The Fox Inn, Dorchester

The Fox is tucked away at the bottom of a hill in the village of Corscombe. It has 3 small rooms. Nobody was in the one to the left, but I immediately spotted a box of cider on the bar in that room, which I could enquire about. Most customers on my Tuesday evening visit were in the central room, whilst there were also a couple in the room to the far right-hand side, which could possibly have been a dining room. The main feature I could see in there was a large model yacht. The landlady and locals initially seemed sceptical of my entrance, as I was clearly not from these parts, but they soon returned to their original positions and re-engaged in conversation. In fact, all seemed to be quite friendly and involved me in their banter. Dogs are welcome and I noticed an advertisement for some folk music. 4 cask ales were being served. The landlady had been trying out a few beers from the Exeter Brewery. So, Ferryman, Avocet & Darkness were all on, alongside Cerne Abbas Ale. The aforementioned cider turned out to be Isaac's Anti-Gravity. I also noticed Exeter Sumasider on keg. I think I'd be quite happy to have this pub as my local.

Facebook page of The Fox Inn - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Fox Inn - www.facebook.com

A thatched 16th Century village pub with plenty of rural charm, yet it remains a working village local rather than a tourist trap, though they do offer B&B. There is a car park by the junction where the pub sits, and there is a larger parking area just behind the pub. There are three bars at the front, all in a line. On the left is a saloon with a large inglenook and a dartboard, a crowded middle public bar and a small, very Spartan dining room on the right hand side, the latter characterised by lots of softwood furniture and fittings, though it feels more like a garden room and has a piano. Food is pub themed, good quality and reasonably priced, especially when they have deals on – for example a main and a pint for £10. The staff were really friendly, very helpful and most welcoming. The locals were equally so, especially once they found out we weren’t grockles and had brought our dogs in (the pub Labrador was quite nonchalant about it). They (the pub, not the dogs) host occasional live music and other events. Three ales and a draft cider were on draft. I had a pint of Otter which was in very good condition and enjoyed in good company. Well worth a visit, especially if you’re out walking and need a suitable bolt hole.