Bankes Arms Country Inn / Isle of Purbeck Brewery

This is a CAMRA-listed pub year in, year out. The brewery makes some pretty good beers, too. So, I finally made it out there to give the place a try. Unfortunately, it was not the best experience.

First of all, there's no parking at the pub so you have to park in the National Trust parking lot at £4 per car. Secondly, the service is ABSOLUTE CRAP. The barmaid that was on duty when we were there was an absolute ice queen. Ordering a beer from her was like asking her to give up her first born child or something, never mind if you want food, too. Thirdly, the tables were a bit dirty (i.e.- they weren't very good about cleaning up after other punters left). And finally, the food is over-priced by about £2. It's pretty good food, but they're charging tourist prices.

Other than that, it's got good ambiance, good quality beer and food, and it's in a really nice area of Dorset. If you want to make a day of it, seeing different National Trust areas, then you can keep your parking stub to use in other lots. Also, they have "beer festivals" there once or twice which are much better to attend (I've heard).

Bottom line, don't go out of your way to go to Studland just for this pub, but if you're spending some time in the area, it's definitely worth a visit for the beer at least.