The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton, near Dorchester, has been presented with the Pub Garden of the Year award by the West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The delayed presentation of the 2022 award was finally made to Emma-Jayne Sweeting and Michal Trawicki of The Thimble, at the Dorchester Beerex festival held at the Corn Exchange last week. 

The pub was judged by an independent group of CAMRA members, who all felt the garden was the best kept amongst those nominated in the competition.

The garden is surrounded by low level boarder walls with seasonal flowers planted along the trough-style raised bed. 

New benching and tables allow customers to relax beside the tranquil flowing River Piddle, or they may choose to sit in the opposite garden which has been reclaimed and illuminated. 

There is a covered area that is used if musicians are performing outside in the summer months or a smaller patio area by the side of the pub. 

Judges were impressed by the way the small garden was lovingly maintained and kept clean. 

The pub sells a selection of Palmers Brewery beers and is very popular with diners, the perfect pub garden for a meal and pint.

West Dorset CAMRA also made a presentation for Pub of the Year 2023 at the Dorchester Beerex event, which went to The White Lion in Broadwindsor, near Beaminster. 

The White Lion was said to be a thriving example of a community-run pub. You can read more on the Bridport Nub News website.