The Wise Man, Dorchester

A quaint rural pub just off the main road, very chocolate-boxy and a magnate for elderly tourists with rose-tinted spectacles, and for MAMILs who enjoy blocking country roads with their over-priced velocipedes. There certainly weren't any locals in when we visited. The pub dates from the 17th Century, though it was recently renovated after a serious fire. There is a very pleasant garden, and some parking is available but it can get tight. The pub is mainly geared around diners, the menu being faux-bistro and somewhat overpriced. The single L-shaped bar is flag-floored and has an attractive stone fireplace. The welcome wasn't great - the young staff were rather amateurish and terse, making ti a chore to get a beer. Ales on were Pride, Butcombe Original and Landlord, reasonably well kept but, like the food, overpriced. I might be tempted to come back if walking in the area, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Official site of the Wise Man with menu - www.the-wiseman.co.uk

Official site of the Wise Man with menu - www.the-wiseman.co.uk

Lovely thatched village pub, with a central bar and traditional seating areas either side, walls variously bearing photos, agricultural tools and suchlike, and a tidy patio and grass beer garden to the rear. It had a very comfortable feel to it, some pleasant banter, and four ale pumps offering St. Austell Proper Job (a decent pint at £3.30), Butcombe Bitter, Ringwood Best and Old speckled Hen. I’d happily come back here.