Bull Inn, Bridge, Sturminster Newton

This 15th Century roadside inn has ample parking both at the rear and adjacent to the main road. It is currently owned by Hall and Woodhouse. The bars have been opened out to form a large L-shaped bar area which has uneven floors, oak beams and columns, a single small servery at the apex and a rural atmosphere. It's slightly frayed around the edges, but that's part of the charm. An adjoining cattle shed has been converted into a restaurant area, the tables occupying stalls (although the latter look too new to be original features so are verging on the silly). The staff are charming and friendly, but it was hard to gauge the locals. Three ales on, all Badger. I had the First Call which was palatable but not brilliantly kept. Worth stopping if passing through.