The Crown Inn, Sherborne

A roadside inn in the older part of Sherborne, currently undergoing renovation, which make it an interesting experience. There is a small amount of on-road parking at the front. It still does bed and breakfast, though the pub business has improved since BobO's review, below. There are regular events including open mic nights, Thai food evenings and happy hours. The unrenovated bit is still dim and grubby, especially the toilets area, and it has that 1960s feel to it. In the renovated bar the décor is now bright and airy, the floors a strange mix if old flags and new tiles and laminate and you walk into light in contrast to the gloomy bit. The brick fireplace has been tarted up and now has a woodburner, but it still looks a bit dated. The bar counter and furniture are much improved. On balance it's better than it was, but still has a cheap feel to it. Three ales on draft, all from St Austell: Trelawney, Cornish and Proper Job. The beers weren't that well kept but were at least drinkable. Not the best ale pub in the area, but OK to stop for a quick one, and the B&B facilities looked OK.

Always strikes me as a dull, miserable place - much like the bar staff who didn't really offer any welcome as such, just poured my pint and carried on chatting to her mates. Beer was pretty average and not worth calling back to try another in future. Generally below average.