The Square Compass - Purbeck

A couple of friends and I once went for a hike along the South West Coast Path in Dorset. It took us a couple of hours and was really nice: good weather, beauti... read more A couple of friends and I once went for a hike along the South West Coast Path in Dorset. It took us a couple of hours and was really nice: good weather, beautiful sea views, rolling pastures, and a great pub at the end. That pub turned out to be the Square and Compass. When we arrived it was warm and sunny, and most people were sitting on the dozens of outside tables, rocks, or just on the grass, enoying the sunshine. Oddly, a large number of chickens were strolling through the assembled patrons, but no one drinker nor chicken seemed to mind. There was a band playing some Beatles covers, too, though they finished shortly after we arrived. This is a proper country pub, long, low and very old wood and stone. They keep kegs of real ale and cider in a pump room here, so you order at the hatch. Check the Dinosaur Room while you're there. I won't say any more, since it deserves to be a surprise. I can't imagine a more relaxed, laid back, country pub. The only downside was that although we'd planned to take a local bus back to Swanage, where our car was parked, those services don't run on Sundays. The day was so nice we decided to walk back anyway (along the road, though, a much shorter trip than the coastal path). EDIT: I was back again today, and despite the weather being **** or maybe because of it this pub was even better. We walked down to the ocean, to watch the surf pound the cliffs by the old quarry. We wedged into one of the tiny rooms and ate pasties and drank Ringwood ale. We gazed in wonder at the bizarre little fossil and beach item museum at the back.

As Robert mentioned, this place is fantastic. It is considered one of the best pubs in England. They offer pies and pasties, with the pies essentially being che... read more As Robert mentioned, this place is fantastic. It is considered one of the best pubs in England. They offer pies and pasties, with the pies essentially being cheese and onion pasties. The food is excellent, although one pie may not be enough if you have been hiking, but two would be too much. They have a variety of local ales and a wide selection of house-brewed and other ciders. If you are on the Peninsular Isle of Purbeck, be sure to visit this pub. It is a must-visit destination with a museum showcasing random items that have been excavated or recovered from the area.

This may be the best pub in Dorset, or even in all of England. They offer a wonderful selection of cider and ale, and their pasties are delicious. If you're loo... read more This may be the best pub in Dorset, or even in all of England. They offer a wonderful selection of cider and ale, and their pasties are delicious. If you're looking for a full meal, I recommend heading to Corfe Castle. This pub embodies the traditional charm and atmosphere of what pubs used to be like.

I absolutely adore this pub. I love it so much that if it were possible to marry a pub, I would choose this one without hesitation. In fact, if marrying pubs we... read more I absolutely adore this pub. I love it so much that if it were possible to marry a pub, I would choose this one without hesitation. In fact, if marrying pubs were a thing, I might even be a polygamist or at least have a mistress in Fritham. But I am getting off track. You can visit this pub anytime, but I happened to go during a beer festival after a challenging day of climbing in Swanage. I was accompanied by fellow climbing enthusiasts who insisted on cooking in the car park, so I cannot speak to the quality of the food. However, the selection of ales, the charming garden, and the cozy rooms all stole my heart. Square and Compasses, you have won me over.

We stopped in for lunch before going for a long walk along the coastline nearby. There is not much else in the area in terms of dining opportunities, and this i... read more We stopped in for lunch before going for a long walk along the coastline nearby. There is not much else in the area in terms of dining opportunities, and this is primarily a pub, but it sufficed. We had a meat pie, which was good. The indoor seating is a bit dank and dark, but has old England pub ambience that we found strangely attractive. There is a little back room with museum-like displays of local natural and anthropological findings. Most everyone was eating outside when we were there, as it was a beautiful day. All in all, I'd give it a high score for atmosphere, good score for what limited food there was.