grief made me feel lighter and happier.  Not only that, I had first-hand knowledge of how to help my children with loss and grief.  As a parent, this was one of the most important things I could ever do.

The Grief Recovery Method® was exactly what I’d been searching for.  I felt I’d been given the keys to open the door to the rest of my life!

Now, I’m licensed and certified as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist through Grief UK to help individuals identify and build their own tools for recovery.  And I’m a certified Mental Health Instructor with Mental Health First Aid England helping people to recognise the signs of poor mental health.”

Emma Tomes offers 2 programmes - one is designed for working with adults 1 to 1 and the other is the ‘Helping Children with Loss’ course which is completed over 4 sessions with a max of 8 people in the group.

If you would like to read more about the programmes, find details of upcoming course dates or contact Emma then please visit The Helpful Coach on Facebook.