Our pub of the week is a historic Georgian pub said to be like 'walking into someone's front room.'

Found on the winding road through Fortuneswell as you ascend the island of Portland, patrons of this pub enjoy three things, good ale, good cider and good music.

The Royal Portland Arms prides itself on being a 'proper old-fashioned pub'.

Dorset Echo: The Royal Portland Arms on 40 FortuneswellThe Royal Portland Arms on 40 Fortuneswell (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Landlady Jill Diggens, who has been the licensee for 18 years, said: "When I bought it it was boarded up. I am the longest licensee on Portland, and this is the oldest pub on Portland."

Housed in a Grade II listed building, this pub can trace its history back more than 200 years and has its fair share of history. Shortly after Jill bought the pub she had to do work on the floor, finding newspapers from as far back as 1940 stuffed into the gaps.

Dorset Echo: Landlady Jill DiggensLandlady Jill Diggens (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

Jill says that even the view enjoyed by the pub - of Underhill and the sea - is a product of its history. Once it was blocked by buildings which were demolished by bombs during the Second World War.

The pub has been a musical feature of the island for many years and has featured a great many artists from far and wide.

"Over the years we have had musicians here that we wouldn't be able to afford any more. Wille and the Bandits, Martin Harley, The Cyborgs - they came from Rome. We have them from all over," said Jill.

"We are really here for proper music. We don't do karaoke."

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Of course, no pub would be complete without a selection of quality drinks, and the Royal Portland Arms features a wide selection - often depending on where Jill travels.

She said: "We sell a really good range of beers. If I go somewhere I usually come back with a beer or a cider.

"We mostly have west country beers and farmhouse ciders which I pick up when I am out and about. And local gins. We don't sell any ciders that have pulp or chemicals.

"People come a long way. We have a quirky clientele, as well as quite a few locals. Everyone says it is like coming into someone's front room."

There are bands every Friday night and on Sunday afternoons. The pub is dog-friendly except when there is music.

Read more: Belvedere Inn, Weymouth chosen for Pub of the Week

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