Darby’s Corner Pub stood at 2 Waterloo Road from at least 1970 until its final closure on 29 November 2011. Over those four decades it evolved from a straightforward roadside taproom into a celebrated community hub, known as much for its welcoming atmosphere as for its kitchen in later years.
Beers Sold
- 1970s: Watneys Red Barrel; Flowers Keg Bitter; Carling Black Label; Skol; Harp
- 1980s–1990s: Carlsberg; Heineken; rotating guest real ales during the early cask‐ale revival
- 2000s until closure: Ringwood Ales as the flagship cask beer; alongside national lagers and the occasional seasonal guest brew
Regular Events
- Weekly quiz nights every Wednesday, drawing teams from across Broadstone
- Friday‐night live music featuring local folk, acoustic singer‐songwriters, and the odd cover band
- Annual summer Beer Fest showcasing rotating guest ales and pub‐grown produce stalls
- Charity fundraisers supporting nearby schools, youth clubs, and the local seniors’ association
- Tuesday evening darts league, with regulars battling for a coveted “Corner Cup” trophy
Restaurant in the Latter Days
In its final decade the pub’s restaurant became a major draw. What began as a modest pub‐grub menu expanded into a full dining experience by the early 2000s. The kitchen housed a five‐burner Aga and offered:
- Seasonal tasting menu spotlighting Dorset lamb, Portland crab linguine, and hand-cut chips
- Classic Sunday roasts with locally sourced beef, free-range pork, and all the trimmings
- Weekly chef’s specials inspired by French bistro fare, such as coq au vin and moules marinières
- A dessert trolley featuring sticky toffee pudding, crème brûlée, and Derbyshire Stilton with chutney
This focus on quality ingredients and evolving menus ensured that dinners at Darby’s Corner felt as much like a local bistro as a friendly pub, cementing its legacy in Broadstone’s dining scene.
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