Alex and Nicky Ford took over this traditional village pub in Puddletown in June 2008. Keeping the very best of the old, they set about combining its warm, friendly country ambience with a cool, airy modern interior - part of a style that is reflected in their approach to the food and hospitality for which the Blue Vinny is rapidly gaining a reputation. The menu is truly international and combines influences from the Mediterranean, modern British and mainland Europe.

Caramelized red onion and Blue Vinny tart served with baby leaf salad and a balsamic reduction and seared Lyme Bay scallops with a spicy coriander and tomato salsa set the stage for your meal. Confit of Large Black belly pork with black pudding, Bramley apple rösti and a scrumpy jack scented jus could follow, with vanilla pannacotta with raspberry coulis to round off the experience. The Dorset cheese, Blue Vinny, is a way of life round here - be sure to sample some.

The wines have been chosen to march with the menu, and there is always a range of excellent guest ales on tap.