New Star Inn, Parkstone, Poole

Very much a local pub and at the heart of the community it serves, this estate pub has a good local reputation. It is currently owned by Marstons. It has its own car park, a small garden and a large seating area at the front, although the smokers prefer to congregate in the front door area. Two large bars inside, a public bar to the right and a saloon on the left. The pub is carpeted apart from a small laminate floored area at one end where there is a dart board and glitter balls, implying a dance floor. They run regular entertainments including karaoke. There are gaming machines and wifi. The oppressive maroon and olive green colour sćheme makes it feel a bit like a Parachute Regiment clubhouse, and there was a suspicion of outsiders among the locals. The staff were friendly enough though. Two ales on, I had Hobgoblin which was ruined by poor keeping and being overgassed. The lack of conviviality and poor beer quality mean it wouldn't be a good place to include in a crawl, but it's a decent enough local.