The Dorset Soldier, Corfe Mullen

I went to the Dorset Soldier today as a volunteer driver for a group of 12, also taking my wife. The front and rear car parks were spacious, and both had direct access to the building.

The restaurant was to the rear of the pub and felt open and airy, with authentic oak beams. It was pleasantly decorated with Devon and Dorset Regimental memorabilia. Tables were well spaced, so that even when busy, it did not feel cramped. Toilets were clean. There were high chairs and a baby changing mat readily available. The festive decor was tasteful and the background music enjoyable.

A previously emailed enquiry was answered swiftly and helpfully. ALL the staff were pleasant, friendly and exceptionally helpful. The menu was varied and I feel offered very good value for money. I had a prawn cocktail starter, which was very generous in quantity, and the prawns were meaty and flavoursome, not the washed out excuse for a prawn I’ve experienced elsewhere. My main course was an individual steak pie (pie of the week) with peas and chips which were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I could do no more than simply look at my food in anticipation for the first ten minutes after it arrived, as both plate and food were piping hot. Service was prompt, and the staff were attentive but not intrusive throughout the meal.

After my meal, I chose to go and sit in the bar, which had a mix of traditional tables and chairs, and comfy chairs in front of the fire. I was driving, so unfortunately unable to explore the range of beers behind the bar. I intend to return to address this.

I couldn’t find fault with any aspect of my visit, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone who asks.

10 Dec 2013 17:19

The Goods Yard, Poole

I love the atmosphere here, and the real fire in winter is a bonus IF you manage to grab one of the comfy sofas. Yes, it isn�t the least expensive venue in Broadstone, but the premium is worth it in my opinion.

28 Oct 2011 09:40

The Blackwater Stream, Broadstone

Very friendly staff. Pleasant clean surroundings. Reasonably priced food and beer. They only refund car park tickets from THEIR car park, not the adjacent shoppers car park though.

28 Oct 2011 09:36

The Green Man, Wimborne

I cycled out to the Green Man with a lovely lady, and enjoyed a great pint of Real Ale, followed by an even greater pint of Scrumpy. She had a Cheese Ploughman�s, and I had a particularly generous helping of Steak and Ale pie. The bar staff were exceptionally friendly. The toilets were spotlessly clean, the taps stayed on long enough for you to actually get your hands under them, and the hand driers blew hot and long. The pub itself was clean and quaint. I would have rated it more highly if it had a beer garden, but aside from that, I can�t fault it.

11 Apr 2011 16:03

Darbys Corner Inn, Broadstone

I�ve started going to this pub for the live entertainment. Had a couple of meals there too (invariably opting for the delicious steak pie). The atmosphere is friendly and Lee (the landlord) is particularly helpful when I�ve phoned to find out what entertainment is on. The pub is warm and clean. Well worth a visit :-).

8 Jan 2011 15:13

The Acorn, Creekmoor

Good food, reasonably priced. Friendly, helpful bar staff and Shiela (the landlandy) really does work hard. Lovely little pub, with an open fire in cold weather.

27 Dec 2010 18:19

The Blue Boar, Poole

Took my family and a friend there on a particularly cold winters evening, for a drink. Two roaring log fires and friendly, welcoming staff helped to create what I perceived to be a friendly atmosphere. Lots of nautical paraphernalia adorn the walls. Definitely worth a visit.

27 Dec 2010 18:13

Chequers Inn, Poole

I concur with SlartyBartFast. The land-lady is overbearing and not generally welcoming. Yes the pub has benefitted from a refurbishment, and some of the staff are friendly enough, but heaven-help any one who has the audacity to bring a child into the pub or worse still, ask to set up a bar-tab secured against a credit card. The food was passible, but I suspect I will follow many of the locals and start drinking elsewhere. The previous land-lady may have let things slip a little, but she certainly knew how to serve up a first-class carvery. Come back Kay � all is forgiven - we miss you :-).

20 Nov 2010 15:19