The Tippling Philosopher, Sherborne

A large labyrinthine village pub which was known as The King's Head for many years before reverting back to the original name in the 1980s. There has been an alehouse and inn on this site since the 16th Century, though the current building is mainly Georgian, with a modern skittle alley extension where the stables once were. There is a car park at the side off the main road, otherwise parking can be problematic. The garden is part-paved, part grassed. There is a main bar with a variety of seating styles and a dining room laid to table, while a series of small rooms and corridors lead to the far side of the pub. Food is home cooked, with a regularly changing menu. Some evening entertainment is hosted and there is a gaming machine in the bar. The staff were pleasant, while the regulars are a mixed bunch, mainly the younger element. Four pumps on the bar – Tribute had just gone off, leaving Tipp's Best, Pedigree Amber Ale and Breakspear's Bitter, all in reasonable condition. This Was a decent village local, worth stopping off when passing through and I'd be happy to spend an evening here.