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Disappointment of the week with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Giant Inn, Dorchester
Cerne Abbas
Postal town: Dorchester
DT2 7JF
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Giant Inn
Very well described by others, below. The garden has a paved yard and a larger lawn area, most of the tables are under cover. The staff are very friendly, and the welcome was genuine. Three ales on – DBC’s Dorset Knob, Butcombe Rare Breed and a locally brewed strong ale, Mrs Vale’s Ale, apparently named after the pub’s neighbour who is popular in the village. As I was driving I just had the Dorset Knob, which was in excellent condition. I found this the most enjoyable of the 3 pubs here, and next time I’d like to try the food.
On 3rd May 2021
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3281 recommendations about 3246 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Soup Dragon left this review about The Giant Inn
This terraced pub/eatery and B&B has a fantastic exterior. It is half undressed brick and half black and white, with nice etched windows celebrating its former name, the Red Lion, as well as the former brewery J Groves & Sons. There is a garden at the back, as well as a skittle alley.
The interior is an open plan room with three separate areas, a dining area, bar area and a pool table area. The décor is a mix of red and wood panel in the pool area, red and wood panel with a chessboard floor in the dining area, with red and green wood panel, with a white ceiling in the bar/lounge, where there is also a beautiful stone fireplace. There are some general 18th century style prints, as well as photos of the Cerne Abbas giant on the walls. There was soft, general background music and there was a TV, but it wasn’t on at my visit. The service was friendly and there were a few locals in the bar. They served food, but I didn’t eat, so can’t comment on that.
Beer; tap stuff, with Wadworth Henry’s IPA, St Austell Tribute and a class Piddle Yogi Beer on handpull .
A nice friendly place. Well worth a visit and somewhere I wound more than happily return to.
On 19th November 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3067 recommendations about 3062 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Giant Inn
There are many signs of the previous incarnation as The Red Lion Hotel with an old pubsign in the courtyard leading to the small garden and references in the etched and frosted windows including a mention of the brewery owners J Groves and Sons.There is a large open plan area around the bar and in the former Coffee Room there is a pool table.At the rear of the premises in a seperate building is a skittle alley.There is always a friendly welcome in this basic pub ,with two handpumps serving St Austall Tribute and a Dorset Piddle brew,Yogi beer on my trip and in good form.Bar snacks are available until 8pm and there is flat screen terrestrial TV for sporting events.The pub is the centre of community activity in Cerne Abbas and is the villagers local,but also very welcoming to strangers.Dog friendly and genuine.
On 26th September 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Sandra Rutley left this review about The Giant Inn
Previously the Red Lion. Great atmosphere. Doesn't do food but has a traditional village pub feel. It seems to be the locals pub of choice and they are friendly and welcoming."
On 27th January 2008
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 2 recommendations about 2 pubs]