About The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is an historic pub in an historic village. Portesham was first mentioned in a charter dating back to 1024 when King Canute granted Porteshamme land to one of his ministers.
Admiral Hardy, as in “Kiss Me, Hardy” of HMS Victory fame, lived in Portesham House, still standing opposite the pub. The Kings Arms itself has been a pub since at least 1900.
Inside the Kings Arms, which has recently been refurbished, is a traditional bar and dining area, with three open fires creating a cosy, welcoming atmosphere to relax and enjoy a drink and a meal. Outside we have a large garden, complete with a stunning Cypress tree and a natural stream running through the property. A lovely setting for summer BBQs or just to enjoy long afternoons and evenings with a drink and a meal.
Food is served every day, both at lunchtime and evening. Please see our food serving times for current details & take a look at our Main
The Kings Arms offers a choice of 4 real ales on rotation, and we are proud to be Cask Marque accredited on our real ales. We also stock a curated selection of wines, including all your favourites, plus Champagne and dessert wines. Please look at our Wine List and see our Drinks menu for other options.
In addition, we have ten keg products of craft lager & ciders. These all sit well alongside our 25 Gin Menu – with gins from around the globe offered with eight tonic options and ten garnishes.
The local area has lots to offer. Portesham is a beautiful typical Dorset village with a wonderful old church and stone thatched cottages. The Jubilee Trail is close by and a circular walkout from the pub, along the stunning South Dorset Ridgeway, takes in Hardy’s Monument and the Hell Stone. Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Garden are only 2 miles away, and the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and Chesil Beach are within 4 miles.
Hardy’s Country, the county town of Dorchester along with some fantastic individual shops, the seaside town of Weymouth, the market town of Bridport and West Bay, and the location for the recent ITV drama Broadchurch are all within a 15-20 minute drive.
If you need a rest after all that exploring, why not stay at the Kings Arms? We have three rooms, all of which offer very flexible accommodation and can be booked as single, double, twin or family rooms. And of course, we offer English breakfast the following morning to see you on your way! Please check our Rooms page for details.