Cross Keys Hotel, Sherborne

Reopened this year after a few years of decline and dormancy, this former dive used to attract Sherborne’s down-and-outs, but now it’s been gutted, cleaned up, knocked through and is firmly aimed at those with more disposable income. There is a small paved terrace at the side, but no other garden as such. They also offer B and B. It all feels new and artificial, not much atmosphere, more a cafe that sells beer – though less than they do coffee – than a pub. The staff were pleasant, and helpful, the food looked OK. The one ale that was on – Cerne Abbas Blond – was well-and-truly off, so they replaced it with the bottled version. OK for gentile refreshment when visiting the Abbey, but I don’t see it competing with the town’s other pubs.

Official site of Cross Keys Hotel - www.thecrosskeyssherborne.com

Official site of Cross Keys Hotel - www.thecrosskeyssherborne.com

Still very much a locals pub and tied to Marston's,this stone fronted building is however in a good location in the centre of town by the shops.The interior was probably opened out at some stage,the two stone fireplaces hint at a bar room and snug either side of the entrance,with the area to the right more discrete with a few uprights and a sofa,while the bar room to the left has sparse furniture and room for vertical drinking.The regulars were pertched on bar stools.At the rear along a corridor of exposed stonework is The Raleigh Lounge with it's own bar access and more formal looking dining tables,but closed on my Wedneday lunchtime visit. At the bar there are four handpumps,with only Pedigree on offer with another clip turned around.The barmaid made a joke about the lack of soft drink options,but this is not a well stocked bar.The regulars noted strangers in their midst.In good weather there are aluminium chairs and tables to the front which is a good sun trap,but with little internal decoration and loud muzak,I would say there are more interesting pubs elsewhere in town.