The Brewhouse, Poole

On my visit a couple of Saturday's ago Pride, IPA and Explorer were available with another couple of pumps being off. My Stella wasn't the greatest as I think the lines could do with a good clean. The landlord was friendly enough without being overly interested in our custom. The inside of the pub is a room with seating around the sides and a plasma screen showing Sky Sports at either end. It isn't the cosiest of places and has a social club feel to it. There is also some limited outside seating. I'd maybe pop in if passing after a long shopping trip, but I wouldn't stay long.

Interesting narrow local's pub situated on Poole's pedestrianised High Street. The beers are from Frome's Milk Street Brewery and there were three on offer when I visited at the weekend - Zig Zag (£2.70), Mermaid (£2.50) and the exotically named 'Beer!'. I tried the first two and they were both outstanding - I really was cursing the fact that I didn't have more time to try more. The pub is one long narrow strip, comprising of three notional sections - the front part with a fair bit of seating plus the bar, the middle section with two pool tables and the rear with a dartboard and pinball machine (!). The locals were a colourful but good natured bunch, mostly absorbed in their games of cards or pool and the barmaid was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Poole is saturated with Ringwood beers, so this is a real treat for anyone who fancies something a bit different.

Quite a good pub by high street standards if a little rough and ready. Serving 3 or 4 real ales that are probably of the best quality in the town centre and at an incredibly cheap price, don't miss it.