The Cock And Bottle, Wareham

Just a stone's throw from the busy A35, on the road that bisects East and West Morden, the Cock and Bottle is a typical traditional rural Dorset pub with a somewhat less inspiring modern restaurant extension. The old part of the pub - the part thankfully still predominantly dedicated to drinkers - dates back over 400 years in part and is by far the best place to try and find somewhere to settle down. The main bar is in the centre of the front section of the pub, set in a compact room with minimal seating, traditional carpets, loads of dark wood beams and a fine old servery along the back wall. A number of locals were propping up the bar on our Sunday afternoon visit, peacefully cocooned away from the Sunday lunch day-trippers in the rest of the pub. The bar actually has a small second room to the far right of the building, which I have memories of hiding in whilst trying to build up the courage to order a pint when I was 16 or so. The front left room also has its own section of servery, but now acts as part of the dining area. If you're here to eat, this is the space to bag a table, as the pub's historic charm is still very much in evidence - note the smart old fireplace on the rear wall with a large gong on the hearth or the tall display cabinet full of collectable porcelain and the like. As you might expect, the walls are decorated with various rural themed paintings and photos in keeping with the area's agricultural heritage. Beyond is a modern extension to the rear with something of a conservatory feel to it and none of the character of the rest of the pub. Standard tables and chairs fill the room along with some decent bits of modern furniture such as shelving units and sideboards. The room has a bit of a cockerel theme, presumably in a nod to the pub's name, although it's worth mentioning that the name actually refers to a cock horse rather than a cockerel, despite the misleading pub sign. This is a Hall and Woodhouse pub with two of their beers - First Call and Tanglefoot - available on handpull. The First Call was very drinkable and I happily sank a couple of pints, but this isn't beer to get excited about. For as long as I can remember, this pub has had a good reputation for its food and we were able to enjoy some really excellent plates of food on a busy Father's Day. The bar and waiting staff were all incredibly helpful, friendly and apologetic when we understandably had to wait a little for our food on this busy day. I've always liked this pub and recall coming here for a family meal and first legal pint on my 18th birthday - nearly 20 years later and the place is still doing a great job. I'd rate the pub higher for food than drink, but I guess I've never been a fan of Badger beers. The village is easily reached by car from places like Poole or Wareham and I'd certainly recommend for anyone wanting a good pub meal in welcoming, traditional surrounds.

A traditional Dorset country pub, currently owned by Hall and Woodhouse, which has evolved into a pub/restaurant. It is on the main road through the quaint village of East Morden and has a reasonable car park and a tidy garden with bench seating. There is also a tiny seating terrace by the front door. On entering you find an atmospheric pub, part of which dates to the 16th Century. There are beams, a mix of traditional flooring styles and various seating arrangements. The staff are very welcoming indeed, happy to help and willing to chat where time allows. The food was excellent and imaginative, but possibly a little expensive for a pub. The wine selection is limited, while there were 2 ales on draft plus the full range of Badger beers in bottles. Both draft ales – Tanglefoot and First Call – were in perfect condition, beautifully kept and most enjoyable. The pub has previously had GBG entries. I should be delighted to come back here to eat or drink anytime.