White Lion VIEW THE GALLERY

White Lion


Nestled in the heart of the Dorset countryside, the White Lion is a charming 17th-century inn with a fascinating history—most notably serving as a refuge for King Charles II in 1651 before his flight to France. Fast forward to the 21st century, and this historic pub has been given new life by a dedicated community effort. Closed since the summer of 2021, the White Lion reopened on 29 April 2022 after a hugely successful fundraising campaign. Thanks to the enthusiasm of local residents, the unwavering support of Palmers Brewery, and the vision of the steering committee, this treasured pub now stands once more at the heart of Broadwindsor village.

Facilities

Disabled facilities

Disabled facilities

Dog friendly

Dog friendly

Takeaway Available

Takeaway Available

A Historic 17th-Century Community-Run Inn with a Warm Dorset Welcome


The committee was led by the much-missed David Leader, who passed away suddenly in 2022. His passion for unity, community spirit, and making good things happen left a lasting legacy that lives on within these historic walls. Today, Broadwindsor Community Pub Ltd continues David’s work, maintaining the White Lion as a welcoming focal point for residents and visitors alike. Run by managers Kerry and Clive Dammert—now very much part of the local fabric—the pub offers a warm Dorset welcome that keeps people coming back time and again.

Within the White Lion’s cosy interior, complete with open log fires, visitors can savour beautifully kept Palmers ale and enjoy delicious home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients. Entertainment is plentiful, ranging from lively bingo and quiz nights to toe-tapping folk music and other live performances. The White Lion is dog-friendly, ensuring four-legged companions can join in the fun, and disabled facilities make this historic space accessible to all. Whether you come to soak up its remarkable past, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, or indulge in hearty Dorset fare, the White Lion promises a truly memorable experience in the heart of the countryside.

Location Pin

White LionBack Lane, Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3QD

A story of family, heritage, quality… and beer.


Palmers ales are brewed in one of Britain’s oldest and prettiest breweries and have been since 1794. The only thatched brewery in the UK, Palmers sits adjacent to the river Brit just a mile from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. All our fine ales are brewed using water from our own naturally rising spring.

Our Head Brewer uses only the finest Maris Otter malt and carefully selected whole leaf hops to produce ales in a way they have been made for generations. Palmers historic brewhouse has a traditional Mash Tun, an open top Copper, along with top fermentation, this is the way ale should be brewed.

READ ALL ABOUT IT
Palmers Hop Glyph

Our Brews


Copper Ale IPA Dorset Gold Palmers 200 Tally Ho! The Dorset Pale

 

The brewer’s notebook

sign up for our notes and news


Taste the quality

with Palmers



Confirm Subscription