Spacious Free House with large car park and beer garden on the A30 / A357 cross roads (traffic lights). Attractive bar area, and overall has a small country-pub feel but with room to cater for the larger parties, which they do comfortably. Did Sir Walter really smoke tobacco here? Unknown; but he did spend time at Sherborne Castle just a few miles away. The much-lamented Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway ran past just a couple hundred yards East, and in fact the first meeting of the directors was held here in October 1862. Nevertheless an excellent pub with efficient and friendly staff, and up to four ales. Breakfast served 7.30 to 10.30 every day.