The Holme Bush Inn  

This rather excellent pub (don't be put off by the Whitbread logo on the pub sign) is set within 14 acres of farmland not far from Wimborne and Poole. From the outside it has the look of an old cottage and this is reflected in the cosy nature of the interior. Not an easy pub to get into as the Old Wareham Road is a fast road with cars whizzing past almost constantly. You enter at the side and down a step so not good for the disabled, but there is access to the rear which should accommodate OK. The bar is to the right and in front as you enter and is a 'U' shape. A wood and brick construction there is a glasses overhang and plenty of hand pumps available, usually serving up to three real ales plus two from the nationals. All beers were served with or without the sparkler and seemed to be well kept. Open all day, every day the clientele changes throughout the day which makes the Holme Bush a friendly place and one where you can go to gossip or just watch the locals mingle. You will find real fires about the rooms, of which there are three distinct areas. All have old pictures of Corfe Mullen on the walls along with other themes, a little chintzy, but not garishly so. A new extension has been built to accommodate all the eating that goes on here. It has been kept in keeping with the rest of the pub and so has flag/tiled floors and old heavy hewn wood furniture that is surprisingly comfortable. Seating tends to be at tables and chairs for the eating customers, for whom the Holme Bush is a popular venue. If you want to eat here from the varied and tasty homemade menu, you had better book in advance or just get there very early. The turnover of food customers is quick, so you might be lucky at any time. Food is served both lunchtime and evening with special roasts on Sunday, though not a lot for vegetarians by way of a roast alternative, but they have plenty of choice at other times. For the summer there is a beer garden to the rear away from the road which should be safe for the kids. There is also a small function room available for hire. An excellent pub well worth the stop.

Comments
 

I drank Ringwood Best only. A good pint. My wife, who likes a diet drink on occasions, was pleased to find Hall and Woodhouses' Rio Light as an option to the normal 'diet coke'.This is an old pub which has been extended and modernised. Narrowish 'L' shaped bar with flag stone floor. The decor is interesting, with a variety of pictures and bits and pieces to look at - but not a 'theme' pub. Typical 'notice' - "In case of aerial attack, please use the ashtrays as nothing seems to hit them". Very much a 'locals' pub, that is, every one seemed to know the other and although strangers, we felt accepted. Very comfortable. Piped music, but this didn't seem out of place and wasn't noisy. Ladies darts in progress whilst we were there. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Evidence of a good fire when weather demands. Toilets, including disabled, and other facilities in good order. Looks like a well run establishment. Bar seating was plentiful and comfortable with bar stools, tables, chairs and bench seats against the wall.Extensive bar and restaurant menus both varied and inviting/appetising. Reasonable prices, i.e. average for the area. A large part, if not all, of the restaurant was non-smoking. We didn't eat on this occasion, but the food we saw seemed well presented and adequate. A lunch time menu and an evening menu, finishing at 8.30pm. (Derry O'Neill East) 

 

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