Half Moon Inn, Shaftesbury

A large Hall and Woodhouse establishment on a busy main road. The building is a quaint single story stone and brick concoction with a large car park entered off a busy roundabout. Adjacent to the car park is the garden, which has an old fashioned telephone box in it, a children's play area and a patch of grass where people can allow their dogs to 'exercise' around the same goal posts that the children use for football. Entering the large L-shaped bar/dining area feels like walking into someone's country kitchen, only bigger and not as cosy. There is a mix of wood and stone tiles on the floor, there is a large woodburner in the front bar and a selection of cheap and nasty furniture. The staff were friendly but the clientele, ranging from the foul-mouthed non-Council Tax paying community to the group of ladies enjoying a sad-looking lunch, were not the most welcoming. The only ale on was First Call, which was so far over the hill that it was impossible for me to finish my pint. This pub lacks any real substance currently, although I'm told a new manager has just been appointed, so let's see what happens.

Large car park,nice beer garden and extensive rooms but is more of an eating establishment than for drinking.the menu was varied and reasonably priced though not cheap. Staff very friendly but rushed off their feet. Situated on a busy roundabout on the A350