The Coventry Arms, Wimborne

I last came in here 21 years ago and was banned because our Geordie friends were laughing. Fortunately the current owners, who have been here for 2 years, have an equal opportunities policy with regards to fun and no longer discriminate aginst those from outside Dorset. This 15th Century roadside freehouse had a refurbishment in 2012 but has not lost its traditional charm. Exposed brickwork, flag and stone floors and open fireplaces, although some are modern, have been sympathetically renovated to provide a traditional setting. Freshly cooked food made from local ingredients is available and there is an acceptable wine list. It's not cheap, but it's a cut above the usual pub fayre. Free wifi is available and there was no muzak, but the windows were open and the road noise was noticeable. There were three ales on, and I had a pint of Otter which was in very decent condition. I would be most happy to return to eat or drink anytime.

This sizable roadside pub has a lovely setting on the banks of the River Stour, a short distance downstream from the old Corfe Mullen mill. It's typical of many a Dorset country pub, with low ceilings and plenty of exposed beams, wooden floorboards and bare brick walls. Entrance from the car park at the side takes you into the public bar, which on my recent visit was showing six nations rugby to a small band of locals on a large screen. There's a decent amount of seating in this room and it strikes me as the best place to stay if you're here just for a drink. From here you can move on into a second room which is very small, with minimal seating, but with good access to the bar and a view of what beers are on stilage at the back of the servery. Beyond this is the dining area, which is divided into three notional sections by various partitioning walls and the shape of the building. A large, open fire range dominates this area and the fire was lit on our early March visit and as it is a gas fire, it could be turned down when it started getting too warm. The dining area extends to the back of the pub where there is an exit leading to a slightly run-down looking garden, where a number of benches overlook the aforementioned river. I have fond memories of cycling to this pub on hot summer weekends in order to enjoy a pint in this garden and it still strikes me as a good spot for a drink now. As mentioned before, all the beer here is served straight from the barrel, with a selection racked up at the back of the large servery area. There were five casks lined up when I visited, but only three were on; Ringwood Best and Fortyniner and TT Landlord. I had a few pints of the Fortyniner which I found to be in excellent condition and very moreish. We also enjoyed some food, with main courses coming in between £7-£10. The bar staff were very chatty and welcoming and a jovial, if somewhat eccentric gentleman who I took to be the landlord, was very entertaining. I'd certainly recommend this place on its recent showing as somewhere well worth stopping off for decent food at a sensible price or for summer drinks in a charming setting.