Crown, Blandford Forum

Property Description

The Crown is a charming 17th-century Grade II listed thatched pub located in the picturesque village of Winterborne Stickland in Dorset. Built in traditional Dorset vernacular style, the pub is full of character, featuring whitewashed cob walls, exposed wooden beams and a striking inglenook fireplace that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Situated on North Street in the heart of the village, approximately four miles northwest of Blandford Forum, The Crown sits at the centre of village life while also attracting visitors exploring the surrounding countryside. The area is popular with walkers, cyclists and campers from nearby sites such as Inside Park Campsite, who often stop at the pub for food and refreshments. Despite its rural setting, the pub benefits from good road connections via the A350 and A354, providing access to larger towns including Poole, Bournemouth and Salisbury. With its historic charm, central village location and appeal to both locals and visitors, The Crown offers a fantastic traditional country pub setting in one of Dorset’s most attractive villages. Pub Layout The Crown features a traditional two-bar layout typical of older country pubs. As you enter through the front door, you turn left into the front bar, which is more food-focused and full of character, boasting a large inglenook fireplace and exposed wooden beams. Turning right from the entrance leads into the public bar, a more relaxed and sociable space with a dartboard, TV screens and plenty of room for locals to enjoy a drink and conversation. This area leads through to the toilets, which have all been recently refurbished. The décor throughout the pub is rustic and cosy, blending historic features such as exposed beams and oak floors with a warm, homely feel. Outside, The Crown benefits from a large beer garden with plenty of seating surrounded by greenery and a charming brick-built well. This space is perfect for summer dining and drinks. There is also an elevated rear terrace that overlooks the village, providing a pleasant spot to relax. A sizeable car park is available for visitors, and the pub is dog-friendly, particularly in the bar and garden areas.

Trading Style

The Crown has benefited from significant investment, with refurbishments completed in 2018 and further improvements in 2022 by Admiral Taverns, and the pub now presents in excellent condition throughout. The current licensees have built a strong and loyal customer base, with a thriving local trade that regularly enjoys the pub’s welcoming atmosphere and home-cooked food.

The pub operates very much as the village local and is a key hub for the community, welcoming guests for everything from casual drinks to social gatherings and celebrations. Trade is well balanced for a pub of this style, with approximately 70% wet sales and 30% food.

Behind the bar, customers can enjoy a rotating selection of three to four cask ales, often sourced from local brewers, alongside a strong range of lagers, ciders and Guinness. The drinks offer is complemented by a good selection of wines, a wide range of spirits and soft drinks for drivers. The food menu focuses on traditional pub classics, serving hearty, well-prepared British dishes at reasonable prices.

Agreement Type