Museum Inn, Blandford Forum

A fine 17th Century village freehouse in a very affluent village, part of the Pitt-Rivers estate which includes the nearby Larmer Tree centre. The building looks more modern than it is despite the partly thatched roof. It is light and airy inside, decorated in bright colours, with a mix of flagstones and coir matting. The pub has plenty of exposed woodwork inside, though much of it is from 20th Century renovation. The main bar has an oak-faced counter, and there are three rooms adjacent known as The Pyt, The Snug and The Hall. Restaurant/bistro standard food is sold, but it is overkill for a village pub and quite expensive, not to mention served on an annoying array of 'trendy' utensils including old breadboards, galvanised mini-buckets and miniature copper pans; it feels like an explosion in a dolls' house kitchen. There were three ales and a cider on, all local. I had a pint of Six Of The Best from the nearby Sixpenny Brewery, which was a bright, refreshing beer, well kept and very enjoyable. I would like to have stayed for another, but time didn't allow. It's a bit off the beaten track, but it's worth finding for a decent (if a little poncey and expensive) meal or a very good pint.

Official site of the Museum Inn, contains menus - www.museuminn.co.uk

Official site of the Museum Inn, contains menus - www.museuminn.co.uk