Such is the appeal of the Castle's picturesque mellow brick exterior that it has served, over the years, as a much favoured film set: 'Elizabeth R', 'Room with a View', 'The Life of Hogarth' and 'The Wicked Lady' all featured scenes shot here. The building dates back to 1420 (when it was known as Waterslip House), but it was first licensed to sell ale in about 1730 (when it was called the Five Bells). Today the Castle is full of nooks and crannies, period furniture and evocative curios, with the beamed bar having been remodelled carefully to preserve its unique character. Outside is a vine-hung courtyard with its own garden bar.
The same family owners have dispensed good ales for 40 years, including Larkins Traditional, brewed nearby at Larkins Farm. The wine list is an oenophile's dream, stretching to well over 100 choices, and there's a great collection of malts. The inn also has a strong reputation for its cooking. The bar menu offers typical pub food: open sandwiches, salads, ploughman's, jacket potatoes, sausages, and chilli con carne; chips, however, are definitely not served
The Fireside Menu provides informal dinners in the saloon bar, with the likes of duck foie gras terrine, followed by roast rump of lamb on a root vegetable puree, or pan-fried fillet of monkfish with herb mash. At the top end of the dining range, a small, very individual restaurant with waiter service caters for those special occasions. Dishes are priced individually or you can select any three courses for a fixed price - truly excellent value for money. How about a weekday lunch of Dorset cock crab salad; followed by breast of duck with haricots verts and wild mushroom jus; and finishing with white chocolate and orange tart with coconut ice cream? You will still have change from £20 or 30 Euros - which is accepted currency here