please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A pretty good pub in a very nice location. Sadly not as good as I remembered it, with service, beer and food all lacking. Won't be back in a hurry.
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Who needs a pub crawl when there are 9 hand pumps on the bar?
It was a lunch time visit so only tried four of them.
Three were from Purbeck: Wrecked, Harvest and IPA, with Churchill's Honourable Pale Ale from Oxfordshire. All perfectly drinkable at a cost of £3.60 a pint.
Bar staff were willing to chat about the range of ales.
Food prices a tad high for my family of four. Three of us had a ploughman's each for £6.50. The other awkward one had a Lamb Shank for £13.50.
Portions are big so prices are probably justified.
I helped myself to salt, vinegar, sauces etcetera..........saves a lot of aggro.
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Visited today whilst out on the bikes, had a pint of broadoak which was as flat as a witch's tit, house white was a very cheap bottle and not good either. I suspect this pub is only open as it is the only one in the area and they serve food which after our visit I'm glad we didn't have.
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Four of us went here for something to eat on a miserable foggy Saturday night in March.Maybe a dozen people in,mostly having a drink, and just a couple of young bar staff serving.Even so,it was a nice relaxed atmosphere (none of that, all the locals go silent and stare when strangers walk in) and the service was very friendly and efficient.Although some of it was obviously microwaved the food was actually very nice,albeit expensive given it's not made to order.The beer was good,but the locally brewed IPA was off,which is pretty poor considering the brewery is only about fifteen feet from the pub.Overall though, we enjoyed the time we spent there and would be quite happy to have a drink or eat there again.Having said that,I do think it's a very different experience in summer when the place is rammed from lunchtime onwards.
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These negative comments do seem puerile; no ketchup, staff shout order numbers etc. Whats wrong with asking, getting it yourself. Why do people these days seem to think that they should be waited on hand and foot by people probable on minimum wage?
The prices here are NOT outrageous, the portions are huge, the dressed crab to die for and the beer is some of the best in both choice and flavour.
I am a Publican in London, and this is easily one of my favourite pubs in England. Yes, it could be better, but we can all improve in that area, can't we! Next time you winge, please spare a thought for people working 100 hrs plus a week, trying to find staff who want accommodation included (when there is non reasonably affordable), will likely move on once trained (if they even finish training) and have to deal with massive seasonal changes often made worse by the increasingly more volatile British weather. How do you cope when ordering fresh food for a Bank Holiday only to get cleaned out by a Coach load of visitors on the Friday, who didn't pre-book/warn you, and all your suppliers have closed for the weekend?
I was a publican for 18 years, which is why I stopped serving food, it's massively time consuming, costly and greatly under-appreciated. Find yourselves a slave or shut up moaning, you don't deserve a decent pub!
Thank you to all the staff at the Bankes who made my short stay for the Festival well worth the 10 hour round trip. Whenever I come down my kids are treated as Kings and Queens. My top three in the area, being this, the Castle at Lulworth, the Red Lion in Swanage. I would have voted 9/10 but as I suspect some petty local nonsense in the ratings, I've gone for a 10. Happy New Year to all!
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Very busy on a grey November Saturday. Did manage to get a table though. Lots of different beers and really nice food (and massive portions!) If the worst thing is having to get your own ketchup I'd say they're doing well!
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Paid two separate visits last Saturday, pre and post beach. Bit of a tourist trap understandably but great beer garden overlooking the bay and it's own Isle of Purbeck micro brewery on the side of the pub wofting the malty aroma over the patio area, which wasn't enjoyed by all. Wasn't so keen on the home brew personally, but really enjoyed the Milestone ale in the afternoon. Fine old building and worth a visit.
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So there we are, sitting in the garden thinking what a magnificent location for a pub, what a fine view of the bay, and then the girl brings us our chips, without any sign or mention of salt, vinegar, ketchup or what have you, and when we ask whether we might have ketchup she mumbles that we'll have to ask at the bar because she doesn't know where it is. Hmm! Plenty of staff standing around chatting in the bar; perhaps someone could have taken a short break from their conference to provide service to us customers. Not as if it was cheap either.
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The location of this place is fantastic, overlooking the bay, and the beer seemed good enough to me after a mornings walking - albeit more expensive than some London pubs.
Unable to comment on food, except to say that the portions looked pretty generous.
Worth a visit definitely.
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Have to agree with some of the comments below. This used to be a great pub in a lovely location and it should be a simple job for a decent owner/manager to make this a fantastic pub and a potential gold mine.
However it appears they simply can't be bothered as they have a captive audience. Shame.
Please get this sorted.
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Completely agree about awful service and surly attitude. Food poor and overpriced. Beer average. Poor choice. Trading on a reputation it simply does not deserve. Only saving grace is the view.
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I agree with martaddick. Very very poor, badly run by less than amateur staff. Even the tables are cheap painted non pub like tables. Below average everything. Pathetic.
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What a disappointment! This is supposed to be the brewery pub for Purbeck and they advertise the fact that they sell the 9 beers that Purbeck brew, but I came here twice and there were only two Purbeck beers on tap each time, plus one or two guest ales (and the cider was off too). Having said that, the beer was good - but we had ploughmans which were unremarkable with not very tasty bread and little packets of Branston. Garden has great views to the sea but never seems to be tidied up or the glasses cleared. We went on Thursday and the same litter was there that had been there on Monday.
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Busy pub with its own brewery and frequented by National Trust members. Owner's black 1950s Vauxhall Velox parked outside. Model yacht inside. Despite previous review it does have a television.
I have Purbeck Brewery Force 4 and hot smoked mackerel salad. Rather expensive but food was good value for money. Food took about 20 minutes to arrive. Seating and tables rather sparten. Lovely view from pub garden over the road. Pleasant location. Nice to hear birds singing outside.
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I don't normally drink lunch times but broke my rule last Thursday whilst walking around Studland, it was the start of their beer fest and the tent in the garden had the largest array of beers I've seen for a pub festival, we ended up having lunch in the pub and the beers looked so good I had to try one(or two), the one I tried, the isle of purbeck IPA was the freshest I've had and the food was good quality too, if a tad dear, but a couple of beers set me up nicely for a gentle stroll to Old Harry
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Visited yesterday on a fine April sunny day. Enjoyed the large beer garden opposite overlooking Studland Bay. This was made all the more enjoyable by the local Blue cheese ploughmans and very local beer (Isle of Purbeck brewery adjacent to pub). I tried the Best Bitter, Solar Power and Studland Bay Wrecked which were ok. Also tried a guest Mordue IPA and there was Mordue Workie Ticket on too. Sadly, only 5 of the 9 handpumps were on but still a good selection. This is a great place to sit outside and enjoy the sunny weather.
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Situated high up in the hills near Studland's beaches and close to Corfe Castle and Swanage, we come across The Bankes Arms, an attractive looking country inn made of local Purbeck stone.
The split level interior features much exposed stonework, dark beams and has a rather upmarket feel to it. It's quite food orientated, although dogs are positively welcomed, and there's no TV or anything. There's a number of horse racing pictures on the walls reflecting the interests of the landlord. The pub sign reflects the arms of the Bankes family and, in the largish car park just up the road, we learn that the family owned the estate, which included Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy, from 1635 until 1982, when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.
Food is pricey and an extensive all day menu is offered on one of the largest blackboards I can recollect seeing in a pub. Reflecting the food emphasis, the bar is candlelit in the evening. Accommodation is available, but it's not at the cheaper end of the price range.
There's a large field like cliff top garden across the road which gives good views across to the Isle of Wight.
A number of CAMRA certificates are on display. The pub is the home of The Isle of Purbeck Brewery, but, unfortunately, on my recent early evening visit, none of their ales were available. A rather unsympathetic barman told me that they had just had a rather large beer festival and, as a result, all home brewed beers had run out. Furthermore, he went on to explain that much of the beer is delivered to other local outlets anyway.
Of the bank of 9 handpumps, only 3 beers were on when I called in. A good pint of Titanic Black Ice ( 4%) - at a rather pricey � 3.30p - was enjoyed. Other beers on were Castle Rock's Elsie Mo's plus another Titanic beer. The pub is listed in CAMRA's 2010 Good Beer Guide.
This is the second pub that I have been to in recent months that ( allegedly ) brews its own beer on site, but has had none on offer for the passing anorak such as me. I do hope you are more fortunate if you decide to drop in.
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I last came here in 2005, when it was a good place to be. Having good memories of it, I brought my wife & child here for an evening meal after a day doing the tourist bit in the local area. Whoops, big mistake.
Wandered in to the pub, and decided to find a table to eat at prior to ordering food. In the 'back' area, there were three tables unoccupied; two were covered in the detritus of the prior occupants' meal, the third was empty, but for the spilled beer on the worn out table. During the hour we were here, one of the other tables was cleared by a sulky looking waitress who we never saw again; the other remained in that state for the duration of our stay.
My wife and son went to look at the food board, and came back with their choices, although they both stated the choice was somewhat limited; lots of items were 'off'. I took a photo of the menu; anything with a star, you can't have. We ordered two lamb shanks and a chicken curry; more on those later.
The beer: I tried the Best, then the IPA, from the brewery next door. Both were at their very best, unremarkable. My wife said the Best had an aftertaste of ashtrays. Really, not great. The bar service was something new as well, to the point that I'm prompted to say this: Mike the barman who was serving on the evening August 24th 2010 at about 7pm, if you hate your job as much as you appear to, quit and find something you enjoy.
Then the food showed up; the three dishes cost �38.95, so you'd expect something worthwhile, but no - the curry was mediocre and was in pub terms a six quid dish, not eleven, and while the lamb itself was not bad, the accompanying salads were limp, the lettuce slimy, and the chips were in my case from the bottom of the fryer - all the bits. I'm wondering if the salads aren't pre-prepped and set out in bowls, and the slime has built up during the wait?
As for the d�cor, the carpet is filthy, there's dust everywhere, the furniture is well past due renewal, and frankly the pub needs to be refitted, the staff need a kick in the rump, and the chef needs to be shot for the travesties he or she is punting out of the door.
This used to be a great pub, now it's an absolute hole. It's so bad I'll be recommending friends specifically avoid when visiting the Purbecks. A real shame.
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This was a target pub all week unsurprisingly and we approached it via a walk from Corfe along the Purbeck way across the downs, and yes - The Steps, down to Harry's Rocks and around to Studland, so we were well up for a beer and we were not let down. There was a good range of beers including their own Brewery and guests from Titanic etc. The welcome was pleasant and helpful and the beer garden has to be one of the best in the country with its views, even the Jackdaws! The beer was well kept and tasty. The only downer was on trying to get any info from the Brewer about his beers, maybe I caught him on a bad day. The Pub is great though.
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Good, generally. The beers are always tasty and a decent range. Food is so-so. Location is brilliant - a nice walk up to Harry Rocks, and then a drink in the large garden area which has stunning views. Amazing
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A delight as always. Food always appetizing, beers good. Very enjoyable.
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Just had an excellent half term day out in the Purbecks and went to the Bankes Arms for lunch. Completely bowled over by the array of so many beers from small breweries - a sight for sore eyes and i spent a happy few hours working my way along the 9 hand pumps. The micro brewery next to the pub had it's beers on the bar as well - and they were all great - particularly a delicious seasonal explained very well by the barman - Harry's HPA - i'll be back for more.
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sight not site!
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First in at 11am today - in all my cycling lycra - nice greeting from young lad sweeping up outside and inside there was somone actually pulling beer through all the lines - a welcome site as no one likes the first pint. Had a Purbeck beer - disappointing really as it had only come from next door. . . Returned at 4pm post bike ride and had a Titantic. Improvement on purbeck one but a whopping �3.30 a pint! I asked for some crisps and the girl serving said "we only have tie rills" I think that is Tyrell's dear... oh well never mind!
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Too right, everytime I go in atleast a couple of beers are off, they serve too many. The Duke in Wareham serves their beer better than they do.
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Paid a visit here last Saturday while out walking. Been here a few times over the years as live not too far away and agree with most of the posted comments re service. Many real ales on - probably too many. Always watch someone elses pint being drawn before I order one myself as the quaility can be hit and miss. Did manage to have a very good pint this time though. Excellent location but personally all a bit too popular/touristy for my preferences.
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I echo what Grecian has to say about this place, I cannot add anything further but I found the staff friendly even if they looked a little rough and studenty but a fine place to come, probably best after seeing the rocks at old Harry incase u r drunk!!
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Probably the most bizarrely low average rating I've yet seen on BITE.
The Bankes Arms is located in the village of Studland and I'd imagine gets a high percentage of its business from walkers walking out to the viewpoint at Old Harry's Rocks from the village (the pub is right by the carpark). The location is magnificent: the large beer garden has a fantastic view out over the bay and on a sunny day is an ideal location to sit with a beer and watch the world go by. The pub itself is in a pleasant creeper-covered cottage and I thought it much better than some of the below reviews suggest.
An excellent ale selection: I counted eight handpumps which each appeared to be serving a different microbrew, including all of the ales produced by the Purbeck brewery which is based at the pub: I had a pint of the IPA which was very pleasant. I do agree that the food here is very overpriced, although the wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it despite that.
Most of the negative reviews below allude in some way to the service and it can't be denied that this is clearly a pub which knows it's a good pub with a fortunate location. The bar staff were a bit "too cool for school" for my liking and I didn't like the way the waiters bellow food order numbers loudly across the beer garden, getting quite irate if no-one sticks a hand up. But these quibbles do not detract from what is a splendid pub, and one I would unhesitatingly return to when next in the area.
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Situated in a wonderful area it would be foolish to avoid going to this establishment even if it is only for the good amount of local real ales served here. Indeed beer festivals appear to take place here in August but this would not really explain the popularity and amount of people who wish to spend their time here. Prepare for loud calls of food orders in the garden area. Sitting inside would not be a bad alternative on a bad day weather wise. It's hard to knock it and deserves the full 10/10.
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I don't understand the negative comments here as maybe I got lucky. Of the 7 pubs we visited in the area this is up there with the Castle at Lulworth. Friendly chatty staff, 9 beers, and good food coupled with a great open fire, dog friendly and of course the breathtaking local. 8/10 easy
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I agree with other users who have said the pub is in a great location. That is probably the reason that the owners could care less about service, a sort of "build it and they will come" mentality.
The staff are unfriendly youths of various nationalities. One of them yelled at a bunch of guys (aka customers) in the bar to "Keep the noise down" because he was trying to talk on the phone.
(Note to management (Basil?): Take the phone out of the bar and whetever you do don't shout at the people who have just paid �3.50 for a pint of warm beer..oh and don't mention the war).
We were staying at the attached hotel for the weekend but only drank in the pub on the first night. This was because the aforementioned expensive beer was luke warm. I see other reviewers have complimented the beer so maybe mine was a one off although I did ask for a sample the next night and it was still very warm. They had a good lager, Purbex (named after a washing detergent perhaps?) but it went off on Friday and never came back while we were staying.
They do food as well but we only had a salad and a ploughmans the first night so I have no idea what their cooked food is like (the food we had was OK). The breakfast at the hotel was the worst and most greasy I've ever had if thats any help.
My recommendation would be to stay away unless all you want is a pint of lager after a grueling day on the beach. If you are looking for a decent pub with good food we found one called the New Inn in Church Knowle which is about 15 minutes drive.
The room at the hotel was dirty and things, like the shower head, were broken so I wouldn't recommend staying there either.
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A pub of contrasts. The most obvious is location; it's certainly an idyllic setting with some some quality views from the beer garden over Poole Bay. However the place doesn't look overly inviting from the outside and parts of the interior looked a bit worn and tired - some simple touches could improve this. The pub is spacious inside, with at least one real fire on the go during winter.
On my visit there were 5 ales on, most (if not all) from their own brewery (Isle of Purbeck) - they were served well but were fairly uninspiring taste-wise. They also do a home-brewed lager which I actually found to be their best offering - go for that first. However, given that they brew on the premises the prices they charged are pretty extortionate - over �3 for their lager. I got a tour round the brewery from the brewmaster who was a nice chap.
It started filling up quick so I doubt they'll be too fussy about the negative reviews on here. Personally, I think it's worth a stop for the tick if nearby but I wouldn't call it an 'essential' pub.
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Excellent Ploughmans lunch. Well kept beers and a good range and choice too!
Touristy but friendly and comfortable.
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The setting, and views from the beer garden are absolutely superb. The beer range (it's the home of the Purbeck microbrewery) is excellent, and well served if my visit was anything to go by. Would be a wonderful place to spend a warm afternoon.
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The setting, and views from the beer garden are absolutely superb. The beer range (it's the home of the Purbeck microbrewery) is excellent, and well served if my visit was anything to go by. Would be a wonderful place to spend a warm afternoon.
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My wife and I stayed 2 nights at the beginning of June.It is ideally located.Views are great.Beer is varied too.We found that the food is not that great and very expensive for what you get.Breakfast is well over cooked.The second morning we had no mushrooms.The rooms werent that clean either.It could do with a makeover.Rooms very tired.
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This seems to be a pub trading on its 'Olde Worlde' reputation in a picturesque setting. When we arrived it was very busy and the bar staff had 'zoned' the bar for service. This seemed like a good idea - except for the guy next to me, who seemed to be 'between zones' and had to get quite assertive in order to be served, although he had already but quite a bit of cash over the bar!
I echo LordTosh's views about bar staff who know nothing about the beers on offer. Asking them about the beer was a bit like asking for advice on plumbing at one of those massive DIY 'sheds'!
Eventually, I settled for a pint of Fossil Fuel, a watery pint, brewed on the premises and tasting as though its main ingredient was spent matches!
For me, this seemed very much like a pub trading off one-visit tourists and feeling as though it doesn't have to invest too much energy in making your visit a pleasant one. A case of 'We've got your cash - now on your way!"
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I first visited this pub about 30 years ago. It has both the benefit and the curse of being a lovely pub in a picturescue setting, which attracts hoardes of visitors regardless. The pub has always under acheived in my experience - probably for this very reason.
I returned as I was curious to try the output of the new "on site" brewery; an exciting prospect that might lead you to ask has the pub changed its ways? Is it now offering anything resembling quality, service, style? Does it make you think you matter - even though plenty of other folk will replace you when you've gone?
I was greated by staff who did not appear to be old enough to drink on the premises, never mind work there, and who subsequentially prooved to be totally clueless about the products on offer. TIP - If you want to know anythig about the beers on offer then read the labels, the staff can't be bothered.
This seems to be a shame in a place where presumably someone is enthusiastic enough about beer to actually want to brew it and yet this enthusiasm is not communicated to any of the front of house staff on even the most basic of levels.
The greatest dissapointment however was the prices. Other pubs in the area have to buy their beer from brewers, who build in profits and transport costs. These two elements would seem to be missing from the equation here - so why is it around 50p/pint more than other pubs in the locality?
I'll maybe pop back in another 30 years, I don't expect I'll be missed.
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2 couples ventured out from Swanage via Harrys Rock to arrive at this pub. We'd worked up a good thirst by this time, and were greeted with a very good selection of ales. We worked our way through 3 pints each, before going back home in the dark - the views of an illuminated Swanage in the dark are fantastic. I rate this pub for its beer alone.
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It's in a great location and boasts nine real ales (including delicious lager) but .... it feels rather care-worn, at least in the winter. A lot of the food was off and the barman spent a good 5 mins chatting on the phone before serving us.
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Myself and my partner had been exploring the local area and this pub was well advertised in Studland village and on the ferry. Adverts said food all day, likewise on its own web site. We arrived to an empty pub at about 5pm (tea time!) to be told no we dont do food until 6. Is that all day? The pub was fairly grubby looking too so we thought better than wait we went elsewhere. We also noticed a ramshackle marque outside with the micro bewery which really didn't look well presented. I'm no snob but the whole place is no longer very inviting.
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We have just returned from a weekend break at The Bankes Arms. On arrival it was a lovely looking old building, and we were looking forward to being shown to our room.
The first indication that all was not as we�d hoped was the un-communicative, verging on rude bar staff.
We then found that the room was very shabby looking, no care had been taken with soft-furnishings and decoration. The curtains were thin and dirty looking and didn�t fit the window properly. There was no shower fixture on the wall in our �en-suite� bathroom, and the television had come off the wall and was on the landing.
Unfortunately the food was also disappointing - if you were lucky enough to find that what you wanted hadn't sold out, presentation was poor and the huge hunks of bread were stale.
On a more positive note, the full English breakfast each morning was pretty good and the view from the room was fantastic.
From the website, it looks like a great place, and we were looking forward to a weekend away at a lovely country retreat. We thought this place had so much potential, and it was sad to see it in such a sorry state. If you want basic, save your cash and go to the YHA, as this place wasn't much better.
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Revisited last week, not been here for over a year now and I am amazed by some of the comments that have been posted, the food was fantastic and the Isle of Purbeck Ales are wonderful, Fossil Fuel and Solar Power were as always top class. We certainly will not wait so long before returning.
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I always go to Swanage on summer holiday and always visit this place. This time round, the pleasant east European barmaid didn't know what scrumpy was - a bit of a faux pas in Dorset. Service was poor and I've always avoided the food. The beer festival was good though, with a nice vibe/music and there is a fabulous view across Studland Bay from the massive garden. The nearby South Beach is great, family-friendly and allows dogs. National Trust car park right next to the pub.
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The pub is attractive and the views lovely. The beers were ok but I expected better with it being the home of Isle of Purbeck brewery. The barstaff were pleasant but didn't seem to have a clue how to serve beer. They seemed undertrained and bewildered but they were eager to please the customers and did their best. Despite the pub garden being full the sandwiches we ordered came quite quickly. We also ate there one evening. My seabass was a bit meagre but our group of four thought the food was well cooked and we enjoyed it.
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This is a lovely pub and well worth visiting for the views alone. The beers brewed on the premises are good, but not great and supplimented by guest beers from the likes of the excellent Triple F.
The downside is the food, which,although not bad is nowhere near good enough to justify the high prices(�9.95 for a prawn salad which had enough prawns but was accompanied by poorly drained lettuce and not much else).Also service for the food was very slow resulting in a huge queue which obscured the menu board.One person was understandably upset that they would not sell him a side order of chips without ordering a main meal.
In summary: visit for the view and beer, but eat elsewhere.
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I went in August 2007 for the beer festival. The location was fantastic, and as the weather was good we were able to sit in the garden - By going mid-afternoon we avoided the crowds. Food was a barbecue, and quality and price were OK. They offered a mere 80 beers, and whilst I only tried about 8, all were excellent. Bar staff were East European, and despite the negative reviews here, I found them very friendly and they gave excellent service. Overall a very positive experience, but I was glad it wasd quiet so that I could use the inside loos. The trailer-Toilets brought for the festival were rank!
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Visited here after staying at the Bankes Hotel, Corfe Castel - totally different! It's a family-run pub, catering for a variety of clientele. In my opinion it does it extremely well. I went off-season, and so I can imagine it being a victim of its own success in the summer, but seems harsh to fault it for that. Beer was excellent - great choice and well kept. Food looked ok but didn't sample it. High percentage of walkers [including one with a backpack and walking pole who should have had them confiscated as weapons!] but live and let live. It's current score [5.9] is way too low for a pub of this quality.
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Ideal walker's pub. VERY popular and busy.
Purbeck ales are good, but the bar staff seem to let all four handpumps run dry, seriously limiting the choice. This might have changed now that the owners have decided to go back to employing Australians, rather than Eastern Europeans.
The pub is "nice" inside, but it needs cleaning up - Lots of wooden fittings and fixtures need repairing. I guess that the pub is too busy to refurbish, which is a pity as it is getting really shabby.
Ordering food is a pain: the blackboard is located next to the front door, so you can't read it with the queue of people lined up trying to order food. Most people assume that you're trying to push in, so they huddle together so you can't see the board!
You get shunted out of the way whilst waiting to place an order at the bar by all of the red sock brigade trying to force their way in - which is not a pleasant experience.
The food is expensive and the quality can be poor, depending on the dish.
Not a bad place overall, but lacking in certain key areas. Try it out of season.
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We went after a 5 mile walk and expected a good meal and a refreshing drink. Sadly, it wasn't to be.
My husband had ham, egg and chips, a pub staple. The ham was packaged, not off the bone, the chips were cold and grey, and there was only one egg, which for �8.50 is rubbish.
My ham and mustard baguette was okay, but too much mustard and nowhere near enough ham.
My daughter had fish fingers, which seemed to be just about the healthiest (!) thing on the extremely overpriced children's menu. Her fish fingers were grey inside and of a horrible texture. Her potatoes had black bits in too.
My husband's beer was good, and he even enjoyed the home brewed lager, which as a real ale drinker is high praise.
My pint of coke was actually see through and not coca cola. I can't believe a pub offers only cola off a multi tap - vile.
And, worst of all for a family pub - where were the high chairs? I had to feed my daughter on my lap, which is never easy, especially when she doesn't like the food.
I get so cross by people saying that the location is great so don't complain. Yes, the location is fantastic, breathtaking and awe inspiring. But that's not down to the pub is it?
The beer was good and so was the view. But avoid if you want a good feed.
To the user who says she loves the place but it gives her the squits...words fail me!
Phmoo - 11 Apr 2008 21:10 |
the beer at the Bankes Arms is truly excellent. I have been in so many pubs that don't take pride in their real ale - but the Bankes is an exception. They had 9 real ales on the pumps and I heard nothing but praise while i was there for the beer brewed on site at the Isle of Purbeck Brewery. Fossil Fuel was indeed superb and I have even heard that they are now brewing their own cold filtered lager which is an achievement in itself. I thought the food was very good - portions are huge and the menu is good honest British fare with some lovely seabass on the menu when I was there. I think it is all too easy for people to write negative comments - but this is a family run pub of which much is demanded considering their size - and I think they do an excellent job. But above all - the real ale is outstanding.
anonymous - 4 Nov 2007 21:25 |
This pub is all about "Location, Location, Location". Unfortunately that's about all it has. Considering it has its own micro-brewery, the beer is at best mediocre. Staff are variable in their attitude and the scenically situated garden suffers from litter, uncleared glasses and big black crows that stalk the tables. The food can be described as the Worst of British.
The pub is a lost opportunity.
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Visited this pub for the first time on Sunday after driving past signs for it for the past 20 years!
Lovely location, apart from having to pay �2 to park in the Nat. Trust Carpark next to it, beer garden was full and had wonderful view over Studland Bay in the October Sunshine. Beer was good and a lot of choice...but..�5.20 for two pints in plastic glasses of multi dispenser cola...
and �7.50 for a Ham Ploughmans. Chilli was �9.50..
Waiting staff were friendly and did work very hard I must say, but today I am off work with a bad tummy..
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Zofloya, you must be easily pleased.
Good points: great location; good range of beers; pretty quick service for food, even when busy and quite organised in that dept too.
Bad points: loos stink to high-heaven and are filthy; food is mediocre (but edible and no delhi-belly); staff behind bar (when I was there on the 9th of Sep) were not very helpful; pub is generally shabby.
Lizlibation and twiglet100 have summed up quite accurately.
Park in National Trust car park behind pub (pay �1 unless NT member) and it's okay for a stopping point whilst doing the 'walk' but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
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A shame that the guaranteed tourist trade means that this pub can get away with really slovenly standards. Everything is pretty filthy from the tables to the loos. Always get the squits after eating here. Food varies from summer to summer but is generally pretty poor now, however fresh fish is good.
But just love the place, have been going for years and go to the beer festival every year, though the beer is not in as good condition at the festival as it used to be.
Staff and family are friendly and the garden with fab views over Studland Bay & Old Harry unbeatable. Watch out for the parakeets flying over but what happened to the chaffinches and sparrows?
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Dont be misled by some of the critical reviews in this page. We are a family of five, myself husband two adult daughters and our seventeen year old son plus two dogs. We have just stayed for a weekend at the pub and have many compliments to deliver and hope this adds a little balance to this page.
The pub didnt smell of old beer and vinegar - it was freshly aired and had a lovely log fire burning welcomingly in the fireplace - comforting after the terrible storms on the way down. Staff extremely friendly and helpful towards us and accommodating the dogs happily, rooms were clean and fresh - new towels every day too - and rooms serviced daily by chambermaid. My daughters even had a jacuzzi in their ensuite bathroom! Food was very good - fresh fish included daily on the menu and we noticed how helpful the staff were towards families with small children too. On Saturday evening the place was crowded with families happily eating there and the bar always seemed busy. I dont actually drink but on the subject of beers my husband says beer choices there are excellent, they even brew some of their own, and they are actually holding a beer festival in the middle of august with 120 to choose from. If I really have to make any critical comment there is only one part of the pub that needs any refreshment really and thats the hall and staircase area leading to the accommodation, but its not a big issue.
Please dont be put off by other people with niggly comments that could have happened anywhere - we were well looked after.
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just caters for the tourist trade theses days - high volume means cannot do anything but pre packed microwaved food. great location and that's about it - it really is like a toursit attraction. not many locals left in the area, all second homes - shame - another community ruined
anonymous - 24 Jun 2007 19:15 |
Have been coming here since 1972 and it hasn't changed a great deal. The best thing of course is the fantastic location. The best beer garden in the UK? The views over Poole Bay to the Isle of Wight are worth forgiving all this place's faults for.
And there are quite a few faults. The beer, happily, isn't one of them. A superb selection of local real ales. But it goes downhill from there.
The inside is tired and a bit shabby, and smells of vinegar and stale beer. The food though is the main issue. Too much of the stuff served here is bought-in, 'boil in the bag' catering rubbish. The dreaded 'lamb shank in red wine and rosemary jus' often makes an appearance - the sure sign of a Brakes Brothers/3663 menu (this means the food is bought in ready coooked - they just microwave it). The salads are grim and the quality of some of the ingredients dire.
BUT, sometimes they get it spot-on, with fresh locally-caught fish and game stews, roasts and so on. So, scrap the big menu, keep to a couple of main courses that ARE cooked on premises and a few bar staples and it would be fine.
The service is actually pretty good.
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Having driven past a few times and read some excellent comments on this venue decided to pop in with my parents when they came to visit me last weekend. DOESN'T LIVE UP TO REPUTATION. I found the venue to be dirty, and dingy. Having spent about 20 minutes at the bar waiting without recognition I walked out and went into Poole where i ended up spending �130 somewhere else. We weren't the only ones to leave. Felt that my business wasn't wanted here and so in future will make sure i go where my custom is appreciated.
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I only use this place once a year, when I come down for the annual Memorial Parade for the members of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, who died during Exercise Smash1 on the 4th April 1944. I have always found the place to be very friendly, the food excellent and the staff helpful. As such it's one of those rare places that you can happily recommend to people.
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If you are a fan of real ales then this is the pub for you. When we visited they had 9 different real ales 4 of which are brewed on the premises the Solar Power is wonderful. Fantastic Pub Fantastic Location Fantastic Food and FANTASTIC BEER !! can't wait to come back in the summer !!
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I gave the bar staff �20 note. They gave me change for �10. I went straight back to tell them but they said I would have to wait until the next day when the tills would have been checked. I went in twice but was told I would have to see the manager.I left my number but no reply, so I rang, I could tell by the attitude I would have problems so I said I am likely to get my money back, I was told " No " .I know it was only �10 but it was the arrogance. I will never go into that pub again. About 10 of my friends will not use it now either.
anonymous - 24 Jun 2006 16:24 |
As a local this pub is on the map to keep visiting, yes its busy in the tourist season but it still has one of the best locations around for fair weather drinkning. Together with its history (the Banks family owned nost of the area including Corfe castle nearby) it is now run by a landlord that used to run the Brew House in Poole. This is significant because he brews many of his own ale on site, and its fantastic. Food, cant really comment on, but you need to visit this pub if your in the area.
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Been here many times, and have always found the service VERY friendly. The food is fab! Highly recommended, although it does become very busy during the holiday season.
Fantastic location, well worth a try!
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For a tourist pub (let's be honest: it is near a beach, in a very small town, and advertises in all of the local travel guides), it has character and a good selection of real ales that many do not. It is the mediocre food and the slowness of service that remind you that this even with those benefits, it is still a tourist pub. Definitely visit if you are passing through or going to the Bay, but it is not worth a special trip.
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Good pub, I thought, plenty beer, plenty food on offer and a beer garden that gave a view over a little bit of Studland Bay.
If you're on holiday, it's what you want.
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Great food, great beer, great views. Just a short walk from South Beach which has a lovely friendly atmosphere. Rooms could do with a bit of updating but ask for a sea view and it will make up for it.
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I made my first visit to this pub yesterday. Six real ales which seem to be well kept. I didn't eat so I can't comment about the food. The pub was very busy and full of the walker/Sunday lunch brigade who clearly don't go to pubs often. Beautifully situated but don't go here for a quiet pint.
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Superb pub - found it by accident!
A bunch of us used to go there regularly last summer.
We'd take the chain ferry from B'mouth, park the car just over the other side and then walk to the pub via the beach. After the 45min walk a couple of pints and a game stew go down nicely.
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A wonderful location, BUT ... disappointing quality! I have to agree with several of earlier 'posters' ... the most tasteless 'crab salad' I've ever tasted, and I do come from Cornwall!
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seems to be a lot of moaning about this pub. i've been going for years living not far away, and have never had a problem. As for the comment about reheated food, what do you expect???? they are so busy that they could not possibly have time to cook food from fresh. The garden often has glasses and crisp packets in - they always seem to have as many staff as they could get, and where exactly would they get a local teenager from, not exactly a heaving metropolis around there is it? the staff are always polite and friendly, and seem to work really hard. The rooms may be overpriced for what they are, but people are willing to pay it, so they are going to charge it. i agree that the rooms could do with a bit of decorating. If you want a quiet country pub, with a faster more personal service, then head further afield and don't be so predictable in escaping the town in going to the nearest 'country pub' that you know of. all in all i think this is a great pub, though it is a little commercial these days because of the demand.
anonymous - 12 Jan 2005 11:42 |
Complacent. Gets a lot of tourist trade due to the great situation and lack of any local competition and so I think they're getting a bit lazy. I stayed here and the rooms were comfortable enough whilst feeling a bit faded. There was a good range of beer and the food (I had game casserole) was very nice, though the amazing speed with which it arrived did suggest that it had been reheated. The huge garden does have a cracking view of the bay but again suffers from a lack of attention - the crisp packets and empty glasses that accumulate so rapidly make it feel a bit grubby (surely they could pay a local teenager to sort this out!) In the vicinity it's really the only option, but until they start trying harder it sadly isn't worth journeying to specially.
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A lovely pub set on a road looking over the sea. Cross the road from the pub in to the HUGE beer garden. A really nice atmosphear.
Ben Roberts - 27 Oct 2004 11:54 |
We stayed at this hotel/pub for two nights in August 2004. On the second night the noise in the bar went on until 12.40 a.m., 40 minutes after a polite request that the staff should stop talking loudly. This hotel is overpriced considering the service and noise.
Lindsay Bickers - 22 Aug 2004 18:15 |
We stopped by on Saturday 7 August 2004. It was a lovely hot day and the pub looked very attractive. The beer was excellent, and we ordered food from the bar menu. I can honestly say it was the worst pub meal I have ever had. It looked and tasted as if it had been cooked several hours before and simply re-heated. I complained and was offered a round of drinks, but I get the impression that so many people stop by this pub that they don't really care. If it has any kind of award for food, then whoever dish out these awards should go back any try again. Give it a miss !!!!
Andy Broom - 9 Aug 2004 12:48 |
This must be one of the most idyllic settings for a pub with its lovely old bulding and beautiful green overlooking Old Harry Rocks. Food and range of ales are extremely good. I have stayed for up to five nights on four occasions almost on a yearly basis both in high and low season but not this year. Sadly not quite so much fun as it used to be, partly because it gets so busy but also because room standards and service are not worth the high price charged. I hope it will become my favourite away from home pub again. I shall give it another try next year!
Angela Cooper - 29 Jul 2004 15:18 |
We stayed at this pub for two nights earlier this month. The food was very good and served quickly, but the service itself was surly. The bedroom accommodation was very average and grossly overpriced for the standard - �82 per night. The window frames were grimy, the bathroom had mould coming through the ceiling and walls, and the bathroom tiles were also black around the edges with mould.
Jane - 19 Jul 2004 15:45 |
Eight real ales including some from the Isle of Purbeck brewery such as Fossil Fuel and the excellent Solar Power and guest ales which when we visited were from Gales and Batemans respectively. Has won awards from CAMRA and is a regular in the Good Beer Guide/Good Pub Guide etc. Food was very good and unpretentious. Most main courses less than �10. Very tasty with reasonable portions. What was also impressive - considering how busy they were - was the fact that we didn't have to wait very long for our food. There is no set menu, you have to check out the blackboard to see what is available. Popular with walkers and the yachting fraternity. I'm told that in the Summer it has moorings for the latter.
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