The Boat that Rocks is located literally on a marina by the docks. If you did not search for a…read morerestaurant/pub with food, you wouldn't find this place. It is an odd location where there's boats all around and even a massive parking garage just for boats. Pretty unique place. The ambience seems a bit posh, but the staff is attentive and friendly. There's a lot of seating so you can pick your choice if need be. You sit down and you order your food on a simplified menu. There's not too many choices but enough and there's even some vegetarian options as well. The kitchen closes at around 9pm. We know this because after climbing on the island all day, we were looking for a place to go and as we came in and wanted to order food, it was a bit rushed since the kitchen was about to close soon. Nachos- they are sad and underwhelming. The tortilla chips are interestingly flavoured and seasoned with paprika maybe? The cheese is salty and loaded on heavily. The amount of sour cream and salsa given on the side is absolutely sad. It's a tiny thumbnail paper cup. Barely enough for a couple tortilla chips. Fish and chips- fish is okay, nothing that special. The chips are massive and chunky. The mushy peas are your average mushed peas. The tartare sauce is just as sad as the sour cream and salsa for the nachos. Halloumi and red pepper burger- by far the best part of everything we got. The halloumi is fried to perfection. The vegetables are a nice balance. The pretzel bun was too much breading though. It came with a little side salad and coleslaw. As well as the chunky massive chips. It doesn't seem much but it's pretty filling by the end of it. The amount of mayo given was the same as the other dipping sauces. We had to ask before they gave us more. Why not just give the whole condiment bottle? Overall if you are looking for a cold drink with a meal, this place is decent enough. Just don't get your hopes up. The ambience and the plating is much fancier than the food is.

Good, straightforward food, which families of all ages will appreciate. We found it difficult for…read moremost restaurants to accommodate a booking of 15 people (mostly small 'tea room' sized places), but they did it with charm in a large airy space. The view of paddle-boarders and kite-surfers is beautiful.

We went to Dusk for my best friend's hen night a few months ago, and that place is just awesome!…read more On the ground floor was a large disco/bar area, where they were playing modern chart hits, but we headed up to the second floor where the smaller but roomy second dance area had a live DJ playing 80's and classic hits (best for bopping the night away!) The DJ was great - played requests all night long, and the dance floor was always packed. Right at the top was another bar/dance area with a small live jazz/blues combo playing. There's something for everyone. The staff were unobtrustive but helpful. The prices are as you'd expect, but nothing too exhorbitant. And right outside it only took a minute to catch a taxi. Definately a great night out, wonderful atmosphere and reccomended very nighly.

Love the live music there! (They've got different theme every night.) The age range is around 28…read moreand up, so if you're looking for wasted clubbing, this might not be your place. During the day time, they got some really nice pizza, burgers and more. I would come here from time to time for their lunch or dinner. Service is nice. Love the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Seems like the landlord is more concerned about shaming the local council than actually serving…read morecustomers. Can't say that being subjected to overhearing a conversation about his opinions on a noise level issue is what I went out for. Didn't get the impression he knows much about licensing laws so is probably his first pub. Still off-putting when all you want is a quiet pint. Think it's a place to steer well clear of until he gets off his high horse.

A traditional but also a rather rough pub. It's a place with local regulars, a bit sceptical…read moretowards newcomers (strangers, tourists, foreigners). I was accepted with neither friendly nor unfriendly indifference. On one hand it's the only place I was invited to birthday party taking place with all the free drink and food, on the other side a bloke accused me you owe me a leg (as I'm German). After a few drinks we had a good time together. Drinks normal.

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.

We went to this place twice. Once during lunch hour and again for a sit down dinner with family and…read morefriends . This place is classic, it is a must see when visiting Torquay. My friend is 6'2" and he had to be careful not to hit his head on the ceiling beams on the main area. During the evening there was live entanglement and most of the guest were the elderly locals.

Amazing place! Officially the best and my personal favorite…read morepub in all of England. Circa 1540! Ceilings so low even I had to duck a couple times around the many old wood beams and brick arches all over the place. Very small but intimate, warm place with lots of little nooks and cool little places to cuddle up with your special one and a few great pints. Live music was excellent, and it definitely filled the place, making it actually a bit too hot for my comfort, but that's how the English do it. Seating outdoors as well for the smokers. Small bar food menu, but also an upper restaurant part as well with full menu of your usual British food. So glad we stumbled upon this place, somewhat hidden from the main road, and will always be a place we visit when in town.

Had a brilliant night, last Saturday, all age groups, did matter, if you were…read more80,punk,hippie,alternative etc... Really friendly and funny bar staff.. Incredible tribute to Charlie Chaplin, the work and art that's been put into this fantastic pub, Cellar Bar is magical, with the outside garden areas.. I'm going back with the family, such an experience... Well done guys, plus no trouble with punters.. Just me spilling my pint.. So sorry, made to feel at ease about it. Xx

Excellent venue for gigs. Warm friendly environment. Great garden area, live entertainment most…read morenights

An interesting pub in one of the two main shopping streets…read more It's called a Free House, though the choice of beers is rather limited. Most of the time they have draught Scumpy Jack Cider. It's a musical pub and also the landlord was a musician looking a relict from the 70ies and - like the pub - a bit worn-out and shabby. Altogether quite a friendly, down-to-earth place, mostly for locals.

The Weymouth Pavilion is a great place to visit if you are interested in the theatre arts. There…read moreare lots of different live showings throughout the year and many local people and tourist go and visit it all the time. You can book your tickets on their website, phone up or buy it when your there.

From the owner: About Weymouth Pavilion Weymouth's only entertainment venue…read morefor cinema, live theatre, music, arts, events and more. Our packed programme features world-class comedians, live music, opera, ballet, musicals, drama and tribute acts, with multiple shows every week of the year. We now offer a new cinema experience, featuring a huge 11-metre screen. The Cafe Ritz Conveniently located by Weymouth's award-winning beach, Weymouth Pavilion is the perfect stop for walkers or sightseers, with hot and cold refreshments available. The Cafe Ritz is open daily from 10am, serving tea, coffee, cakes and hot food to eat in or take away. Visit our website for the latest menu. Weddings and Events Looking for a venue for your wedding or event? Weymouth Pavilion offers a warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a dedicated team ready to meet your individual needs. Room Hire Choose from the intimate Piano Bar, the spacious Ocean Room, or the newly refurbished Sun Deck Suite, all with stunning sea views and private facilities. We also offer our main theatre space for on-stage wedding ceremonies or conferences, complete with professional audio-visual equipment.

There is a large beer garden in front of the pub. It's a lovely green setting…read more The food was decent. My partner loved his cod. My pesto linguine was under seasoned and bland. The staff were friendly but overwhelmed. Service was slow and spotty. We struggled to get food and drinks which was a pity.

Just visited this place for the third New Year's Eve running and it never fails to please. Great…read moreatmosphere, friendly and attentive staff and one of those rock bands that can play pretty much anything from the 60s, 70s or 80s and sound almost exactly like the original. Very good value, considering there are 3 courses plus the entertainment. Crab bisque was delicious and tasted home-made. Everyone else had the scallops which they really enjoyed, though would have preferred a slightly larger portion. Duck was mouth-wateringly good, according to two of our small group and the beef wellington went down well too, though a few mutterings about the small helping of vegetables. Unfortunately I drew the short straw with the mushroom wellington - one large tasteless mushroom, smothered in soggy spinach (which unfortunately I can't eat due to an allergy) and the whole encased in pastry. Probably my fault for not checking in advance what the restaurant meant by 'a panache of greens'. However, having tasted the real thing on Christmas Day, it was clear this place doesn't really cater for vegetarians. Still, I made up for it with lovely pears in red wine, while the others chose the very generous cheese board. A really enjoyable evening.