The Boot tops the vote in poll of top 5 pubs in Weymouth and Portland

In our straw poll  there’s one pub that keeps getting nominated again and again - The Boot in Rodwell. 

It’s Weymouth’s oldest pub and is a gorgeous, ricketty old thatched cottage of a place, with welcoming fireplace in winter and locals sunning themselves outside in the summer. Beer lovers adore The Boot because of its good, fresh, well-kept ale. The atmosphere of good natured chat and laughter sounds just like it would have centuries ago, with no jukebox, fruit machine or football games blaring out. Until recently, it was the only place in Weymouth that sold Cheddar Valley cider on draft (now you can also buy it at the Orange Cider Bar in St Thomas Street).

On some nights there’s live music, it’s dog-friendly, there’s lots of nooks and crannies to skulk about in, and yes you guessed it, a whole range of ancient boots and skates hanging on the wall. 

The Boot is supposed to be haunted, which is something the pub’s keen to promote since it changed hands in the past few months. It was also recently home to Weymouth’s best-loved bartender, Robbie, who retired at the age of 73. He is famed for his collection of smart waistcoats and catchphrase of: “Everything ticketty-boo?” 

So, do you agree with this? Do you think The Boot deserves to be at the top of the table? Or do you prefer to go somewhere else to enjoy a pint?

The pub voted as Portland’s favourite hostelry is The Cove House Inn down at Chiswell. With stunning panoramic views over Chesil Beach and the majesty of the Isle of Portland looming to the left, it’s packed with punters in the summer crowding onto the pub patio and beach to watch the sun go down. It has a great reputation for food, with moules frites nights, a pint of prawns Music lovers flock to the Cove Music Festival every August Bank Holiday where local bands battle it out on the stones. 

Number 6 - which used to be the Royal British Legion headquarters on King Street - has been hailed for the number 3 spot. Refurbished by landlord Pete Smith in  2009 it’s already become one of Weymouth’s top music venues and embraces the resort’s vibrant music scene as well as other cultural nights - such as a poetry evening. The pub also sells pints of Old Rosie, which goes down well with the cider drinking fraternity. 

The Red Lion is another favourite haunt in Weymouth. Nestling right next to the harbour, it has an extensive patio with seating outdoors (and heated umbrellas!) as well as a good range of ales and great food. Needless to say, it’s always bustling especially with people who work for nearby local employers such as Cefas.

The Famous Old Spa on Dorchester Road at Radipole is another popular watering hole according to those of you who voted. It’s got some great food deals including curry nights and a good range of wine is served at a reasonable price. Footie fans are able to keep up, with the latest matches screened there too.

Other pubs nominated on the WeymouthPeople Facebook page are The Prince of Wales, The Golden Lion, The Weatherbury, and The Lugger Inn at Chickerell.

What’s your favourite pub in Weymouth and Portland? Tell us which one, and why!