Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623

About us

So what in more detail defines what’s on offer at The Blue Raddle? Aside from the real ales served and the heroic exploits of the landlady in the kitchen, what is striking about the place is that it can properly be described as a ‘real pub’-a ‘free house’ in old money, independent and completely owned (for the past nine years) by the landlord and landlady, Rick and Chris Townsend.

Young children are not admitted but well behaved dogs are. There are no fruit machines, no loud music played or football shown. The bar is festooned with pump clips of beers long since consumed and the walls covered with items to amuse. A visit to the loo is accompanied by the sound of comedy classics and in the gents satirical reading matter awaits. Long serving staff members Loopy Lou, Jules, Brads and Co ensure a welcoming and relaxed approach to proceedings and there are numerous events and musical entertainment to be sampled.

Perhaps however, most importantly what really sets an experience at The Raddle apart is all entrants are equal in status and as such can enjoy the company of fellow ‘Raddlers’ without any prejudices which are left firmly outside the door. Being small once full, which quite often it is, the atmospheric result of people chatting lifts the mood and laughter permeates the internal space from all directions. It really is laughter on tap!.

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Facilities

FoodReal ale
Pub reviews

Reviews

4.5/5

John Olson

4 months ago

This was a great experience of Sunday lunch at an old English pub (free house actually). My wife tried the lamb roast with vegetables, accompanied by a half pint of light ale. Absolutely loved it! I tried venison sausages and mash, accompanied by a locally made raspberry lemonade - the kind pubs served when I was a boy. Both great. We would have tried their deserts, but no room left after the big main course. Husband and wife hosts were lovely and the regulars also made us feel welcome. Small word of caution- they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Lorelei Lee

5 months ago

Always excellent food and service. Good choice of beers. Booking a must as the Blue Raddle is always busy. Highly recommend. Dog friendly too.

Nicko

1 year ago

This pub has been recommended to me many times but I had not been able to visit due to its limited opening days. I am pleased to report that it exceeded all expectations. Comfortable, clean, welcoming free house serving a good range of unpretentious ales at very reasonable prices. This pales alongside the food, which is hearty, wide-ranging, and offers several local game choices, incl. venison, pheasant and duck. I had a venison casserole, which was delicious and was accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables. Again, excellent and unpretentious. Best pub in West Dorset, and that's going some!

Mark de Jager

1 year ago

A friendly & welcoming pub- I've been here several times and the food and welcome has been top notch. Tonight I had the whitebait followed by the steak & kidney pie, while my companions had the pheasant & vernison burger, and the chicken & bacon pie. The dishes were geneous and fresh, and all plates went back to the kitchen spotlessly clean. Finished with a slice of their homemade cake now the day and all but rolled back to our hotel. *Highly* recommended 👌

Simon Bradford

1 year ago

So friendly, decent pub with tasty food. Definitely somewhere to go for good drinks and food.

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Heverlee 0623
Heverlee 0623