Old Ox Inn, Blandford Forum

Slightly dated roadside village pub. There is a good sized carpark from which the pub and its garden are entered. The main door leads past the toilets into the first bar which has an industrial strength carpet, huge contrived beams and a wooden bar-counter which is well made but painted in what looks like WW2 surplus Army red paint. There are a couple of tables, a few chairs and two sofas, one of which is missing a leg and is intended to topple the unwary or at least spill their beer. This room also boasts a small Victorian chimney breast with a woodburner. From here a door leads to a dining room/saloon bar with another heavy-duty carpet and fireplace. In the other direction is a skittle alley and a small snug whose intimacy is disabled by the presence of a gaming machine. There were 2 ales on, and I had the Doombar which was not well kept and tasted far too sweet. Fine to drop in if passing, but opening hours are unpredictable so I wouldn't make a special effort to come here.