The Forester Inn, Shaftesbury

An out-of-the-way village pub in very pleasant countryside, off the tourist route. The core of the building is 15th Century, and many of the original features are on display, including an inglenook and exposed timbers. Various extensions have been added, mostly in keeping with the original building. There is a functional garden at the back with views over the Downs. The interior has been opened out to form a rough cross of conjoined rooms, mostly stuffed with tables for diners, though there is a small seating area by the fireplace with comfy chairs. The Australian landlady was quite welcoming, but there wasn’t much of a local feel here. Most of the clientele were diners; the food is expensive so it excludes a lot of local people. Ales were also expensive – Butcombe Original and Otter Bitter were both on draught and in good condition. Despite the beer and the atmosphere it doesn’t feel like somewhere I’d want to visit that often, especially given its remoteness.