The Fiveways, Charminster, Bournemouth

Official site of The Fiveways - www.fivewayspub.co.uk

Official site of The Fiveways - www.fivewayspub.co.uk

A lively town local, chaotic and noisy. The large Edwardian building has a small car park at the back, much of it wasted space due to random parking, and some bench seats at the front where the smokers can sit uncomfortably and watch the traffic go by. Inside, the ground floor is taken up by a single large L-shaped bar. We thought the short leg of the L was a toddlers' play area due to the rope nets around the tables, but it turned out to be a football-themed dining area for rather older juveniles. At the other end was a pool table, while a raised area at the apex was occupied by tables and a sound system. We were told, rather abruptly, not to sit at the tables as they were reserved, but they were still empty when we left some time later. There were various TV screens dotted around. Four handpumps at the bar, one dry and unclipped. Of the remaining pumps I tried Hobgoblin which was over-gassed, too cold and badly kept, so maybe the fancy coffee machine behind the bar would have been a better bet. Unless you're a local, I wouldn't bother.