The Dolphin, Blandford Forum

Visited for the first time tonight and learned it's just been taken over by something called "Piddle", maybe a microbrewery. Tried their "Reaper" and not that impressed but Summer Lightning was better. Beer only fair, whiskey looked better. Crowd and staff nice however. Needs watching.

7 Dec 2009 21:02

Railway Hotel, Blandford Forum

I may have found my Holy Grail of pubs. My first visit is on a quiet Monday night. The beer is great and the staff charming. The clients are teenagers, families with young children, and old hardened drinkers like myself. The decor is unpretentious and comfortable. It appears to be that precious thing, a real community pub like in the soap operas. Above all it has a great sense of fun. I can't wait to visit on a busier night with a band on.

7 Dec 2009 20:50

The Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum

Agree that the beer is badly kept - in particular it's far too cold. Unacceptable in an expensive hotel in this beer-lover's destination town.

7 Dec 2009 20:28