The Spyway Inn, Dorchester

A superb village pub tucked away in the Dorset countryside, definitely not on the beaten trail and unspoilt by tourism. As suspected by OB, below, the garden does have a great view over the Downs and would an excellent place to stop in the Summer, though the country roads leading to the village are not for the faint hearted. The woodburner made for a very comfortable rest from the cold, although it was a bit cramped in the Village Bar, and the larger restaurant bar wasn't in use when we visited. Food was freshly made pizzas, not too expensive. The barmaid was fairly friendly, and the customers a mixed bunch. Two ales on, Cerne Abbas Harlequin and Otter Bitter, both poured straight from the barrel and in perfect condition On tap were Tarka, Tarka Four, Sheppey's Cider, Arctic Sky, Rattler and Guinness. I'll definitely come back here in the Summer months. Be aware of limited opening hours, though.

Traditional old country pub, tucked away down a country lane (caution: the private road your satnav may try to take you down doesn’t lead to the pub – stay on the main lane and it’s just round the corner), with a long frontage but quite narrow. The bar is to the rear, with two rooms in front of it and a further room to the right used as a restaurant area. Ale selection was limited with Otter Best and Otter Ale, though it still managed to win the local CAMRA branch’s best pub award last year. Regret I can’t remember much else as my visit was at the end of a long day (and hence couldn’t try the rear garden which I suspect has a great view over the hills and valley), but it had a good feel to it and I’d very happily return.

The Spyway Inn official site - www.spyway-inn.co.uk

The Spyway Inn official site - www.spyway-inn.co.uk