The Cow is split into 3 parts, a gastro pub which serves lunch. A bistro style restaurant and a private dining room.
The pub is fairly small and can get very busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Well known for its wines, The Cow was voted national freehouse of the year 2007. Rugby and some other sporting events are shown, which can also draw a crowd. Situated immediately next door to Parkstone train station, which has trains to Bournemouth and Poole. The Cow is set in a building which dates back to 1855, when it used to be a hotel.