please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A very well run locals pub which is always a pleasure to drink in
The barmaids assured us the place is genuinely haunted and have a few tales to tell about their experiences
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A few years ago before Marston's bought Ringwood I wanted to retire and live as near as possible but whilst a good pub it has lost the spark it once had,everything seems to be a shadow of where the pub once was ,beer-not quite as good. Service-not as good. Friendly locals full of good advice-gone.Still well above average.7/10.
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Visited this pub recently whilst on holiday. On entering, there was nobody behind the bar. After what must have been 10 minutes a barmaid appeared and then managed to serve other customers out of turn. The ale I requested ran out so I opted for a Ringwood Best which to add insult to injury was in poor nick. Sorry to disappoint others who may have had a good experience here I won't be rushing back when next in Weymouth.
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Well, I reckon this pub is just about perfect and I'm certainly not a local. Chanced upon this after a rainy day visiting Portland Bill and the young lady behind the bar was really friendly and clearly enjoyed working there.
I took in some Canadian friends and they just love places like this, plenty of character, good range of beer (I was duty driver, so only one Ringwoods for me, grrrr...).
The Pork Pies were terrific value. Well presented and good quality.
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When on holiday in June 2012 I visited this pub as it had been highly recommended. As a visitor, I felt very much the outsider. The lady behind the bar was more interested in joining in the banter from a large number of locals assembled there and then serving them when one or two shouted out for another pint. All the while, I stood for what must have been 5 minutes - it doesn't sound long but it is when waiting for service. I was on the point of walking out when she actually asked what I would like. The Ringwoods was very nice which I slowly consumed in the quite alcove by the end door. The beer was good but unless you happened to be a local, the service was very indifferent. I felt as if I had gatecrashed a private party.
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Visited this Pub again last Tuesday, I know it is winter but Oh dear what has happened to this once great pub? Service was awful as was the Beer. it was early afternoon and the place was full of locals, nice open fire but on arrival no staff in sight. eventually someone emerged from the cellar saying there had been a flood and proceed to investigate why the glass washer was not emptying. Despite me holding out a £20 note he just walked past me . eventually in between clearing an empty glass from the bar and serving someone else he got around to me, unfortunately his mobile went off and he took the call before giving me my change some 5 mins later. I have praised this pub on this site before, but sorry at the moment cannot score above a 2 and that is for the Log Fire. This once famous pub is on a steep downward decline.
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Visited the pub on a Sunday. The locals all brought an eclectic mix of food from simple snacks to Venison, pork, beef and roast bits and bobs. It was simply a unique and amazing atmosphere much appreciated by locals and visitors alike. We didn't have to hang around too long for a pint and the beer was expertly looked after. I will certainly take the dog along next week at least he will be assured of good company and food.
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Fine little pub which I visited for the first time when on holiday. Good selection of ales was the winner in here but the barmaid and a couple of locals were very friendly. Will look in when in Weymouth again, hopefully soon.
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Oh Dear.....What has happened to The Boot? On my first visit for some time it is now apparent that the "chav" element are encouraged along with a lot of gratuitous bad language and indifferent service. Coupled with Ringwood tampering with Thumper I now see why so many regulars have decamped to the Globe!
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Lovely 17th century pub.
Enjoyed the drink and service.
Friendly customers,good craic.
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I visited The Boot one weekday evening whilst on holiday basically because I enjoy Ringwood ales. Sadly, the service did not match up to the beer. It struck me as being a bit of a Weymouth "local" and visitors take their chance. I waited some 7 or 8 minutes for service (which is long time) whilst the barmaid engaged in conversation and banter with some seated regular locals who received their orders by just shouting out to the barmaid who duly obliged. There had been only one couple in front of me and I stood there waiting for a sufficient lull so that I could be served. I was almost on the point of walking out when the barmaid asked what I wanted. Her attention was on what the lads were saying and the only attention I got was to tell me the price and to give me the pint. Not the most comfortable or welcoming pub although the beer is good.
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Exploring the older part of Weymouth brought me to the Boot. Mid afternoon refreshment called for a low gravity offering , so we went for the Ringwood Best, ( �3.05) and found it well up to standard. The whole of the pub's customers were sat outside in the sunshine, we joined them and were made welcome by complete strangers. The barman was an interesting fella to chat to, and as well as the usual newspapers, a selection of Haynes' Manuals caught my eye. A genuine local, with a very nice ambience.
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To my mind, still the best pub in Weymouth and Portland 30 years after my first visit. It's refurbishments since have not destroyed much of its character. Good selction of beers and lagers: Marston's Single Hop was the star of the show when I visited. It can get busy on summer evenings and weekends but you'll generally get a seat. No food but pleased to see it still does pickled eggs as well as a good range of crisps and nuts etc.
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The Boot seemed as good as ever, the decorations seemed a little parred down, good regulars and a decent welcome. My Best Bitter was good but not overly spectacular. A Must do pub if anywhere near Weymouth, The Globe must also be visited.
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Just been on holiday in Weymouth,and the Boot was the best pub i visited.
No music or fruit machines just good beer and plenty of chat.8/10
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As a local Camra member I'm totally confused by Bathmatt's comments. First I agree with him that the improved Globe is worth patronising which is why we have added it to the recommended pubs in the Good Beer Guide. However can I put the record straight; the Boot WAS ommitted from the 2011 GBG for the simple reason that entries are submitted in March of the previous year and the previous licensee was leaving in April. We did not know who was taking on the license so could not recommend the pub that year. Happily we are more than satisfied that the Boot has proved it is still one of the premier real ale outlets in West Dorset and it is listed in the 2012 GBG. As to the other points; expensive? - average prices for pubs in the area; poor quality? - you visited on 8th Dec - the Ringwood Porter at this time of year is to die for; unfriendly - this can be subjective but I certainly have interesting conversations with perfect strangers each time I visit.
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Having spent the last few years traveling i tend to frequent a few pubs ,the boot being one of them .
The second you walk in you feel welcome and not only by the landlord and staff but the patrons already there .
The fine selection of beverages found there will satisfy the most pickiest of people and being an ale drinker myself have very often found my self perched in the boot with the fire on , on a cold day sipping on a pint while chatting to the locals , landlord and staff , or sat outside in the summer sun with a nice cider .
I was recommended the boot by a bloke i met in Australia and will be doing the same on my future travels .
Well done the boot
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All I can say is Bathmatt must have gone into the wrong pub!
The Boot is a long time haunt of many ex-forces personel. With it's real fires, real conversation with genuine people (with no juke box or telly blaring out loud noise), and 5 real ales, not to mention the great ciders, you can't get much better than that.
As for being dropped by CAMRA, all I can say is READ THE BOOK. It's still listed in the Beer Guide, and frequented on most nights by members of CAMRA.
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As a long term regular of the pub. I utterly disappointed with the boot. I am in the armed forces, and spend a lot of time away. I have always returned knowing that the boot would be the same, happy, warm, and friendly place, with the best beer around. It is now expensive, poor quality, and unfriendly. At this point I can't see myself stepping foot in the Boot again. I have changed my allegiance to the Globe Inn. As have CAMRA, who has dumped the Boot, and added the Globe.
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Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this pub on 14th September. It's a proper old fashioned inn. Packed full of character and serving excellent ales and proper pub snacks such as pork pie and pickles for sharing. The poor barmaid was a bit rushed and needed some help but guess this is the sign of a popular pub. Landlord was friendly and so were the locals. The only problem you might have is finding a seat!
lala1 - 17 Sep 2011 10:33 |
Would never really go to a pub like this, but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it, small pub with a very good atmosphere and great live acts, I am a lager drinker but had a try of the cheddar valley and never looked back, great pint and a perfect place to go to for a decent pint of ale if thats what you like!
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Excellent unspoilt drinking pub. Beer is the full range from Ringwood. Easily the best pub in Weymouth. Highly recommended.
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First visit today to The Boot. Read all the negative reviews. All nonsense. The Landlord, Kevin, was welcoming and friendly, as were the locals. The Ringwood Best Bitter was the best I have tasted in a long time at least since Marston's took over. Good to see that Ringwood have, at last, got their Mojo back. Kevin knows about Real Ale, and knows how to keep it. Will be back for another visit soon.
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kind of agree with last comment. there does indeed seem to be a few annoyed people out there? perhaps barred from the pub or a previous pub of KENS?? It was always going to be difficult to take on a pub that won so many awards and was so much loved - but present management doing ok. Although please please let me not have to ask for my freshly poured pint to be topped-up again! apart from that things ok at the boot! BRING ON THE SUMMER
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I totally agree with topsailjon! The Boot is better now than ever and the beer is excellent well done! I think that other disgruntled landlords (you know who you are) should spend more time looking at their own businesses rather than using websites such as this to try and damage someones trade (unsuccessfully i might add) Maybe if you spent more time building your own trade rather than being a constant embarrassment to yourself, running out of beer etc and loose some weight as you might then even be able to get behind your bar and serve then you wouldn't need to try sly underhanded tactics - get a life!
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Having read the poor reviews since the new management took over, I was anticipating being severely disappointed by my visits to the Boot on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week. I can't see what all the fuss is about. The 49er was in prime condition every evening and the other beers and ciders that I saw being dispensed all appeared to be in fine condition. The pub was busy all three nights, with what appeared to be 'ordinary' local people talking and enjoying the convivial atmosphere. I spoke to a couple of locals who said of course the pub had changed but it was still the best in the area. I couldn't disagree. On the Friday night, I met the new landlord and we chatted about his thoughts and aspirations for the pub. His excuse for the failure to make the Good Beer Guide is that the pub was in the process of changing hands at the time of inspection/publication. I could certainly see no reason that The Boot should not bee included. Had I not enjoyed it, I wouldn't have returned on two consecutive nights. It will probably never recapture the etherial feeling it had as a Ringwood pub under the old brewery regime, but for good beer and pleasant company it still beats most of Weymouth hands down.
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Where has everyone gone? This pub used to be bustling in the evenings - i kind of agree with previous remarks. The beer quality is definitely inferior (i was sternly told there was nothing wrong with my cloudy pint!) and is it just me or was the range alot more interesting in the past?? Anyway, the pubs in Weymouth are many so our feet will do some exploring.
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i'm afraid i now speak for quite a few of the regulars in saying that things are now not so good in this once definitive Dorset ale house. Recently 'booted' out of the Good Beer Guide (after 12 continuous years) the welcome is unhelpful and arrogant, the service slightly off-hand (the fires and conversation used to crackle and now rather just 'spit')and the beer is definitely second tier - as CAMRA also think. What a bloody shame.
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i posted a review on 01/06/2010 saying i thought this was the best in weymouth. I have since moved here and unfortunately i no longer think this. The new manager is quite surly (although the ale is still as good). Even though we frequented the place regularly we are never given the impression the staff knew who we are. Whilst we dont expect them to fall at your feet, some sort of acknowledgement would be nice. But we found somewhere else to drink regularly in weymouth and after just a couple of visits all the staff know what we drink and the ale is just as good. I'm sure people will disagree with this opinion but its just what we found over the last 6 months since we moved down here.
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been there 3 times now, and a great pub..is a 5 hour journey for me to get there!.......i liked the landlord Ken...have a look at the website....Weymouth TV
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Proudly announcing itself as Weymouth's oldest inn and dating back to the 17th century, The Boot is situated slightly away from the main central area of Weymouth, somewhat incongruously past the local Council Offices and on the fringes of a major town roundabout with a large ASDA supermarket. Its location means it's very much a locals pub with, seemingly, little passing trade. It's certainly not where the first time visitor to Weymouth would automatically expect the oldest inn in town to be found, although a small plaque high up on the pub wall tells us that the pub is "fronting the former busy High Street of Old Weymouth". Perhaps inevitably, it's where local ghost tours of the nearby harbour start - every Wednesday evening at 7 pm.
The pub consists of a low beamed bare boarded bar with a split level interior and additional drinking areas at each end. Leaded coloured windows denoting "public bar" and "saloon bar" tell us that it was formerly a multi roomed pub. Some hanging wellingtons and other types of boot and old photographs of the pub add character to the interior, although the colour scheme, which features a lot of greenish painted wood panelling, does jar somewhat. Note also the carved wood plaque with "The Boot" engraved on it above the fireplace in the lounge bar. The absence of music, fruit machines etc give the pub a rather basic old fashioned ale house feel to it, although live music ( guitarists ) feature occasionally.
A former Devenish & Co house, it's now a Ringwood Brewery pub which, on my recent Sunday evening visit, was serving Ringwood Best, Fortyniner,Old Thumper and Boondoggle ( a summer seasonal beer ). Jennings Cocker Hoop was on as a so called guest, although it is debatable whether this can be regarded as a true "guest beer" in a Marstons owned pub. The Ringwood Best - � 2.85p - was in good condition. The pub has been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular in recent years.
This pub is well worth seeking out when in Weymouth.
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I visited this pub not so long ago and i had an amazing time. Lucky a enough we discovered this pub a few days into our holiday. so we spent a lot of our valuable drink time there. as we went there on different occasions. so we were able to enjoy there music and the Friday and Saturday atmosphere also the meat raffle on the Sunday didn't win but it was lots of fun. Holly Emily and Rhys made us very welcome. they were smart served an excellent pint with speed and had great manners. Also we met the manger Kevin he came sat down and spoke with us told us about the history and the beer in the pub that we didn't know, he made us feel comfortable and relaxed. The boot inn will be our first stop next time we go on holiday to weymouth with out a doubt . I would give it 5 stars . I would like to say thank you to all the staff for such a fantastic time. If i had my own pub i'd love for you all to work for me.
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I visited this pub not so long ago and i had an amazing time. Lucky a enough we discovered this pub a few days into our holiday. so we spent a lot of our valuable drink time there. as we went there on different occasions. so we were able to enjoy there music and the Friday and Saturday atmosphere also the meat raffle on the Sunday didn't win but it was lots of fun. Holly Emily and Rhys made us very welcome. they were smart served an excellent pint with speed and had great manners. Also we met the manger Kevin he came sat down and spoke with us told us about the history and the beer in the pub that we didn't know, he made us feel comfortable and relaxed. The boot inn will be our first stop next time we go on holiday to weymouth with out a doubt . I would give it 5 stars . I would like to say thank you to all the staff for such a fantastic time. If i had my own pub i'd love for you all to work for me.
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I be a cantankerous old man who be very fussy bout the ale I do sup and the company I keep so twill come as no surprise to the majority of people writing on this site that I use the Boot on a reglur basis. New management trying very hard to run a locals pub which is also attractive to visitors, from near and far, by serving ales, ciders and lagers(yuk) in perfect condition to the best of their ability, ok there are the odd occasions when a beer is off but this is usually rectified in a few minutes.
New at the Boot is the Wednesday night quiz, real cash prizes apparently, which I witnessed some of and found entertaining...hopefully this will grow and thereby introduce more people to properly kept products.
Only criticism I have re "Lazy Staff", which is far from the truth, is the use of mobile phones whilst people are waiting, there seems to be one frequent caller who takes precedence over eveybody....pet hate.
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Just finished my annual holiday to Weymouth, and this pub remains a highlight of my visits. Wonderfuly kept beer, jovial staff, a great mix of customers, and a brilliant place to have a quiet pint or a raucous session. The best pub in town (probably the best pub in Dorset, and that's saying something!)
As for davidedwards comments below, anyone who says "wetherspoons wins out" immediately disqualifies themself from being a reliable judge of anything. Pensioners and pissed-up office girls forking microwave meals down their lambrini-soaked gullets? Keep it, mate.
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i cant belive the previous comment has been made i am a regular user of the boot in and have bin for some years i have never had a bad time or a bad pint in the boot and the staff are very friendly and helpfulland definately NOT lazy. One time i can think of was robbies(bar staff) leaving party was great and aug bank holiday was just as good plenty going on.So davidedwards you really dont no what your taking about.
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the less than rave reviews are right. This was always one of the highlights of our summer dorset visits. will now be giving it a miss. The laidback but professional approach has been replaced with lazy service and poorly kept beer. just seems tired - and expensive for what you get. wetherspoons wins out
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we was visting weymouth for a holiday the week ending the 7 aug 2010 we visted the boot inn a few times and was very pleased with what we found a wide range of ringwood beers eg:-best bitter and 49ers they had a guest beer on at the time it was called lakeside and i can say all the beers was kept to quality standards as was the chedder valley cider which my wife drank. the managment an staff made us feel very welcome and the manager kevin and the owner ken made us feel really welcome they even sat and had a chat to us giving us info about the pub. i can honestly say we will be visting the boot inn again when we go back to weymouth.
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I must agree with muzzyofrotheram I w.as in the pub that week and all ales (5)
were on sale. The pub is now managed by conscientious and proud man who takes on the responsibility of cellarman. The pub has undergone a change of management in the last few months but has retained all its traditional features with a showcase for songwriters and musicians on selected evenings. There has been a lot of of buzz around the town about this pub of late.The future is bright the future is orange as they say. ( long live the Cheddar Valley )
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It's so strange that two people can visit the same pub on the same week and have two totally different opinions. I visited the Boot on three occasions w/e 7th. August. Each time the landlord was very friendly as always, as were the staff.
Mistadrink could not have been in on the nights that we were.
The Cheddar Valley cider was as usual, bang on, although I did not sample the beers,
Still the best boozer in Weymuff for me.
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Am not sure the previous comment is entirely correct - I was told by a customer that its the Management that has changed here not the Brewery. Anyway, when we went the beer range was down to 3 (from a usual 5) and the barman was pretty surly with us when we questioned this. We learnt more from the customers who told us that the cellarman has left and it is not a happy ship at the moment. A shame - from the previous comments it seems it was a pretty cool place to be before.
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O dear me... my feelings are mixed - once again Marstons take over a great pub and instil it with a corporate (ie poor) makeover. The welcome not quite so bright, the beer not quite so right and the ambience not quite as jovial as before. On the plus side they have not yet tried to instil corporate colours on the old girl. Come on Marstons - you know what we loved - why change it?
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Excellent pub excellent beer excellent atmosphere! what more could anyone wish for! Great range of Ringwood and Guest Beers alond with Traditional. Found this pub last week and have been back everyday since, what a gem. Thanks for keeping this a traditional pub and serving the best beer my miles in Dorset
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A real gem, was only told about it on Friday, have been hanging out in there ever since! All the Ringwood beers are on offer and all in excellent condition, also 3 ciders available on draught which pleases Portside.
A proper pub!!!
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without doubt the best pub in weymouth. Its a proper pub no tv, jukebox, fruit machines etc. The beer is superb what more can you say
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Lovely old pub serving a good range of real ales. No juke box, TV - just a great atmosphere!
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Best pub in Weymouth by a mile. A proper pub - great range of beers, with a real fire and it doesn't do food, no telly, no slot machines and no jukebox.
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We have been coming down to Weymouth every New Years for the last 7 years. A fantastic Town on the night - everyone gets up in fancy dress and there is always live music somewhere outside near Town centre. The Boot is our regular hangout over the festive period - always busy, always fun and amazingly the landlord always remembers our names and what we drink. Great boozer for a great craic
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Fabulous selection of ales and draught ciders combined with great staff and highly entertaining regulars make this a special pub in Dorset if not the country. Always clean and always a great atmosphere make this a must-visit at the start of the weekend (it closes at 11pm otherwise it would be a must-stay the whole weekend)
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Been coming here for years now - still a cracking pub - by far the best in Weymouth and probably the best pub in Dorset. The ale tastes just that bit better here and the Cheddar Valley cider tastes SO much better here than anywhere else in Weymouth (what DO they do different? Think they should pass on the secret) Wonderful boozer - please please keep it up
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Nice pub in the winter with a log fire and music some nights and in the summer it is a sun trap sat outside the backdoor on benches by the road. Friendly locals and good real draught cider, thatchers premium (hard to find this one these days) and the popular cheddar valley. Has a ghost which I have never seen but felt a cold spot there which was quite bizarre. Watch your change in here though as I have been short changed many a time and others too!
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Found this pub through this (not always reliable) website. Truly lives up to all of the previous comments. A truly great pub - does exactly what it says on the tin.... and some. Great beer, great service and great chat. One in a million. Thank you Giles and Robbie
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One of the best pubs in Weymouth, staff and customers all friendly, really laid back and full of history, if you love olde world snugs, this pub is for you....love it!
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The best pub in Weymouth bar none!! Don't go for the canned musak, the wide range of alcopops or the smoothflow...........Because you won't find them! You will enjoy the superb beers, very convivial atmosphere and the craic
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Pop in here every year on carnival day and it never disappoints,beautiful pint of Brakspear Honey Bee was quaffed outside this good beer guide regular in the hot hot sun, IDEAL! 8/10
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Forget Town centre, forget big brand pubs and forget the sea-side riff-raff. There was a fete held on Sunday in the old Town Hall opposite the Boot and what a fabulous day it was. Music, entertainment, history re-enactments and of course The Boot. Always a full range of quality ales and ciders and always a friendly and knowledgeable welcome. Just gets better and better. Just like my old man says pubs used to be like
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Probably the best pub anywhere it is that simple. Normally anything that one rates very highly suffers on returning but not the Boot! A great welcome , this is a quiet pub but a convivial well conceived joke is well appreciated.I still cannot recover from the fact that the majority of the pub seem to be drinking Tango! No they are not..... it is the local cider but damn me it is the same colour as Tango!This is truly a pub not to be missed.Ultra clean, super service, wonderful atmosphere, top hole ale. When I visited last Wednesday Several huge fish were floating around outside roughly ten feet by six, I had not had a drink so some other explanation was required, the local children had prepared giant fish for the Carnival ( the following day) in the old town Hall opposite the Boot. The adults and children did a fantastic job.
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Visited Weymouth for the first time - Carnival day! Fantastic day finished off with a few perfectly kept beers in this friendly and cosy old fashioned pub. A great find - every bit as good as pretty much all the previous comments have expressed. Happy Days
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O Lordy! Me and my mates found and have pretty much lived in The Boot this summer. I think it may have been us who have put off 'muzzy' (previous comment). Apologies indeed my man. But it IS a pub - and Lucy and Robbie did indeed keep us in check over the weeks. Thank you to them. Cant please everyone though. Find this pub. It's blooming fantastic - close to Town and yet away from the hoy poloi. O and the beer is always first class. For proper chat and floral language it cant be beat
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Called in three times during the first week in August and felt that the Boot was going downhill. Still a good range of beers and excellent Cheddar Valley cider, but on each occasion the place seemed full of tossers having a competition to see who could swear the loudest and informing anyone who would listen (It was impossible not to) how hard they were. I am neither soft of prudish but found it little intimidatory when only accompanied by the wife. A few years ago I would have stood up and confronted them, unfortunately age takes it toll when faced with about ten of them. A word from the bar staff would not have gone amiss.
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With relations for British summer coastal experience. Wet and dreary Weymouth. But wait... a gem, an oasis, a port of call for witty banter, friendly service and great British booze - The Boot. Thank you to Giles, Jackie and Robbie. You made our week. The rest of Weymouth needs to buck up though. Olympic sailing in 3 years! More like The Boot please
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Visited Sunday afternoon made very welcome by barstaff (Robbie & Henrietta) hence 3 more return visits, I had a few pints of summer gold & was advised to try the cheddar valley orange stuff, very tasty & easy drinking, but was scared off by horror stories from the locals of over indulgance, look out for live music nights, very enjoyable locals very friendly & we will visit again.
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Visited in June - well worth the short trek out of town to find this pub. Some excellent Ales and rather strange looking Cider that is surprsingly very easy drinking. Interesting mix of customers!
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Great old pub just far enough away from the beach and harbour to ensure the bucket and spade brigade cannot find it! The interior is small, dark and atmospheric with small tables and cramped seating - ideal for conversation. There were 5 real ales - 4 from Ringwood - Best, Boomwoggle, 49er and Old Thumper in addition to Jennings Cocker Hoop. The real cider is Thatchers Cheddar Valley. The only real down point for me was the barmaid. I found her quite surly and not overly communicative. Certainly worth the walk out of the town centre.
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Great place as everyone else is saying. Nice traditional layout, Ringwood beers and guest ale as well. Score 7.5.
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Superb beers and ciders served in a charming and out-of-the-way hostelry. Brilliant. Great fun had amongst the Weymouth crowd (as opposed to tourists) in the summer sunset. Our first time but definitely not our last. The landlord has some wonderful ideas for exploring Dorset - very helpful - made our entire week in the area worthwhile. A great find - found through this very website!!
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Popped in for a quick one after nearly 6 months absence. Still one of the best pubs in southern England along with the Wheatsheaf in Shedfield. Pleasant surroundings and a brilliant pint, always served to perfection. Wish I could visit more often.
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Myself and 3 mates spent a very pleasant afternoon in this terrific boozer. Robbie the bar manager is a great guy who mades us welcome and was only to happy to explain the merits of all the beers and ciders. Off the tourist rout so not crowded with grockles. Would make this pub the number one place to visit if you want a good pint.
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I'm really looking forward to my August holiday in the area.The Boot is up there with the Vine Pamphill and the S&Q Worth Matravers.Probably better for service and comfort, I'm starting to come around to the idea of buying a bungalow within walking distance as I feel this is the pub that I want to drift into imbecility and dribbling down my shirt in, I must purchase a gnarled old stick and perhaps polish up my grumpiness ready for my dotage.At least I will be comforted by the fact that I sup in Britain's best boozer !
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Not alot to add to previous remarks other than if any landlord needs a lesson in how to weather all the shit-storms that are hitting our pubs at the moment then visit this one pub. Simple things done brilliantly. Was easily the busiest small pub in Town (Wetherspoons sadly seems to be wiping out the rest) and had by far the best ales and ciders (including Wetherspoons). The traditional english boozer lives on!
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I have just been for a holiday in Weymouth and this year was the first time I had visited The Boot and I wish I had visited it before. It's a gem, a great choice of ale and the staff know about the drinks and are very friendly which seems rare these days.
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A lovely old pub:- all lived in woodwork and leaded windows and real ales. I didn't visit many pubs in Weymouth but I'd guess that this is one of the town's real pubs.
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What can one say...just efffin fantastic even with the new guvnor and his missus. Take a timewarp and sit at a table which has a 33 degree slope and a challenging floor! Nice to get kicked out at 10.30 on a Sunday night just as the old guv'nor did. Shades of yesteryear. A++++++
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Am an active CAMRA member in SW London visiting Weymouth to see friends. They recommended this pub and all I can say is that I was completely bowled over by it. The choice and quality of ales was superb and 3 draught ciders seemed to be keeping the spirits high all around us. The landlord had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Dorset and London and made us all feel totally at home. You have to travel a long way to find as good as this. Thank you to The Boot
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Pleasant friendly landlord and a good old fashioned pub.
chick - 22 Apr 2009 09:26 |
Every time I am in Weymouth a visit to the Boot is a must. Had a good pint of Ringwood Best Bitter for �2.70 here on Easter Saturday. Pub was busy as usual with locals and Holiday makers alike. Made very welcome by the bar staff.
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Best pub in Weymouth by a mile loads of real ale friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere about the place
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I cannot add to the reviews below except to say that the Boot is near damn perfect, the atmosphere is just superb. the first time i visited i looked at the orange concoction that the majority were drinking and thought 2blimey the beer must be pi$$ poor there all on tango ! " lo and behold it was the weirdly coloured cider ! D'oh ! A real gem of a pub.The head barman is a sheer delight, a gentleman the type of which I am afraid they no longer make.his salutations and care for detail and comfort astound me.
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A pub, as pubs should be. Great in summer out on the pavement, great in winter in by the log fire. Ringwood ales, including all their seasonal ones (XXXX Porter at Christmas is a real favourite) and Cheddar Valley for the ciderheads. As someone else said this place is a beacon, not just in Weymouth but amongst the best pubs I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Make the extra effort to pop across the harbour to it, you won't stay for just the one I promise you!
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Approached this pub with a small degree of trepidation. Sounded very 'blokey' and there were 5 of us girlies. No need to worry girls - it's a fantastically fun place. Old fashioned but very welcoming and full of people young and old just having a good time. No food - but a great place to start or end your evening. A good place to impress a new boyfriend!
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Weymouth in the winter - rather bleak! This pub was a beacon - as soon as we entered we were blasted by a roaring fire, raucous laughter and an array of exceptionally well kept beers. The cider-heads amongst us were very happy too - three quality apple-juices. A great pub gave us a great evening. Thank you to the smiley staff
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Full range of Ringwood Ales available plus a guest which was Brakspears on this occasion. Bar Manager is an interesting bloke who will tell you about the history of The Boot and regale you with stories of the English Civil War among other things. He also handed me and my friends some post cards which were very gratefully received. Pub is still exactly as described by previous posters and long may it remain so.
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This is what all pubs should be like....no music and no food and excellent real ales and cider with not many locals drinking lager the lunchtime I was there. To the ponytailed git who was loudly telling all & sundry that 5 men on a bicycle made for 5 would go 5 times faster than one man on one bike its about time you mounted yours and rode off into the sunset.
Would have had a higher mark but the loud swearing by the guy on the bar stool let the whole place down.
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Visited on a wet Saturday and found the place healthily patronised by friendly locals and the non bucket and spade type visitors to Waymuff. The barman was friendly,the Ringwood ale was good. There was Pedigree on just to remind us though to cherish the Ringwood beers. Olde worlde but not pretentious with conversation being made between strangers. Very good. Father Jack says "DRINK!"
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Still Dorset's BEST pub. Beer, service and ambience, this pub has it ALL in spades.
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I've visited weymouth many times, but this year was the first year I discovered The Boot. Sad to say that I have missed out on previous visits. Good pub, good beer, good company, good meals (ie they don't serve any). What a change to visit an olde fashioned pub where the emphasis is on beer and conversation instead of stuffing your face. Thanks for a couple of good evenings, look forward to seeing you again on our next visit.
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Went for a pub crawl in Weymouth - ALOT of pubs - but this was the best by far. Olde worldy, but classy. And a great atmosphere. No cooked food - just the serious business of wonderful ales, ciders and chatter. Special.
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Just returned to this much loved pub with an overwhelming sense of relief. Either the Landlord is exceptionally canny or Marstons are beginning to look after their newly inherited silverware. Ringwood beers all still on top form, bar staff attentive (and witty!) but most importantly the atmosphere still chatty, warm and unmistakenly 'The Boot'. This is the kind of pub we should cherish.
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Just returned to this much loved pub with an overwhelming sense of relief. Either the Landlord is exceptionally canny or Marstons are beginning to look after their newly inherited silverware. Ringwood beers all still on top form, bar staff attentive (and witty!) but most importantly the atmosphere still chatty, warm and unmistakenly 'The Boot'. This is the kind of pub we should cherish.
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one of the best pubs I have ever been in.
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Having visited twenty two pubs in Weymouth, this was the one we went back to. Excellent beer, a friendly welcome. Five ales on the hand pump including a storming porter. The Cheddar Gorge cider looks like orange squash and is worth trying a pint.
The landlord was very welcoming, and they are one of only two pubs we found that does pickled eggs. 9/10!!
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This has been Weymouth's top pub for a very long time.The fly in the ointment is the takeover of lil' old ringwoods by those unutterable bullies at Marstons.if the Ringwoods beers go it will never be the same again ! try the Cheddar valley cider whilst your here, it looks like Tango.
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Yep - best pub I've found in Weymouth so far. I'm very partial to Ringwood Ales and you can't beat a Ringwood Ale in a Ringwood pub, they must keep it well as it always tastes so much better.
Love the interior, very charming and cozy.
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THE BOOT IS THE BEST PUB IN WEYMOUTH IN MY HUMBLE OPINION ... IT CERTAINLY HAS THE BEST SELCTION OF CIDER
THE GUY IN THE WAISTCOAT IS TICKETY BOO ROBBIE AND IS NOT THE LANDLORD BUT HEAD BARMAN AND VERY GOOD AT IT HE IS TOO
I LOVE THE CIDER IN HERE THATCHERS PREMIUM AND NOW THEY DO A SUFFOLK CIDER TOO ASPHALL IT IS CALLED,
AND THE JOLLY OLD ORANGE STUFF CHEDDAR VALLEY NOT FOR THE GROCKLES!
IT HAS A REAL FIRE IN THE WINTER AND SOME RESIDENT GHOSTS
WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT
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Popped in on Saturday. Nice pub and have never said a bad word about it in the past. This time, however, there was no guest ale on, and the Boondoggle (which after all is Ringwood's summer ale) was not in the best of condition. However, still one of the top pubs in Weymouth.
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An excellent little pub indeed.5 hand pumps on the go, four from Ringwood inc old thumper, best, fortyniner and Boondoggle. The guest was Dorset gold. Avery clean and friendly pub, and a top landlord who made 7 Hitchin town fans feel very welcome. If your ever in Weymouth, this pub is definately worth a visit.
Andus - 28 Oct 2007 16:51 |
This is like walking into the past, a pub so old it was obviously built before the invention of the spirit level - everything seems to slope. The landlord wears a waistjacket and tie in the middle of the afternoon, unheard of these days. Great beer, chatty locals, a must visit pub.
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Well worth seeking out.
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Excelent pub just off the main tourist thoroughfare worth seeking out. Old Hookey was a superb guest ale.
I'm sure the ceiling slopes or was that just the ale?
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A safe bet for a good pint, a real gem.
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Sadly only one visit but it was obviously a well run pub with five hand pumped beers. All were in good condition and two were worth a second helping. The Boot was packed, the service was excellent and it was as clean as any pub can be. The only problem with the Boot is - it is 125 miles from my home! Forget the quibbling in a few of the reviews - this is a fine place!
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Unfortunately a great pub and great beer dont make for interested bar staff, be nice to see the landlord behind the bar now and again though.
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I wonder, DickStilton, if the bar service was so bad how come there were so many pissheads ? Also isn't this a good sign that the beers are "poifick"
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Unfortunately DickStilton, that is Weymouth all over now. Lets enjoy the Boot as it is before Mr Ames and co flatten it to build some more Barrett housing in the local area.
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Spending a few days in Weymouth I made it my business to seek this pub out. The experience was one of mixed emotions. The pub its self is an absolute gem and I agree with other Bite members that its in the top 3 in Weymouth. The beer was top notch but then you would expect that from a Brewery flagship pub.
On the downside though the place was staffed by two disinterested girlies who were only interested in chatting to each other and allied to the fact that the pub seems to be a regular port of call for piss heads it rather took the shine off the place.
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Having just moved to the area my g/f and I went out to find a few good pubs. unfortunately we only found a couple and this is the best by a long way. the kings arms is also worth a look too. good beer and pleasant staff.
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Easily the best pub in Weymouth. No further comment required.
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There are many towns which have several good pubs amongst which one is simply outstanding in terms of beer. In Weymouth that pub is The Boot. There are quality offerings for cider and lager drinkers too. If you want a seat then get there early as this pub is justifiably popular. Please note that if you are not familiar with Weymouth it can be tricky to find - check on a map first. There is a car park next door (for the non-drinking driver). However, this being under the control of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which appears to have a policy of destroying town centre businesses with a punitive car park charging regime, you will have to pay at any time of day or night. This pub is a must!
pxk99 - 30 Dec 2006 20:58 |
I visit Weymouth just to go to this pub. It is real ale heaven. You won't find a better pint of Ringwood. The landlord is very enthusiastic about his beer, and gives a warm welcome. It's just wonderful to sit and listen to the locals with a pint of Ringwood in a beautiful old pub. Ten out of Ten.
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Quite easily the best place in Weymouth to get a pint. Strolling put it as well as I could - good real ales, even the lager is good - though you have to go for the ale. Cosy little pub which demonstrates that you can have a popular and enjoyable pub with real old fashioned pub decor (Hogshead, take note....) and just good honest staff and beer. One of the best pubs I've been in
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Why do I travel 8 miles to go to my 'Local' passing many other pubs on my way? Superb beer from Ringwood plus a guest (a sampler offered); no quibbles when a barrel is at its end; a warm welcome from whoever is behind the bar; clean ash trays, tables, glasses, everything; the customers - they make you welcome too. Great people on both sides of the bar. Dogs are welcome too - water provided care of Wessex Water!!
This is how a pub should be run, but so few are.
Everything 'ticketyboo!'
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Terrific my beer was good but very slightly cloudy I had happily drank a half the landlord looked at the cloudiness and replaced it with a new pint from a fresh barrel, i said just a half i've already had a half, he would not hear of it! he insisted on a pint an apology and apromise that he only serves beer in top quality. I went back Two days later and sat outsidein the sunshine , he was right. A ten out of ten.
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Fantastic beer (49er) and a lovely pub ,inside and out. Hard to find as a first-timer, since High Street West is not clearl marked on the tourist maps, but I loved the challenge.
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Without doubt the best Pub in Weymouth. Friendly staff, and welcoming locals make this an escape from most of the rat runs in the local area. as mentioned a full range of Ringwood Beers including the excellent Boondoggle and Old Thumper plus a guest beer,and Cheddar Valley Cider which seemed to be the most popular drink on sale. One of the best Pubs I have ever been in
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Reputedly the oldest pub in Weymouth and a Real Ale fans wet dream. Even the choice of lager on draught (Becks and Oranjeboom) makes this lively and atmospheric boozer stand out from the crowd.
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It has all been said in the previous reviews. All I can do is agree. A perfect pub in all respects. Roll on next year's visit.
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Best pub and best beer in Weymouth
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A wide range of Ringwood beers and a guest available, always served well. Lovely, historic building, and includes a little non-smoking area. Definitely worth seeking out when visiting Weymouth.
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This is a great pub, Ringwood ale is fantastic and the landlord, landlady and staff fit the pub like a glove. A real pub for locals.
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The comments below say it all - a must visit for anyone who enjoys a traditional pub, very friendly atmosphere and great beer. Its huge popularity does mean it can get very busy but there is outside seating which is perfect for supping Boondoggle on a warm summers day!
anonymous - 8 Jan 2006 17:58 |
Local CAMRA award, Regional CAMRA award and TWO real fires as well as brilliant booze - what more do you want ?
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Oldest and best pub in Weymouth. Fanbloodytastic Ringwood beers plus ciders. Crazy new barman called Robbie been installed since I was last there. Don't expect late night drinkies though, still kicking out at 11pm.
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Fully endorse the note below, a great pub, excellent beer and superb atmosphere. Tucked nicely out he way of the tourist to boot, natch!
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What a pub! A case of a pub actually improved by change and the beer from Ringwood is superb! Try this pub before you die!
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The Boot is a simply fantastic pub. Incredibly friendly punters and bar staff, a place where conversation rules (at least until several pints of Cheddar Valley cider have been sunk!). Unspoilt, small, the way a pub should be.
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Superb boozer tucked out of the way a bit, but worth finding.
Full range of Ringwood beers
Try the Homemade Pork pies... magic
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A real old fashioned pub with the best beer in town from the best (near) local Ringwood Brewery - better than the usual national fizzy tasteless garbage in your usual listed pubs (no national chains in mind but I can suggest some if you are that naive not not know who I mean)
Dave Parsons - 30 Jan 2004 18:14 |
