The Manor Hotel, Dorchester

A seaside hotel with 2 stars, it’s down a long cul de sac leading to Chesil Beach, the hotel’s location being somewhat secluded and unspoiled. There is a large car park and a rather sparse garden with plenty of seating from which to enjoy the views out to sea. The bar is in the cellar, reached from the garden through an understated wooden door, from the hotel interior down a set of ancient stone steps or from the conservatory dining room down a more modern flight. The bar ceiling has been renovated in the last few years, leaving modern oak timbers on display. The floor is mostly carpeted with a bit of laminate around the bar counter. There is an original stone fireplace with a woodburner. Banks of bench seating are along the two side walls, and there are a few tables with chairs, plus two bar stools shoved into a corner. They are mainly food led, so all the tables were laid for dining. Food is reasonably priced, unfussy pub grub. There is also a menu for dogs, though the free biscuits on the bar were better value. The barman was quite miserable, though the waitress was a bit more cheerful and helpful. The wine list is quite reasonable, though not that cheap. Ales on were Otter Ale and Otter Bitter, in good condition. On keg were Otter Pale Ale, Inch’s Cider, Moretti and Amstel. A fairly pleasant place to spend time relaxing, and I’d happily come back for a beer even though it’s off the beaten track.