Cerne Abbas Brewery Tap, Dorchester

I cannot agree more with the previous reviewer. I do enjoy a visit to a brewery tap, but have to say that this one was far superior to those one might find in a warehouse on an industrial/trading estate. Located on a farm just outside of the village of Cerne Abbas, it is easy to miss the turning along a rutted track. Opening times are limited. So, I'd timed my visit to ensure it was open (it closes at 3pm Mon-Thu, 6pm on Fri-Sat and doesn't open at all on a Sunday). The Tap is in a converted barn and I walked in to find just one other customer, along with the barman. The other customer soon left, leaving me to chat away to the very friendly barman. Not only was he chatty, but he was clearly very knowledgeable about his beers and also a good salesman. It wasn't long before a large group of walkers came in and they were also quickly embroiled in conversation with him and they also soon became the owners of several Cerne Abbas fridge magnets. Cerne Abbas ales are dispensed from casks behind the bar. Beers on were Community Hop, Dorset Ale, Leggless Jester & Gurt's Coconut Rum Stout. I was attracted to around 16 boxes of cider to the right-hand side of the bar. Many were doubled up, but from what I could see and remember, the selection was Twisted Zenith, Noddy's Nether Cerne Stumble, Dorset Star Dry & Sungazer & Fourwinds Cider Farm Flying Pig Dry & Sweet. I chose the local Noddy's cider, which was quite enjoyable, whilst availing myself of 3 bottles of the Cerne Abbas beers. Apparently they hold festivals here over the summer months, where hundreds if not thousands come along and camp in a nearby field. Various decent bands have also appeared, both for the festivals and at other times. This place is well worth seeking out.

As brewery taps go this is a great one. It’s a no-frills barn in a farm site, concrete floor, wide open , muddy car park and plenty of space outside including a barbecue and bar area. It’s reached down a rutted farm track, which you’d miss if you didn’t notice the unobtrusive sign on the main road. There is a small wooden bar counter in one corner, behind which 5 of their ales in barrels sit on stillage and are gravity dispensing. We tried three of their ales, all of which were in perfect condition. There was an additional box of beer from another brewery, plus a selection of bottled beers in a fridge. No food was on, but the landlord did offer to do a pasty run. They occasionally host live music for which tickets are required, but mostly they’re open all day every day except Sunday. Well worth seeking out.

Facebook page of Cerne Abbas Brewery Tap - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Cerne Abbas Brewery Tap - www.facebook.com

Official site of Cerne Abbas Brewery Tap - www.cerneabbasbrewery.com

Official site of Cerne Abbas Brewery Tap - www.cerneabbasbrewery.com