Remembering long lost pubs of Dorchester

They were places where folk went for a relaxing drink, to unwind and spend quality time with family and friends.

Sadly, they are long gone but some may bring back memories for our readers.

See how many of them you remember.

The Antelope, South Street, Dorchester

The Antelope was situated at Cornhill, South Street but this grade-II listed pub has now been converted to shops and cafes.

This was originally an old coaching inn which was famous for housing the trials of the supporters of the defeated Duke of Monmouth in which 216 men were sentenced to death by Judge Jeffries.

Marabout Castle, 18 The Grove

This pub was originally known as The Castle Inn.

The Castle Inn was popular with cider drinkers for its scrumpy. After a change of landlord it became the Marabout Castle.

Ken Brake was landlord of the pub in the 1960s, which was also popular with darts players.

It is thought the landlord after that was called John and the pub was Eldridge Pope-managed.

The building is now in commercial use as a gym.

Exhibition Hotel, East Parade, London Road

This pub was run by Barry and Anth Harris, who remember: "When we took over the pub it was on its knees but we inherited some of the nicest lads and customers you could ever wish for – they were absolutely brilliant and we had some fantastic times.

“They have always stayed friends with us.”

When Barry and Anth took on the Exhibition in the early 1980s it was one of Dorchester’s oldest pubs and they never thought it would close.

Barry said: “When we took over Eldridge Pope told us it was one of the oldest pubs in the town and they said it would never close."

Sadly the pub shut its doors for good in the early 2000s.

The building is now in residential use.

Great Western Hotel, 20 Great Western Road

At one time run by Mr Doble and his family, this pub was known for its 'proper' cider and had a skittle alley, pool table and juke box.

Great Western Road has held a vital role in Dorchester’s history, providing easy transport from the town’s West station to the centre. In the heyday of steam, this pub also provided lodgings for travellers.

The Great Western had some of the best darts teams around and some of the players went on to play county darts.

Sadly this pub was demolished.

The New Compasses, The Grove

At the bottom of The Grove, this pub was built in 1903. It was managed by Devenish Brewery.