Square & Compass

Unchanging country tavern, masses of character, in the same family for many years; lovely sea views and fine nearby walks

Much as it was around 100 years ago when the Newman family first took this on, this is a wonderfully idiosyncratic pub. There's no bar counter; Palmers Copper and three guests like Hopback Crop Circle, Miltons Caligula and Sharps Eden Ale as well as up to thirteen ciders, including one made on the premises, are tapped from a row of casks and passed to you in a drinking corridor through two serving hatches; several malt whiskies. A couple of basic unspoilt rooms have simple furniture on the flagstones, a woodburning stove and a loyal crowd of friendly locals; darts, and shove-ha'penny; a table tennis championship is held here twice a year. From benches out in front there's a fantastic view down over the village rooftops to the sea around St Aldhelm's Head; there may be free-roaming hens, chickens and other birds clucking around your feet. A little museum (free) exhibits local fossils and artefacts, mostly collected by the current friendly landlord and his father; mind your head on the way out. There are wonderful walks from here to some exciting switchback sections of the coast path above St Aldhelm's Head and Chapman's Pool; you will need to park in the public car park 100 yards along the Corfe Castle road (which has a £1 honesty box).

Bar food is limited to tasty home-made pasties and pies, served till they run out.