Junction Hotel, Dorchester

Official site of Junction Hotel - www.junctionhotelpub.co.uk

Official site of Junction Hotel - www.junctionhotelpub.co.uk

Probably takes it's name from the busy traffic junction outside,there is little of interest inside after a brutal refurb.It's totally corporate with an L shaped bar , standard chairs and tables everywhere and a dark carpet to further suck out any atmosphere.The pub wasnt busy and the array of lager fonts were being used the most.Just two real ales Ringwoods Razor Back and Boon Doggle (dull but drinkable).A corporate menu offering food service fodder didnt inspire either,I can see no reason for a revisit.

A county town hotel, once an Eldridge Pope house, currently owned by Marstons. The ground floor of this once pleasant Georgian building has been gutted and turned into a soulless single bar aimed mainly at those who enjoy dull, unimaginative slop. A half-hearted attempt is made to make things interesting by having bargain curry nights. The only ale on was Ringwood Best, served in an amateur fashion by resentful young staff, presumably failures from some sort of yoof opportunity scheme. The beer was bland, not properly kept and a bit of a chore to finish. The muzak was irritating, but at least the WiFi worked. A good place to shelter from the rain while deciding where to go for a drink.

Called in for a pint as I was passing by chance. I wish I'd carried straight on - service was cavalier to say the least, beer was dreadful and left unfinished. Well below average.

A large detached Georgian looking Marston's chain pub, eatery and hotel, with a patio area. The interior is open plan-ish, a sprawling interior typical of this kind of place served by a central bar, with a top area, DJ/dance area, foody and carvery area and a side drinking area - but food features everywhere. The decor is a mix, but mainly red and cream. There is fake folliage, fairy lights, music/jazz photos and beer and wine ephemera dotted about. There was a TV but it wasn't on and the background music was general and at a decent level. The service was fine, the clientele mixed and busy as these places are. There is a dart board. Beer; tap stuff with Ringwood Bitter and a passable Hobgoblin on handpull. It seems good enough for what it aims at, but a bit soulless for me - happy to have one and move on.