OUR STORY
An independent historic family-run pub in the heart of Dorset
Welcome to our pub - an independent, historic inn located in the village of Chedington, run by mother and daughter team Bron and Lucy. We made the move here in early 2020, leaving behind our fast-paced City jobs in London just weeks before the world went into lockdown. What was meant to be a temporary escape quickly became something more permanent – we fell in love with village life and the sense of community.
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We were lucky enough to team up with Marie, a talented local chef and seasoned publican. With her culinary flair and deep knowledge of running pubs, Marie has helped us take things to the next level – from creating menus full of locally sourced flavours to shaping the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’re so proud of today.
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Together, the three of us share a passion for keeping the spirit of the traditional village pub alive, while adding our own personal touch. Whether you’re joining us for a pint by the fire, a hearty meal with friends, or a countryside escape, you’ll always find a warm welcome here.
A pub full of history​
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Once known as The Three Horseshoes, The Winyard’s Gap Inn has stood proudly on the edge of the unspoilt village of Chedington for more than three centuries, looking out across the rolling Dorset and Somerset hills.​
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Winyard’s Gap found its place in literature through Thomas Hardy, who immortalised it in A Trampwoman’s Tragedy - a poem he later described as “upon the whole his most successful.”
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The inn’s current name honours General Winyard, who forced a route through the area to move heavy artillery. History runs deep here: in 1651, Charles II passed through Winyard’s Gap while fleeing capture, and just seven years earlier, his father King Charles I had marched his troops through the same route during the English Civil War.​
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Following the First World War, the National Trust gifted 16 acres of land nearby as a memorial to the 43rd Division of the Dorsetshire Regiment - a lasting tribute that still connects the inn to the area’s proud heritage.​​​
Eat, drink & relax
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Our traditional bar is the heart of the pub - a cosy, relaxed space with a roaring fire in the colder months and a lively, informal atmosphere all year round. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pint of local ale, a glass of wine, or a refreshing non-alcoholic option, while tucking into timeless pub favourites or lighter bar snacks perfect for sharing. No booking is needed to drop in, except on Sundays when we welcome reservations for lunch.​
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Alongside the bar, our dining room offers a brighter, more refined setting. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere that’s ideal for every occasion — from intimate dinners for two to celebratory gatherings with friends and family. Together, the bar and dining areas strike the perfect balance of cosy tradition and relaxed sophistication, ensuring there’s always a space to suit your mood.
Join the Team
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We’re always on the lookout for passionate, friendly people to join our team here at Winyard’s Gap Inn. Whether you’re looking for a role front of house, in the kitchen, or behind the bar, we offer a welcoming workplace with plenty of opportunity to learn and grow. If you love great food, friendly service, and being part of a close-knit team, we’d love to hear from you.
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