The Red Lion, Hamworthy, Poole

A Hungry Horse pub in a built up area, this large house has a big carpark at the rear and a rather dull outside drinking area, so dull in fact that it seemed more cheerful when it started raining. There is also a covered terrace intended for smokers, but they seem to prefer the porch by the front door for that purpose. The inside is dreary and dominated by an awful carpet, although the two exposed brick fireplaces add some degree of architectural interest. The bar staff were obnoxious and openly hostile. A pool table sits in the front bar and there are rather too many gaming and other machines around, including a cash machine and sweet dispensers for the 'younger customers'. Some of the clientele were pretty unpleasant too, tucking into their reprocessed slop with fewer table manners than my mongrel puppy, while others allowed their unruly offspring to roam freely. Two ales were on offer: the Speckled Hen was predictably average. Even by Hungry Horse standards this pub is mediocre.