The Kings Arms, Shaftesbury

The quaint frontage on the main road belies the extensive pub behind, with a larger entrance off the public car park. Felt like something of a younger drinkers' circuit pub, with lots of sport tvs, pool etc. Badger Best and Fursty Ferret were on draught. Could be much better.

This Victorian stone-built, family-friendly town pub was first licensed in around 1830 and is currently owned by Hall and Woodhouse. It sits on the old main road and backs onto the town centre car park. There is a single large bar which rambles around the ground floor, and games room with a pool table. The floors are wooden and there is a large open fire at one end. There are gaming machines and a tv screen showing sports. The tables and chairs are thinly spread, leaving lots of room for standing drinkers. The locals were very cliquey and obsessed with televised football (clearly, none were regular players), but the staff were friendly enough. There were two ales on draft and a good selection of Badger beers in bottles. I had a pint of First Call which tasted a bit strange but was drinkable. Worth dropping in for a pint and I'd be happy to include in a crawl, but it's not my first choice of evening venue.