Filmmaker Guy Ritchie and his team have just launched  Lore of the Sky – a smokehouse restaurant situated at his Compton Abbas Airfield near Shaftesbury.

The eating house aims to blend a Texan-inspired menu with rustic countryside charm to create a ‘unique dining experience’, they say.

Perched in the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the airfield has been a haven for aviation lovers since 1962. Under Ritchie’s ownership, it enters an exciting new chapter, set to become a must-visit destination as it re-launches its restaurant offering.

Taking inspiration from its beloved sister pub, Lore of the Land, in Fitzrovia, London, Lore of the Sky brings the same dedication to quality, atmosphere, and locally sourced produce, to the scenic surroundings of Compton Abbas Airfield.

This reimagined restaurant serves authentic Texas barbecue, with a menu curated by Head Chef Alex Brown, featuring mouth-watering dishes such as tender oak-smoked pork belly, loaded Smokehouse nachos, and a rich, slow-braised Jackfruit burger. All are smoked on-site using the state-of-the-art J&R Oyler Smoker – the first of its kind in the UK and only the second in Europe, flown in directly from the barbecue heartlands of Texas.

Complementing these dishes, Lore of the Sky offers a selection of draught beers, ales, and ciders from local Dorset and Wiltshire breweries. Altitude, a locally brewed lager, has also been created in-house to celebrate the airfield’s aviation legacy.

Compton Abbas Airfield is a fully operational airfield with a rich aviation heritage, offering panoramic views over Shaftesbury. Perfect for locals, aviation enthusiasts, foodies and day-trippers from London and the South-West alike, it’s a great destination for friends and families.

Here you can watch Spitfires and vintage aircraft take off and land throughout the day, as plane owners and pilots gather to enjoy the lively airfield community. You can even take to the skies yourself with flying experiences available on-site.

Throughout the year, the airfield hosts calendar events that extend past the regular scheduled air shows and celebrate all aspects of British automotive heritage, including Classic Cars at Compton, the British Aerobatics Association competition, Land Rover Weekend, fireworks, and the Christmas Fly-In. After taking in the inviting atmosphere, visitors can relax with classic comfort food and warm hospitality at this unique destination.

With the legacy of Lore of the Land behind it and a deep connection to aviation heritage, the owners say Lore of the Sky is poised to become one of Dorset’s favourite new dining destinations – where storied history, stunning views, and irresistible barbecue food come together for an unforgettable experience.