Hollywood director Guy Ritchie has brought a bold new flavor to Dorset with the opening of Lore of the Sky, a Texan smokehouse restaurant located within the operational Compton Abbas Airfield. Officially launched earlier this month, the restaurant melds rustic Texan charm with the tranquil beauty of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Lore of the Sky draws inspiration from its sister establishment, Fitzrovia’s Lore of the Land, maintaining a strong commitment to quality, atmosphere, and locally sourced ingredients. Helmed by Head Chef Alex Brown, the menu showcases authentic Texas barbecue specialties. Guests can savor dishes like oak-smoked pork belly, loaded Smokehouse nachos, and a slow-braised Jackfruit burger — all smoked onsite using the pioneering J&R Oyler Smoker. This state-of-the-art smoker is notably the first in the UK and only the second in Europe, directly imported from Texas’s barbecue heartlands.
Beyond the food, visitors can enjoy a curated selection of draught beers, ales, and ciders sourced from Dorset and Wiltshire breweries. The venue also features Altitude, a bespoke lager crafted in-house to honor the airfield’s rich aviation heritage.
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Compton Abbas Airfield offers breathtaking panoramic views over Shaftesbury and remains fully operational with a vibrant aviation community. Visitors can watch Spitfires and vintage aircraft take off and land or even participate in flying experiences available onsite.
The airfield also hosts a variety of yearly events celebrating British automotive and aviation culture, including Classic Cars at Compton, British Aerobatics Association contests, Land Rover Weekend, fireworks displays, and the festive Christmas Fly-In.
Lore of the Sky promises to be a premier destination for locals, aviation enthusiasts, food lovers, and day-trippers alike — offering a unique blend of sky-high views, hearty Texan fare, and warm, welcoming hospitality.