The Spyway Inn, at Askerwell, has won West Dorset CAMRA’s Pub Garden of the Year competition for 2026.
Dave and Louise Compton. Photograph: Rich Gabe
Laying in the shadow of Eggardon Hill and with distant views of Golden Cap and the Marshwood Vale, the pub is located just off the A35, between Dorchester and Bridport.
Set on a slight incline to the rear of the pub, the garden is bordered by shrubbery, hedging, and a small stream. There is a large Acer tree directly outside the back door from the pub to the garden. The garden is a vista of colours and features many plants, including geraniums, cosmos, salvia, and marigold. These are blended together with various herb plants in a pretty cottage style, all essential for the local bee population.
At the top of the garden there is a veg patch with a large plum tree, and sweet pea bush which is in bloom. Centre features include a pond that is fenced off, Shepherd-style pods for when the weather chills, a teepee tent for children to play in, a fire pit for late summer/autumnal nights, and a large summer house.
The garden is well used by diners sampling the array of home cooked food by the landlord Dave Compton, and the well-kept selection of ale and cider served by landlady Louise Compton.
“We are delighted to have won,” said Louise. “We didn’t realise we were part of a competition, and have done quite a lot of work ourselves in the garden. We love it, and hope our customers appreciate it, too. We have tried to make it as inclusive and welcoming as possible.”
West Dorset CAMRA competitions co-ordinator, Kylie Stroud, said: “It was a close contest with strong contenders, but the Spyway is a worthy winner.”
Press officer Rich Gabe added: “It was an ideal location, peaceful and tranquil, ideal for watching the sunset. I was surprised how green the grass was, and it was explained by Louise that water is taken from the stream and it flows back through the earth into the stream again, like a natural irrigation system.”
