The Milton Arms, Blandford Forum

A large roadside pub, a good basic boozer which offers cheap food and a restful sojourn. Sited on a busy obscured junction, it's easy to miss. There is plenty of parking at the front. Inside there are two main bars and an annex. The bar to the right is mainly filled with tables for diners, it has a carpeted hall leading to the toilets and there is a brick fireplace next to a dartboard. The bar on the left has comfy seats, high chairs at the bar and entertainment is provided by a gaming machine and a large tv screen, plus a small wooden bookcase with a wide range of books by Stephen King and Dean R Koontz. A selection of board games is also available. The annex is a single story extension with a vaulted roof and a pool table. The pub is friendly and welcoming and they run regular entertainment – bikers' night once a month and quiz nights every Saturday, for example. The only ale on was Doombar which was much too cold resulting in a lack of flavour. Staff and locals are welcoming, but the beer quality lets it down. It's worth stopping for a drink en route, and I'm happy to drop in again.