Nothe Tavern, Chapelhay, Weymouth

A Marston’s pub in a once-pleasant town house near the eponymous fort, whose main attraction is the superb view over the harbour and the countryside beyond from the small terrace garden at the back. There is a single long L-shaped bar with a pool table at the land end, while the garden was reached through large French doors the other. It wasn’t a relaxing experience – two screaming babies and a yapping doglette, both belonging to a loud, chavvy family took the edge off what should have been a pleasant lunch. The staff were a bit more agreeable, but there was no real welcome or pub atmosphere. The food was from a standard pub menu, freshly cooked and reasonably priced, unlike the the beer, which was over-priced for the area. There were two ales on draft, Pedigree and Bombardier, both in below-average condition, these complemented by a very dull, standard keg selection. Not worth the effort to come here other than for the view unless you happen to be visiting the fort or the nearby park.

This pub is high up above the harbour and you will pass it if walking up to see nothe fort. Once inside the room is very long and quite narrow the bar is on the right,the seats at the rear of the pub are reserved for diners and the only seating for drinkers is at the front of the pub. This pub used to be an Eldridge Pope tied house and the fisrt time we went in here there was one of their beers on the bar and also Courage best. I think this pub caters mainly for older people who are dining but they do let children in during the day when the pub always seems very quiet. Pub visited 20 August 2000.

You'll never find it by chance - it's off the beaten track. Don't be put off by the fact that from the outside it looks like a "locals" pub - it's *the* pub to visit in Weymouth if you want a meal with your pint. Whilst the beer is excellent, it's geared up for the diner rather than the drinker. And from my experience I'd say that booking is essential.