The Sheaf of Arrows, Dorchester

Previously The Rest and Welcome Inn, this roadside pub is well described by others, below. The car park and exterior areas remain scruffy, reminiscent of a Gypsy camp, not at all welcoming and giving the appearance of somewhere that is either closed or to be avoided. Once you do venture in, the modern décor is cheap and nasty, the pine ceilings and laminate floors particularly so, while the dartboard is just incongruous and therefore unused. Service is slow and grudging, probably because the owners live in Guildford and don’t really show much interest. Food is overblown pub grub, not particularly cheap, though bizarrely it does always seem to be busy in the evenings. Two ales on – Gold and Original from Butcombe. There are much better pubs just a few minutes’ drive away. Not worth getting into a quiver about.

Roadside pub on the A37 between Yeovil and Dorchester, it relies on passing trade. Hopefully the new managers Russ and Emma will suceed, the beer and food are good. The owner runs a very successfull pub in Bournemouth, this is a different kettle of fish I fear but so far so good. Definitely on the up and worth popping in if hungry / thirsty.