Bankes Arms, Swanage

A pub of contrasts. The most obvious is location; it's certainly an idyllic setting with some some quality views from the beer garden over Poole Bay. However the place doesn't look overly inviting from the outside and parts of the interior looked a bit worn and tired - some simple touches could improve this. The pub is spacious inside, with at least one real fire on the go during winter. On my visit there were five ales on, most (if not all) from the pub's own brewery (Isle of Purbeck) - they were served well but were fairly uninspiring taste-wise. They also do a home-brewed lager which I actually found to be their best offering - go for that first. However, given that they brew on the premises, the prices they charged are pretty extortionate - over £3 for their lager. I got a tour round the brewery from the brewmaster who was a nice chap. Personally, I think it's worth a stop for the tick if nearby but I wouldn't necessarily call it an 'essential' pub.

Official site of the Bankes Arms, includes beer list and menu - www.bankesarms.com

This is a nice pub, both inside & out. Has one real ale pump, Adnams, but it wasn't on at the time. Racing & darts were on the two screens in the bar. Best pub in the immediate area.

My picture was taken back in 1989. But it looks nice. Has it's own brewery on site and sources other ales from independent small breweries.

Official site of the Bankes Arms, includes beer list and menu - www.bankesarms.com