Swan Supping
OUT AND ABOUT IN DORSET The Worlds End is to be found (in this case) just off the A31 near Almer in Dorset. It is an impressive thatched building facing the main road. It can’t be missed, as its yellow paint work stand out among the green fields nearby. This Cask Marque inn is owned by nearby Hall and Woodhouse, responsible for well known Badger Beers such as Tangle Foot. I have stopped at the Worlds End many times over the years, and driven past many more. It has seen a steady increase in standards of both its food and beer quality. On this particular occasion, I was passing with my wife and daughter, on the way to Devon to visit relatives. Yes, I know its a bit off the beaten track from Aylesbury to Devon, but it was a good excuse to have lunch in a fine establishment such as this one. Those serious about the taste of their beer and food will note that they are a non smoking establishment throughout, the better to appreciate their offerings. The landlord is serious about his Cask Marque, and is
‘unidentifiable pieces of reformed chicken and chips’ and the rest of the sorry choices normally provided. Anyone who has watched Jamie Oliver’s ‘School Dinners’ will know how this fare is a poor feast for our children, and, quite frankly, not fit for pigs.
certainly not going through the motions. On offer was Badger First Gold, Tangle Foot and their latest seasonal, Festive Feasant. A Gold and a Tangle Foot (and an orange juice for my daughter - though I think she would have liked to try the Feasant) we settled down to choose from the extensive menu. Now, I know that some people have differing opinions, but I absolutely hate ‘Children’s Menus’ that consist of ‘sausages and mash’,
Make Every Month a MILD Month!
Luckily there is none of that at the Worlds End! Instead, children are offered small portions of most of the especially fine adult menu. There were simple sandwiches, broccoli soup, pheasant pie, a warm sardine salad, a fillet of bass as well as many other nice things. Various fish dishes are a speciality. Our chosen dishes were excellent, and washed down with sadly too little fine ale. I shall have to remember to make another trip past the nearby brewery on a future visit. Worlds End Inn, Almer, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9EW Tel: 01929 459671 Alexander Wright
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