Pub of The Week: Riverside Coventry Arms

Nestled on the banks of the River Stour in Corfe Mullen, this pub boasts a ‘fusion of rustic charm with a modern allure'.

It is owned by James Mills who bought the 15th-century building in 2022.

Since then, the venue has undergone a full renovation, headed by the pub's marketing and design manager, Holly Emptage.

Holly said: “We wanted to make the space more colourful and inviting.

“The pub has a lot of history and natural character, so we wanted to keep the exposed beams, exposed brick and flagstone floors and the original fireplaces.

“But we’ve modernised it and added comfy, plush furniture.

“People just get lost in time here.”

The Riverside at the Coventry Arms has a large garden with plenty of seating, including hanging egg chairs, where guests can sit and enjoy the river.

For kayakers and paddle boarders, the pub is a perfect destination for a well-deserved pint.

Launching from Eye Bridge in Wimborne, it is a 2.5-mile paddle to the back garden.

The pub runs a live event schedule from May until September.

It hosts a live music event each month, which brings around 300 people into the pub's garden to watch a variety of artists and tribute acts.

Holly said: “They are super popular, and the atmosphere is buzzing.”

In the coming weeks, the Riverside at the Coventry Arms is launching a new ‘more affordable’ menu.

Holly said: “We are going to make the menu more like a traditional gastropub, with specials that change every day.

“We are aiming to make it more affordable for everyone, so it's more accessible for people coming in.

Added to the price reductions, Holly said they plan to reduce the price of some of the pub’s drinks.  All the beers will be coming down a pound, amongst other price reductions.

She said: “There is a cost-of-living crisis at the moment, and dining out is the first thing to go for many people.

“So we are trying to ensure this doesn’t happen and focus on good quality food and service that gives people great value.”