Carpenters Arms, Lower Clatcombe, Sherborne

A large 1930s estate pub, just off the road into Sherborne, currently operated by Admiral. The main bar is a knock-through of two smaller rooms, and there is a separate dining room at one side. There is a car park, but the garden is surprisingly small for the size of building and location. Inside is chaotic and a bit grubby, not somewhere that feels welcoming to strangers except on live music nights. A 1960s style open fire provides heat on one side of the bar. The staff were fairly clueless and apathetic, while the barmaid in particular seemed reluctant to serve anyone while speaking on her mobile phone. There was another member of staff who appeared thick as a brick too, but we weren't really sure what his role was; maybe he just lived there. Two pumps on the bar, one clipped Doombar, but neither actually dispensing anything. The choice was between Guinness, Carling or megakeg cider, or bottles of alcopop. A visually and olfactorily unappealing pub which does not currently merit a revisit.

Average sort of estate pub - not really worth a visit unless you live on the estate as there are much better pubs in town.