Coach House Inn, Ferndown

Marked as closed

The inventive pub name is one of the better aspects of this run of the mill Wetherspoons. A throng of intimidating smokers will more than likely greet you at the doorway and once past them the rather mundane interior won’t exactly set your world alight. A sectioned central area contains a few snugs and a couple of TV screens but generally it is formulaic ‘Spoons. The only thing that really catches the eye is the sculpture of a dog chasing its tale that wraps itself around a central pillar. Despite the generally uncomfortable feel of the place, it was incredibly busy for an early evening which must say something about the lack of any local competition (and it wasn’t as if West Ham were at home either). Surprisingly, the beer selection was above average with 4 guest ales (Grafton Lady Mary, Elgoods Mad Dog, Evan Evan Warrior and Nethergate Essex Beast) which did at least offer me some compensation for my efforts in travelling through East London when the tubes are all buggered up. Certainly not an essential stop even for the most devoted ‘Spoons fan but there is little else in the immediate vicinity.

Disappeared several years ago. Now a Sainsbury's car park. No great loss. [admin note: marked pub as closed 23/12/09]