DORRIDGE.

This is originally a 19th century hotel that had three bars (public, lounge and residents). There has been much refurbishment here of late and the bar is now a very expensive restaurant. The traditional pub feel has gone from the hotel. The food is good but prices have risen to match and there is plenty of choice too. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, none of the bottle swigging crowd are here on a Saturday night. The railway station is across the road and you can sit outside and watch the trains go by from the beer garden/patio. Access to the hotel for the disabled is possible, though check first. Accommodation here, not seen on this visit. All in all, a friendly night can be had here. Check first if travelling as opening times have changed.

An M&B pub by name, but serving at least two guest ales at all times. Strangely called the Railway, but nowhere near the railway station. To get to the pub, you come out of the railway station, go left, left again at the junction and follow that road around for about a mile and it is on the left, just passed the village hall. Another pub with steps to get into it, this time down. Outside there is a beer garden for the summer months which overlooks the village hall green. Very much a family run pub with the whole family serving, which lends it an air of familiarity. A pub popular with locals, there are two bars, the public, bare floor, darts, etc, which is small but cosy with real fire and the lounge. The latter has fake beams and an archway in the middle leading through to another eating/seating area. The extra space gives it an airy feel, though it is hard to find a table if you are a lone drinker as many people come here for food. On the walls are pictures of dogs and some of trains, naturally. A picture rail above one window has water jugs on it. The carpet is thick traditional pub carpet. The Railway is again a locals pub, but this time has an emphasis on food, which is served until 9.30pm on Saturday, 9pm other nights (6pm Sunday). There is plenty of choice (3 for vegetarians) at very reasonable prices (around £3, but ½ pheasant £4.75) and is served quite quickly, even at busy times. Seating is large square tables and chairs with thick cushions, though there is a single sturdy pew in the lounge by the bar. The guest ales on at the time were Kimberley Classic and Tisbury Archibald Beckett. There was also an abomination on called Highgate Mild Smoothflow! Yuk!!! No accommodation here, but see above. No music either. Worth a visit for food and ale and relaxed atmosphere.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map
,				11-3; 4.30-11 (11-11 Fri & Sat)	12-10.30