The Fountain Inn, Enmore Green, Shaftesbury

Planning permission submitted for conversion. Now looks very dilapidated.

A very quaint, traditional family-run village-style Grade II listed freehouse on the outskirts of the old town which has been sympathetically renovated. There is a small car park across the road at the front, and they probably had a spectacular view before the hedge opposite grew too high, while at the back is an enclosed harden with an outside bar (not in use when we visited). It has struck a good balance between the older features and the modern facilities and is now a very presentable place for food, drink and conviviality. The single bar is formed from two rooms at slightly different levels meaning steps are needed to rise from the front bar area to the rear. There is an impressive feature fireplace which has been renovated, flagstone flooring in the older front bar and slightly sober décor. There is a gaming machine hidden away at the back, and, bizarrely, a chest freezer which looks like it should be in the kitchen. Less traditional, there are rather naff coloured tin buckets used to hold cutlery on some of the tables, and there are piles of tourist leaflets and adverts for hairdressers dotted around. The staff and locals were welcoming, and the pub is dog-friendly. There is a tv screen and local radio, but no wifi is available. The furniture is a mixture and includes a rocking chair, comfy sofa and barstools as well as tables laid for diners. Food is simple but very well cooked and represents good value for money. There were three ales on – I tried the Flacks's Double Drop and the Hobgoblin, both in excellent condition. I shall definitely come back here to enjoy their beer and food