Tyrells Ford Country Inn, Avon, Christchurch

A rather eccentric place which could be described as pub, restaurant and hotel. A sign outside advertised that they have a marriage license. Indeed, this place seems as if it would be well suited to weddings. Entering through a porch, the bar can be found in a large room to the left-hand side, which stretches quite a way back and overlooks a large well manicured garden to the side of the building. At the rear of this room, you can walk into a further room which could serve as a function room. Returning to the front of the building, the most impressive room of all is the minstrels' gallery. Its well worth a quick tour around the pub. Customers were on the sparse side on our Thursday afternoon visit. There were a couple of older guys who looked as if they had had lunch, with another lady at the bar who looked like the type who would have arrived on a horse. Customers are certainly more upper-middle class. An old tractor could be seen in the car park. I'm not sure whether that was there just for decoration or whether it belonged to the owners. 2 real ales from Flack Manor - Flack's Double Drop & Hedge Hop were on. Another handpull had what looked like another Flack Manor pumpclip turned round, whilst a fourth handpull had an oversized pumpclip for Harrow Wood Farm Cider. I duly ordered the cider, only to be told that it wasn't on. Although, they did have a sparkling cider from the same local producer in nearby Bransgore. This was called Dickie's Dribble and was certainly quite tasty. I do enjoy visits to unusual venues like this one. With an impressive interior and local real ales and ciders, I can certainly recommend it.

Official site of the Tyrrells Ford Country Inn - www.tyrrellsford.co.uk

Official site of the Tyrrells Ford Country Inn - www.tyrrellsford.co.uk