The Jerk Shak is one of Dorset’s best hidden gems!
If you haven’t heard about this hidden gem, then I wouldn’t worry as I hadn’t either until I picked up my copy of the 111 Places to Visit in Poole. And it’s made even worse by the fact that I’ve visited this place for years with family and never new about it. Mostly probably because those visits had happened during Winter months.
Jerk Shak is an outside Caribbean food shack within the garden of The Scott Arms I Kingston, Dorset.
Serving proper Jamaican Caribbean cuisine, playing banging Reggae tunes, and serving proper Rum Punch, you’ll be pushed to find something as exciting as this in a coastal village in Dorset.
Opening
Only open in the months of April to September at the weekend, you’ll need to head over quick when you see a gap in those clouds, especially as it’s based outside! But with that in mind end down on a beautiful sunny day and you’ll not only be greeted by the team, but also by amazing views across the Purbeck hills and Poole Harbour.
The Grub
The menu here is just incredible, with the likes of Jerk Lobster, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Prawns and a whole lot more! All dishes are served with Coleslaw, Fried Plantain and of course Rice & Peas. I opted for the Jerk Chicken. Served as half a chicken on the bone and cooked to perfection in those Jerk spices. It was moist, fell off the bone easily (for those of you who know me well this is a big struggle for me normally) and it had that perfect kick. The Rice & Peas, well you can’t go wrong with them really, can you? The only downside for me was the fried plantain as it tasted too much like banana to me, and I’m not a banana fan.
Overall, I cannot fault this place. Yes, it’s a shack, but the food is far from that. The price is very reasonable for the plateful and well of course you aren’t going to moan about the views! It’s safe to say I will be returning and trying something different from the menu.
Price: ££–£££ / Where: The Scott Arms, Kingston, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5LH / Website: www.thescottarms.com/jerkshak/
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