The Rising Sun, Shaftesbury

Built in 1733, this freehouse was previously owned by Enterprise. The building has limited parking at the front, and is a beamed cottage. As you enter, The Slaughtered Lamb comes to mind: locals are hostile, while the pub dog (visiting dogs are not permitted), a large German shepherd, makes it clear that you are not at the top of the food chain here. The staff were rather more friendly, and eventually, once the yokels had gone, both landlady and dog were much more civilised. The other occupant of the pub on this occasion was a caged parrot called Daisy who didn't want to be there. The single bar is divided into two areas by a flooring change – carpeted on the right, which along with the domestic clutter and the parrot's cage, feels more like someone's grannie's front room. The other side is much more pub-like, with flagstone floor, stone fireplace and a mix of seating. Two ales on – I had a pint of Tolchard's Devon Storm, a strong ale which was a very good pint and really hit the spot. Worth dropping in if passing.