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From Sandbanks to the Saxon Bar: A Dorset Micropub & Brewery Trail
I started the day in the Sandbanks area of Poole with a visit to Sandbanks Brewery, before heading into Wimborne for a few independent pubs and another brewery tap. From there it was on to Bournemouth and Southbourne for a run of micropubs and brewery bars, with a final stop in Christchurch at the Saxon Bar. It was a cracking mix of places, from little one-room pubs to breweries tucked away in industrial units, and I enjoyed some lovely conversations along the way.
A Little History of the Dorset Coast
There’s plenty of local history along this route. Poole has centuries of maritime connections, Wimborne is known for its historic Minster and market-town streets, and Bournemouth developed into a seaside resort. Nearby Christchurch has an even older town centre, with its own long history beside the rivers and harbour. Between them, these places make an interesting journey well beyond the beachfront.
Who I Met
There were plenty of friendly faces on this trip. Alan showed me around Sandbanks Brewery, Ed welcomed me to Butcher’s Dog and Steve gave me an insight into Eight Arch Brewing Co. Later on, it was great to meet Milton at Silverback Alehouse, Krista at The Firkin Shed, Pete at All Hail Ale and Louie at Wight Bear, before finishing with a warm welcome from Shelley and Jared at the Saxon Bar.
Stops on This Trip
Sandbanks & Poole
Wimborne
Butcher’s Dog
The Taphouse
Eight Arch Brewing Co
Bournemouth & Southbourne
Silverback Alehouse
The Micro Moose
The Firkin Shed
All Hail Ale
Wight Bear
Brewhouse & Kitchen – Southbourne
Way Outback Brewing Co
Christchurch
Sandbanks & Poole
Sandbanks Brewery
My first visit of the day was over in the Sandbanks area of Poole and was to “Sandbanks Brewery”, located in a large industrial estate. A warm welcome here from Alan who runs the taproom. He gave me a look around the brewery and their setup before heading into the taproom.
A great small one roomed taproom with the added bonus of outdoor seating in the car park. A line up of 4 cask beers, alongside 2 of their own keg beers with a guest. I started with “Golden Years”, a light and easy drinking Golden Ale. Secondly was “Sandbanks Bitter”, a delicious traditional English Bitter full of flavour. I finished with “Free Bird”, an American Pale Ale with some great hoppy flavours coming through in this beer.
A short 15 minute walk out of the industrial estate to catch the bus (4) to Wimborne, around a 30 minute journey.
Wimborne
Butcher’s Dog
My first call in Wimborne was to the “Butcher’s Dog”, sister to their Ashley Cross venue which I visited last year. This opened in September 2016. A fantastic one roomed pub with a large bar on the right. Feels very relaxing and welcoming when entering. A great friendly welcome from Ed when I arrived here.
A great line up of 1 cask ale alongside 11 keg beers and 2 ciders so a great line up and lots of different styles. “Sky Above” was my choice today from Bristol based Left Handed Giant. One of their original recipes, being a tasty pale ale hopped with Citra, Simcoe and Mosaic. Very refreshing.
The Taphouse
Next call here was a walk towards the centre and Wimborne Minster to “The Taphouse”. A fantastic quirky pub located in a mid 19th Century Grade II listed building. A long one roomed pub, lots of seating and leading to a small courtyard at the rear. Nice warm welcome from behind the bar and great to see the place busy.
A choice of 6 cask ales on the bar here today for me to choose from. I decided to go with “Blonde” from Dorset based on”Cerne Abbas” brewery. A fantastic blonde beer, light, refreshing and with some great flavours from the hops coming through.
Eight Arch Brewing Co
My last call in Wimborne was to “Eight Arch Brewing Co”, located in a small industrial estate on the edge of Wimborne. First started up in 2015 they have recently moved to a larger unit, with the current taproom opening Easter 2024. Was great to meet and chat to the owner Steve and learn a bit about the history of the brewery and what beers they brew. A fantastic setup here and one which proves to be popular with the locals, with their added food truck at the taproom and hosting live music events.
A great line up of 7 keg beers on the bar today, alongside a couple of others in cans from the fridge. I started with “Square Logic”, their most popular beer. A delicious super juicy pale ale brewed with oats. Second beer was “Time to Turn”, a juicy hazy pale ale packed full of tropical flavours.
I headed back into Wimborne to catch the bus back towards Bournemouth.
Bournemouth & Southbourne
Silverback Alehouse
My first call over in Bournemouth was to the “Silverback Alehouse”. A long and narrow Micropub with at table service rather than heading to the bar. Table seating down both sides with the serving area at the rear. Was great to finally meet owner Milton and have a chat this evening.
A great line up of 5 cask beers available here. I went with one from a new brewery for me “Session IPA” from Salisbury based Rude Giant Brew Co. A light and easy drinking pale ale with a crisp bite to it.
The Micro Moose
A short walk down the street brings me to “The Micro Moose”, under new ownership since my visit last year but still as good. A one roomed Micropub which was very welcoming and felt cosy. Love the cider list made with kids fridge magnet letters.
A great line up of 4 cask beers to choose from in here. I went with “Gizmo” from Bath Spa based Electric Bear Brewing Co. A super session pale ale with some great citrus flavours coming through.
The Firkin Shed
Onto the Micropub I did not get chance to visit in Bournemouth last year. “The Firkin Shed”. A fantastic traditional Micropub, very quirky and unique and welcoming. Tables and benches around the bar area, a smaller snug further back and a brilliant hidden gem of a beer garden at the rear. This was a former CAMRA National Cider Pub of the Year winner. Lovely warm welcome from Krista.
A choice of 3 cask beers, alongside a great choice of keg beers. I went with “Leggless Jester” from Dorset based Cerne Abbas brewery. A delicious blonde ale using Jester hops. Light and easy drinking.
All Hail Ale
My next call is over to “All Hail Ale”. A Micropub and Bottle Shop converted from a former restaurant. Lovely welcome from owner Pete and was great to have a good catch up and chat. A lovely bar layout with the bottle shop part towards the back.
A great lineup of 5 cask beers and 10 keg beers to choose from. Some local and some from further afield. I went with a beer from Southampton based Unity Brewing Co, “Raspberry Beret”. A beer brewed for International Women’s Day. Described as “A dark sour porter loaded with fresh raspberry in a mix of their two favourite styles. Deep Chocolate malt notes with a sweet and tart raspberry kick”. A great beer.
Wight Bear
Next is to a Micropub I’ve visited a number of years ago “Wight Bear”. This Micropub first opened in 2015. A great Micropub which has a large room at the front with a further room to the rear. A really popular place as was busy again as it was last year. A nice warm welcome from Louie today behind the bar.
A great line up behind the bar of 2 cask beers and a 10 line keg beer line up. A sour beer for me from New Bristol Brewery. “Lime & Raspberry Crumble Sour”, the name says it all a deliciously fruity, sour and tart beer. Just what was needed with the warm sunny weather.
Brewhouse and Kitchen – Southbourne
A short walk brings me to “Brewhouse and Kitchen – Southbourne”. A popular bar which has a small number of pubs but each brewing beers on the premises. They offer a brewery experience day which is great value for money and very informative. This reopened in 2016 after being a pub beforehand which had closed. Great indoor and outdoor spaces.
A line up of 3 cask beers all brewed on the premises, alongside a wide range of their own keg beers with some guests. I went with “Stone Fruit Pale”, one of their seasonal beers. Light and very easy drinking.
Way Outback Brewing Co
A short walk again brings me to “Way Outback Brewing Co”. A busy bar with a pub on one side of the road and brewery/pub on the other (the pub used for events). A great indoor and outdoor space with lots of seating and looks really quirky and unique. Warm welcome upon entering.
Lots of choices on here with all beers brewed in house. 14 keg beers to choose from, aswell as takeaway cans and fresh pizza. I went with “Coulis’o”, described as “Our house kettle sour, dry hopped with Hallertau Blanc with huge amounts of Blackberry, Raspberry and Sour Cherry purée thrown in for good measure”, it certainly did not disappoint.
Christchurch
Saxon Bar
My last call of the evening was in Christchurch and to a Micropub I had visited on a previous trip. “Saxon Bar”, a fantastic Micropub offering table service in here and seating and tables around the one roomed Micropub uses wood reclaimed from Bournemouth Pier. A great warm welcome from Shelley and Jared this evening.
A great choice of 5 cask beers, 8 keg beers and a selection of cans and bottles. “Trapped in Amber” from Portsmouth based Staggeringly Good Brewery. A superb super hoppy and deliciously tasty table beer. Low ABV but so full of flavour.
