Fox & Hounds, Dorchester

Official site of Fox & Hounds - palmersbrewery.com

Official site of Fox & Hounds - palmersbrewery.com

A wonderfully atmospheric, historic village local dating back to Medieval times, the current building probably 14th Century, though possibly older. There is a main bar at the front which has a large stone inglenook at one end and a smaller fireplace the other, and there’s a smaller seating area behind the big chimney breast. Stone floors and rural artefacts around the walls add to the atmosphere, and dogs are allowed in. There is a second narrow bar at the rear, though this wasn’t open when we visited. There is a lawned garden hidden at the back with swings for children and a smoking shed, plus a couple of wooden benches at the front with a view of the old village centre. They offer B&B and food which is a cut above standard pub fare, at an average price. It’s a Palmer’s pub – four handpumps on the bar, one had just run out of Copper, leaving Gold, IPA and First Press cider on draft, all in very good condition. Well worth a visit.