Antelope Hotel, Sturminster Newton

This fantastic village pub is currently a freehouse offering decent food and three ales on draft. There is a small carpark at the back and a smoking area at the side but no real garden to speak of. The pub is a brick-built house whose ground floor has been knocked through but still manages to feel like three different bar areas. At the front is a long bar with a brick built fireplace set in a much older chimney breast, with a dartboard adjacent. At the apex of the L is a sealed fireplace, and there is a second bar at the back. The floors are a mix of proper floorboards and flagstones. The staff are very welcoming and friendly, while the locals are convivial and enjoy good-humoured banter. A separate annex serves as a function room and skittle alley. Free wifi is available and there is a choice of bottled ciders. The ales on were Doombar, Ringwood Bitter and Tribute; I had the latter which was in very good condition, but was a little over-chilled. Well worth a visit.