The Ropemakers, Bridport

Well described by others, below this Palmer's pub remains one of the best in Bridport. The landlord was friendly and helpful, there were jars of pickled eggs and onions on the bar, a selection of bric-a-brac around the walls which included a collection of military steel helmets,while the clientele were, if not civilised, then at least well-behaved. On draft were Tally Ho, 200, IPA Copper Dorset Gold and First Press Cider. We didn't have time to try them all, but my Copper was in perfect condition, the best I can remember, though prices were predictably high. Keg choices were Guinness, Dorset Orchard and Orchard Haze Ciders, 1664 and Moretti lagers; the craft choices were Dorset Pale and a guest, Powderkeg's Harmony. Definitely worth a visit if in the town.

Possible pick of the GBG2023 pubs in Bridport. Our cottage came with one of their event listing fliers and their is something going on nearly every night. And that something is usually jazz related. A long narrow bar with some booth separation. A full compliment of Palmers on - including the first seen on cask Tally Ho. Exceptionally friendly staff. Just the cost - £17 for a large g&t and a Tally Ho..... I got speaking to a local at a later pub who told me they stay away from palmers houses due to the cost. This seems a shame.

I first came to Bridport at least 40 years ago but don't recall this one at all. Today it seems to be Palmers flagship pub in Bridport with a bank of six hand pumps serving the entire cask range. Inside it's a long narrow room with the bar on the immediate right and stretching back into eating areas leading to a patio at the rear. Live music on a Saturday night was advertised. I got here after most people would have been eating on a Saturday afternoon so it was fairly quiet. There is an extra solitary hand pump on the bar which was unused but the six Palmers beers on offer were Copper, IPA, Dorset Gold, Tally Ho and Best Bitter. I went for the Dorset Gold (£3.90) which struck me as rather expensive but was in excellent nick. Palmers seem to have upped their game considerably since the days when they just did two insipid bitters and the rarely found Tally Ho Winter Ale, a beer that is now produced all year round and is stronger. I thought this one was OK and was pleased to find that Palmers beers, despite still being old school have improved vastly. This is GBG 2017 listed.