The Square and Compass is such a gem if you're looking for an authentic pub experience in the…read moreEnglish countryside! The views alone are worth the visit, but the unique character of the place makes it even better. From the beer garden in the back to the small museum of fossils and local artifacts, it really has a one-of-a-kind charm. One thing I loved was the quirky "Woodhenge" sculpture in the parking lot--made from tree trunks, it's been standing since 2015 despite the local council initially wanting it taken down. It's still there as of my recent visit, and it's a fun little sight that adds even more personality to the place. The menu is limited, but that's part of the charm! I had the sausage roll, and it was sooo good! The warm, flaky crust and flavorful sausage made for the perfect pub snack. We sat inside since it was a warm day, and the locals couldn't have been friendlier. My friend and I (a pair of Americans) were welcomed like old friends, which made the whole experience even more special. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the area--especially if you want to enjoy the local history, great beer, and a fantastic countryside view.

A couple of friends and I once went for a hike along the South West Coast Path in Dorset. It took…read moreus 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 crap - 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.

If you're down in this part of Dorset, everyone's going to tell you to go to the Square and…read moreCompass. Which you should do. It's old and lovely and a fantastic destination pub. But you should make a point of heading to this place as well. Perhaps the friendliest landlord I've seen in an age. Serving a wide selection of very well-kept local ales, with his thoughts on the condition of each. And really fab food. There's a very standard pub grub menu, but we ordered the specials. I was fabulously full but he said "try the Shepherd's Pie". Which I did. And it was, quite honestly, the best shepherd's pie I have ever eaten. I am still, 24 hours later, recovering. Fabulous food, service, beer, etc. This is a local pub for all sorts of people-- local or not. It's unknown but it shouldn't be.

Excellent! An old fashioned local with added good (very good) food. Fine beer, friendly staff, good…read moremix of customers, and a real character for a pub dog. Not to be missed.

Very pleasant atmosphere, very warm and welcoming staff. Great food…read more Starters we ate the scallops and black pudding scotch egg. Delicious.

great pub ,extensive menu, excellent range of beers, situated in alovely quiet part of dorsetread more

We were recomended to come here so we gave it a go. Lovely pub from the outside. Very pretty on the…read moreinside too. The dining area is very spacious. The staff was super friendly and service was good. Not rushed. The food was very very tasty. Portions are quite big so a main meal is probably enough. It looks like everything is homemade.....certainly the steak and ale pie! For an animal lover the best part is also to be greated by the pub cat Smokey: super friendly and full of cuddles

Of course you want to come here for a pint or a pot of tea after a blustery time at the castle…read more Lovely atmosphere and decent food, nice folks helping to get your food and drink to you. I'm glad we went.

Stopped in to The Greyhound after visiting Corfe Castle. My son and I needed some energy before…read morehiking back to the vacation home we were letting. It's a cozy pub with indoor and outdoor seating in the back garden. Food is good and they have a kids menu with plenty of options. I had the caprese panini with a pickled salad that was excellent. Paired well with the local cider as well. Service was quick and friendly. I'd go back if I was in the area.

On the square in the middle of Corfe village is this great, old, pub. Full of fantastic real ales…read moreand normal beers. Good food and very friendly,fast, service. If you are lucky, and the weather is fine, wander through the bars to the rear of this hostelry to their magnificent open patio area at the back for good views, while supping, of the castle. After a few pints you will be wondering how the hell those knights, in their heavy armour, ever managed to scale the hill lol. Great pub with a great view of the castle.

One of the best surprises in Hampshire, fantastic ambience, nice service and the food was just…read moreincredible. I had a lamb roast that was divide, my wife had an incredible mushroom gnocchi and my daughter had a what seemed a never end.tower of fine chicken breast, English bacon and cheese with a good portion of home made barbecue sauce. Lovely lunch in the middle of the New Forest.

I had one night in Bournemouth and walked all over looking for an authentic pub. I went to several…read morebars but none had the feel of the Goat and Tricycle. Had the Fish n Chips which was outstanding! Real cask ale beers are great too. I definitely recommend this pub if you're looking for some great English atmosphere.

Whilst bournemouth has more places to have a drink than you can shake a stick at the majority of…read morethem are bars rather than pubs. The Goat & Tricycle however ticks just about every box associated with the world of 'Pub'. First of all the range and quality of the beer & cider sold in this place would keep Withnail and his nameless chum blissfully occupied for weeks and they always have decent guest ales up for grabs. The food is also very 'Pub' esque with the G&T burger proving more a worthy adversary for many a well fed gent. There are also an array of activities for patrons to partake in from a pool table to quiz & fruit machines, my particular favourite however is the giant connect 4 set (warningcan get very competitive after a few ales). All in all a great place and a must visit for pub lovers.

Lovely atmosphere on here on a Sunday, friendly, families, dogs welcome :)…read more The staff were lovely. But the food was excellent, probably the best pub I've ever been to. Perfectly cooked pork belly roast that was soft on the bottom and crunchy on top. Followed by a brilliant chocolate brownie (and sticky toffee pudding that someone else had). Highly recommended!!

I had forgotten about this place as not been for many years. Went for a pre wedding pint with mates…read moreand it is a great pub. Great historic building and good beers, i had food here some time ago which was great but not sure what it is like now, it is ever popular so i imagine it has not lost standards. It also has a little Jamaican Jerk shack in the beer garden (not sure when this is open). The large beer garden has breath taking views of Corfe Castle and the surrounding area and is worth popping in just for that Summer or winter! If your in the area certainly worth stopping by, fair size car park out back.

Since its re-opening as a freehouse, this pub/restaurant is the BEST place to eat in Dorset by a…read moremile. The food is excellent and the chefs are very accomodating. This is the only place i know I will get a consistantly good meal in the local area.