We asked Dorset Echo readers what their go-to local outside of the town centre was and they didn’t disappoint.

One of the high rankers was the John Gregory on Radipole Lane in Southill, which is the perfect venue for a get together with family and friends, and has a great selection of food and drinks available.

Victor Szkolski, landlord of the John Gregory, said: “Pubs are a place where you can spend great time with families, they are part of our lives whether it was celebrating your birthday, a wedding anniversary, or your grandma’s birthday. In nearly every single memory, there’s a pub attached.

“People work really hard for their money so there’s no way that they can risk spending it in the wrong place so making sure that we are delivering what we promise is key – we have a fantastic team and fantastic chefs.

“When we opened the John Gregory four years ago I was trying to find the right business plan for this place and then I realised that it didn’t need to be complicated.”

The John Gregory (Image: The John Gregory)

Another firm favourite was the Turks Head Inn on East Street, in Chickerell, run by Mark and Debbie Pollard and much-loved for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Debbie said: “We are a very family orientated pub and we get a lot of families through our doors as well as a lot of local traders – we welcome everybody that comes through our doors including dogs.

“We do a great carvery on Wednesdays and Sundays which booking is always essential for and have a bit of music every now and again.”

(Image: Turks Head Inn)

The landlady also had plenty of praise for her team.

She added: “I have a very good team who all work very well together and without them, we wouldn’t have been able to take on the Spice Ship which we also run.”

The Admiral Hardy on Chickerell Road was another popular choice and the team recently hosted a charity day for Westhaven Hospital, raising an impressive £4,467.

Locals and football team members outside The Admiral Hardy (Image: The Admiral Hardy)

Michael Setterfield, assistant manager of the Admiral Hardy said: “It’s a great community pub with a lovely warm atmosphere. We have got a lovely group of locals and a great team of staff and it’s a great place to come where everyone feels welcome.

“We show live sports, and we have sports teams like football, and we have crib and poker teams as well.”

Another firm favourite was the Lugger Inn on West Street, Chickerell, which was the Dorset Echo’s Pub of the Year in 2022.

The Lugger Inn (Image: Crossworks Design LTD)

Liam Coles, landlord of the Lugger Inn, said: “We welcome everybody – we have a bit of ‘our own front room’ atmosphere.

“We host live music most weekends and our food is absolutely fantastic and often exceeds people’s expectations.”

The Wyke Smugglers on Portland Road, Wyke Regis, is also a notable pub which is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Joanne Holt, assistant manager of the Wyke Smugglers said: “It’s very much a community pub – we welcome everybody.

“It’s a really good friendly atmosphere and the team are all like family. We want everybody to have a nice time.

“We always have people come in who are on holiday and they often come back the following year.”

The Wyke Smugglers (Image: The Wyke Smugglers)

They also host plenty of charity events throughout the year.

Finally, the Marquis of Granby on Chickerell Road came out as another top choice, with owner Justin Larkham only taking over the venue a year and a half ago.

The Marquis of Granby (Image: Archive)

He said: “We are a nice food venue to come to with a relaxed atmosphere and we also  have a friendly bar area with friendly locals and lovely, friendly staff.”