Crown Hotel, Sturminster Newton

An historic country inn dating in part from the 16th Century and mentioned by Hardy (disguised as The Pure Drop Inn), currently operated by Hall and Woodhouse. There is plenty of architectural charm including exposed timbers, flag flooring (though I suspect this has been recently renewed), an inglenook and a priests’ hole. There is a large carpark and small garden, and you enter through the front door taking your life into your hands if there are speeding cars on the adjacent bend. One half of the pub is laid out as a restaurant, wasting much of the central room by making it a reception area, while the remainder is a pleasant, comfortable bar with a lot of character. The welcome from the staff and locals – human and canine - was incredibly warm, while the food was excellent value. The beer was also excellent – three Badger beers on, and the Bouncing Bounder I had was in perfect condition. The dogs enjoyed the complimentary dog snacks and the water they were served in the bar. There is a dartboard in use, but that was more of a hazard than an asset. I would be very keen to come back here and would recommend it as a place to lunch or spend an evening.