Vine Inn, Pamphill

A small, country pub owned by the National Trust which is hidden away just a mile west of Wimborne Minster. The original part of the building, built of red and black bricks, is early 19th-century and near the road; further away is a slightly later extension. It has been a bakehouse and stores in the past. Fitted out in 1900 by the current landlady's grandfather, who was the first licensee, it has remained in the same family since being a pub. Originally owned by Marstons of Poole and then Strongs of Romsey it was bought by the National Trust in 1989.

Note how the inn sign is situated up the hill on the car park. Don't miss the magnificent vine creeping over the building. The falling site means you go downstairs to a tiny, basic public bar which has not been altered in nearly a century and at only 8 ft by 8 ft it is one of the smallest public bars in the country. It retains the original panelled counter - the bar top was replaced in the 1950s - and most of the original bar back shelves with some small glass pieces added to the wall behind in the 1960s. There is just one small table, a short bench attached to the wall between the door and the bar counter, and another bench attached to wall panelling from 1900. On the inside of the counter there is an old bottle opener, old drawer and cupboard below.

From Vine Hill three stone steps lead to the Tap Room, which is also accessed from the tiny bar by a flight of 9 steps attached to a partition wall with full height panelled walls and ceiling. This very simple room retains its original tongue and groove dado painted pink, a tiled and wood surround fireplace possibly from the inter war period and space for just three small green Formica top tables. On the other side of the public bar a separate entrance leads into what was grandfather's sitting room - a very small room probably brought into use in the 1960s. It has an unusual bar counter of narrow ribbed panels from the 1960s that replaced a simple hatch/shelf across the doorway, wall cupboards from when it was a domestic room and a cast iron and wood surround fireplace that is not that old. The outside gents' with a glazed white brick urinal is situated on the front of the building; the outside ladies' appear to be a later addition and are also outside. Open lunchtimes and evenings, it closes at 10.30 Mon to Wed. Ploughman's lunches and sandwiches are available lunchtimes only - if you are sitting outside listen for a knock on the window to tell you the food is ready to collect from the bar!