St Peters Finger, Poole

This Georgian building is currently operated as a pub/restaurant by Hall and Woodhouse. It is entered through a paved seating area with partial views onto the village sports pitch, and there is a ramp providing disabled access to the front door. There is limited parking available. The décor and atmosphere contrives to be that of a busy village pub, but without the welcome, and it is clear that the restaurant business is what is most important to the staff whom we found very offhand. It is painted in the standard Hall and Woodhouse colour scheme, various prints and photos dotted around the wall, and there is even a stuffed pheasant. There are plenty of water bowls for dogs, a mix of seating including church pews and kitchen tables, and the floors are a mix of carpet and floorboards. A couple of obnoxious locals complete the picture. The full range of bottled Badger beers was available, and there were 4 on draft. I had the Ruby Rustler which was more expensive than it should have been, wasn’t that fresh and tasted insipid – certainly not up to scratch. It’s a pleasant enough pub and it keeps the tourists fed, but it could be so much better. Worth including on a crawl or using for refreshments if playing sports here.

I popped in here recently for a lunchtime bite to eat, given that I'd heard they were focusing more on food nowadays. We were given a choice of waiter or bar service and opted for the latter, which allowed us to sit in the front half of the pub (the rear seemingly set aside for restaurant goers only). I gave their Steak and Tanglefoot pie a try, and thought it was fantastic. Our group also tried the sandwiches, which were very big and came with plenty of side salad and some crisps. Good value for money in my book. Had a Badger beer (possibly England's Gold?) to go with my meal, which was very nice as well. There was a seasonal beer called 'Hopping Hare' on offer as well. It's not the pub I remember from my teenage days drinking there, (don't expect to find the above mentioned dartboard or pool table any more) but it's reivented itself in an era that is seeing other pubs in the Lytchetts and Upton struggling to cope, and for that they are to be commended.

first class comprehensive menu at reasonable prices.excellent service.