The Royal Oak, Blandford Forum

A quaint traditional community-based pub in a small working village. Off the beaten track but busy nonetheless. It sits on a corner near the village centre. The front is right on the road but there is a good sized car park at the rear along with a pleasant grassed garden. Inside there are 3 bars. The public bar is small and cosy, and has a gaming machine, dartboard and large inglenook. There is a smaller snug adjacent which is furnished in a Spartan manner. The lounge is larger and more modern with large windows and is less atmospheric. There is also a small brick-floored terrace at the back, but the noise from the air conditioning machinery makes it less enjoyable than it could be. The welcome was friendly. There were 3 ales on – I had Ringwood Best which was in excellent condition. It's on the national cycle network but it's worth dropping off the main road to find however you might be travelling.