The Tap & Railway, Ferndown

Well introduced by Philipp, below, the pub is still a Fayre and Square outlet. It has a large car park on two sides, and there is a children's playground occupying most of the back garden. The route from the car park to the front door is paved with fag butts and there is an air of decay about the place. The inside is open plan and forms a J-shape with the counter at the centre. The long leg of the J is a restaurant parody, like a Beefeater only worse, and the food is mainly empty calories laden with MSG. The other side has tv screens showing BBC news, a pool table and gaming machines. Three ales on draft, GK IPA, Doombar and Black Sheep, all over-chilled and over-gassed. Entertainment includes 'cheap wine Thursdays'. It's a community pub which serves its local population but is not a destination of choice for non-locals.

When I saw this beautiful building of the former Railway Hotel (built at the end of the 19th century) I got really excited, but I didn't get lucky. This is a Fayre and Sqauare and the interior of the pub is abominable; everything is modern and bland. Before 5 everybody feeds off a set meal with a soft drink. In the evening the pub is empty. Two pumps were working: Ringwood Fortyniner and Best. The ales are well kept. The food is to be avoided as it is mainly pre-cooked and microwaved. Unless you have children and only a very tight budget stay away. The quality of the food is slightly better than Wetherspoon.