The Swan Hotel, Sturminster Newton

A traditional stone built village pub on the narrow main road through. There is ample parking at the rear, though the entry to the car park is narrow and tight for large cars. The two bars have roadside frontage and rear access through the covered patio to the carpark. The public bar has a pool table and is mainly used by the younger element of the village. The saloon is carpeted and has an unattractive brick fireplace containing a woodburner. It also has comfy seating and an unusual wooden table with 2 swans carved into its top. The locals were happy to let us pass unimpeded but were not particularly welcoming. The only food in evidence was a takeaway pizza. Staff were a bit on the slow side. There were 2 ales on – I had Doombar which was not well kept. This is very much a locals' pub, not somewhere I'd come to on purpose but fine for a swift half if you happen to be in the village.