The King John Inn

How do you entertain yourself between the work day’s end and a late supper when you live in the sleepy country villages around Dorset? You come to the familiar red-​brick, vine-​laced local pub for a craft ale or standard on-​tap cider, of course.
The picturesque King Johns Inn appears to be a sort of upscale «Cheers-​where-​everybody-​knows-​your-​name» evening hangout for couples who seem to have known each other forever. No one is left to trail up the walkway without an affectionate nickname or insult being shouted at him or her. The interior is exceptionally decorated with nothing extra and everything in its sensible place, giving it a tidy and *almost* too clean feeling. Black and white photographs adorn the dim-​lit rooms. The light wood furniture, warm fire, and leather couches give it a smart country home feel. The ales are good, though don’t look for lots of variety. The prices are high but this reflects the well-​to-​do clientèle and the affluent area. There is an informal restaurant with a menu which looks very well thought out, but I cannot attest to it as I haven’t had the pleasure of trying it out myself. There is a wine shop adjoining, in case you need to pick something up to go along with dinner. And the red our hosts kindly treated us to was rather nice as well. A great pub in a great location.