The first pub to win West Dorset CAMRA’s Pub Garden of the Year competition back in 2017, the Spyway Inn, has done it again this year.
The Spyway Inn, Askerwell lies in the shadow of Eggardon Hill and with distant views of Golden Cap and Marshwood Vale just off the A35 between Dorchester and Bridport.
Set on a slight incline to the rear of the pub, the garden is bordered by shrubbery, hedging and a small stream with a large acer tree directly outside the entrance to the bar. The garden is a vista of colours and features many plants including geraniums, cosmos, salvia and marigold all blended together with various herbs in a pretty cottage style. At the top of the garden there is a veg patch with a large plum tree and sweet pea bush that is currently in bloom.
Other features of the garden include a fenced-off pond, shepherd-style pods for when the weather chills, a teepee for children, fire pit and a large summer house with removable window panels that can sit more than 20 people. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there is a cooling off zone where customers can hose their pet down in the extreme heat.
The garden is well frequented by diners sampling the array of home-cooked food by landlord Dave Compton, (pictured with landlady Louise Compton who looks after the beer and cider).
Louise said: “We are delighted to have won, we didn’t realise we were part of a competition. We have done quite a lot of work ourselves in the garden, we love it and hope our customers appreciate it too. We have tried to make it as inclusive and welcoming as possible.”
West Dorset press officer Rich Gabe said: “It is an ideal location, peaceful and tranquil, ideal for watching the sunset. I was surprised how green the grass was, and it was explained by Louise that water is taken from the stream, and it flows back through the earth into the stream again like a natural irrigation system.”
Photo by Rich Gabe
