The White Heather, Ferndown

A fairly dismal modern Greene King local in a 1960s development area dominated by Tesco. The pub has an outside terrace which is full of litter and whose sole view is of the petrol station opposite. A solitary fern in a flower pot, attempts in vain to break up the dull masonry. Inside is a single large L-shaped bar containing 2 pool tables, a dartboard and several gaming machines. There are also several TV screens dotted around the walls, but these were switched off. Free WIFI was available, while the jukebox screamed pitifully at us as though it was begging to be shot to put it – and us – out of its misery. What little wooden furniture there was badly maintained, with varnish bubbling on every table surface. There is no pub food available, but if there were, we would probably have bought something from the petrol station in preference. Two pumps on the bar, but only London Glory on – it was past its best and would probably have been undrinkable in another 24 hours. I don't think I'll be rushing back here, especially given that the staff weren't particularly welcoming.