BITE user comments - somertel
Comments by somertel
There are no views of the Quantocks from the beer garden, all you can see are houses and the busy A39.
6 Oct 2012 19:49
Last time I was in here the London landlord's son was boasting with typically adolescent and ill-judged volume about how he was going to shoot deer on the hills. I presume this is the source of their "quarters" of venison. Disgusting.
7 Feb 2012 22:48
Have to agree with the previous review about the cooking, I went to a "Moroccan" evening and the food was as bland as Saturday evening telly. Not a single spice was employed in any of the three meals we ate. So disappointing. But do stop for the beer (which is why you should visit a pub after all), it's always excellent.
7 Feb 2012 22:36
Splendid interior but please vary your beers. Please. There is more to beer then Tribute!
7 Feb 2012 22:31
The Commercial Inn, Bridgwater
Spartan interior, half in darkness, expensive and mediocre ale, few customers. Don't think they'll be open long. 2/10.
28 Jan 2011 14:46
Temporarily closed according to amendments to the Good Beer Guide as reported in What's Brewing January 2011.
28 Jan 2011 14:42
Have to agree with cheshirecat, whenever I've been in the beer has been of poor quality and the service much the same. If I have the time between trains I head for the Racehorse; if I don't, I go without. I refuse to pay top dollar for sour ale. The set-up in the Plough may impress the locals, but then they don't have much to compare it with in poor old Taunton.
22 Sep 2010 23:06
Open again. Like several of the pubs round here the interior has been feminised (lots of silly things in pots and that bland grey/beige paint everywhere) to attract eating parties. No doubt they'll do well for a while, as the inhabitants of the nearby estates seem to think that sort of thing is the height of good dining taste. Looks like something out of the Argos catalogue to me, or Wilkinson's end of season sale. Beer is limited in range, too cold (no doubt casque marque approved) and round about the �3/pint mark to boot.
22 Sep 2010 21:45
Another once traditional pub feminised with square leather sofas, Wilkinsons dining furniture and lashings of beige/grey paint (no doubt also from Wilkinsons). Beers are the usual suspects, cold and casque-marked. Seems to impress a lot of the locals, and someone's making a lot of money (for now), but if you're looking for a decent Quantock/Somerset pub, you'll be disappointed. More like sitting in an Argos furniture showroom than a pub.
1 Aug 2010 22:20
A Wadworths house, half restaurant and half pub. The interior has suffered from the feminisation that afflicts too many pubs in these parts: the truly criminal painting of the once handsome brick chimney breast in the main bar stands out as particularly unforgivable. The beer is well kept, but overpriced. Worth stopping for one, if they're open.
1 Aug 2010 22:03
The Kings Head Inn, Cannington
Really enjoyed the live jazz here last week, I do hope we see more. With decent slabs down in part of the bar instead of that carpet it feels much more like a pub, and acoustically it's surprisingly good. Beer quality's still very good, and Graeme's still providing us with variety by alternating his guest, which is all you can ask of someone whose hands are tied by the greedy tossers at Punch. By far the best pub in Cannington, from one who grew up here.
1 Aug 2010 21:44
The Rose and Crown, Nether Stowey
"Even better now the beer is Casque Marque approved", what genuine pubgoer would say that? If you're going to faslify reviews, at least do so with a degree of credibility. These fake reviews from managers/owners are so painfully obvious!
3 Mar 2010 20:41
They have live music on Sundays, I've been along a few times and it's a lot of fun. The beer is well kept, there's proper cider from just up the road and I understand they've expanded the restaurant to upstairs to cater for the increase in demand. It's good to see the place turned around.
3 Mar 2010 19:54
Stayed recently for a few nights. Handsome, ancient former coaching inn that hasn't been ponced up or otherwise buggered about with.
Good points: genuinely dog friendly; very good breakfasts; pleasant staff; that huge fireplace.
Poor points: disappointing choice of ales (they had their "own", and High Tide from Clearwater (two virtually indistinguishable small beers which might well have been "clear water" for all the taste they had) and the only one worth drinking, Tribute. But who wants to drink Tribute all evening?;
lack of choice for vegetarians, although we were told the "chef" would cook us what we asked for. However, if he can't even manage a simple risotto without turning it into a dollop of wallpaper paste, what's the point? Anyway, when I'm on holiday I don't want to have to plan pub menus, I'm paying someone else to do that! The spicy beanburger was clearly from a frozen catering pack and came with a plain, dry old processed white bun and some (ugh) oven chips, and a meagre attempt at a salad. We ate it because we'd been walking all day, but we resented paying top dollar for unimaginitive and poorly cooked food. We ate elsewhere on the last night, having given them two chances to show us what they could do.
However, I did enjoy my stay as it's rare to find somewhere that's so relaxed about guests who holiday with their dogs, and the location is superb being right next to the SW coast path and its stunning views. If I stay again, I'll find somewhere else to eat and drink. 6/10, must try harder.
3 Mar 2010 19:04
Ate here recently, having been tempted by the vegetable and stilton crumble. The vegetables were frozen mixed veg, the crumble wasn't crumble but just wholemeal flour tipped on top then burnt under the grill and there was no evidence of any stilton whatsoever. Highly disappointing. The new owners or managers had just moved in and were busy setting up their new Sky subscription; if they've any sense they'll sort out the kitchen first. Beer was ok, but nothing special in quality or choice. Left feeling ripped off and wishing we hadn't bothered.
3 Mar 2010 18:21
I hadn't been here for about eighteen months and I was a little worried having read some of the comments on here. I needn't have been. The ever-encroaching, moneyed middle-class brigade was present (as always, if it's somewhere worth visiting), but thankfully they were in the minority and a happy pub atmosphere prevailed; not one pair of pink cords in sight, thank goodness. The ciders and beers were excellent; admittedly they have gone up in price, but not as much as they might have done. I don't generally approve of food in pubs because it's always done so badly and at such extortionate prices, but this place is the exception as they have always offered the simplicity and good value that you just can't find elsewhere nowadays. Our plate of onion tart, sauted potatoes and salad could have done with more spuds, but was nonetheless very tasty. Still hungry (not a familiar experience after a plateful of food here; I wonder what the ploughmans is like now!), my partner went for the bread and butter pud and I had the cheesecake which, I have to say, was sumptuous and the best I've ever had. But don't get the wrong impression, this is no restaurant; we were parked on a rough old sofa beside an enormous tumbledown fireplace. And I do mean tumbledown. Indeed there were three proper fires on the go, all adding to the proper pub atmosphere. My only disappointment, a minor one, was the sight of reservation notices on some of the tables for later in the day. That aside, with a decent bunch of locals watching over things the Halfway continues to offer good beer, good cider and good company. 9/10. Thanks chaps, and best of luck Julian.
8 Feb 2009 20:58
The Pitcher and Piano, Taunton
Hammers101, I couldn't agree with you more. Any chance of Somerset CAMRA addressing this issue, or are they just a drinking club that run a beer festival once a year?
22 Jan 2009 17:06
Called in on the 17th of January. The main bar was empty, there were a few local kids in the bar with the televisions. That was fine with me as it left me with the huge, roaring, open log fire all to myself. There were three real ales on; can't remember which I had but it wasn't great so I only stopped for the one.
22 Jan 2009 16:50
I care Iain40; living in Bridgwater, I have no pub I can just walk to when I fancy a decent pint and a chat. I have to cycle to the Halfway, which means dicing with death on the Westonzoyland Road. So to me, the distance is quite significant. It's always worth the effort though!
22 Jan 2009 16:21
fisher40, "for yor info" I'm a regular at the Halfway. Trouble is, it's not in Bridgwater but Dunwear. You may have realised this if you had a little LoCal knowledge yourself.
12 Jan 2009 09:02
A friendly, traditional pub serving excellent ale and very tasty, fairly-priced food. The landlord was a very nice chap, nothing was too much trouble. Looking forward to my next visit.
10 Nov 2008 21:27
I have visited this pub recently on several occasions. The landlord and landlady are very friendly and are very keen to support local breweries and local cider makers. There are usually two local real ales on, with plans to add more, and two local ciders. There is a comfortable, good-sized bar with real fire and daily papers (your dog is welcome too!), a dining area with bar, and a skittle alley. Although I haven't eaten there yet the menu looks tempting, and Ian and Fiona have plans to extend the vegetarian menu (something of a rarity in these parts!). After seven years of living in the barren wastes of Bridgwater, with its total lack of decent ale and worthwhile pubs, I am delighted to find somewhere to go for a nice pint and a conversation. If anyone from Somerset CAMRA reads this, perhaps you could visit and see for yourself? I know your support would be very welcome.
10 Nov 2008 21:22
I too dislike the gastro-pub and the false welcome of the barman freshly returned from the latest asinine customer focus course. I am speaking of common courtesy, something which is sadly becoming less and less common and which I have found, on both of my visits, to be completely lacking behind the bar at the Hunter's Lodge, Priddy. I appreciate the untouched nature of the interior and the fact that there is real ale and real cider available; I spend an awful lot of my time seeking out traditional pubs. Which is why it was such a crying shame my visits were ruined by the hostility and rudeness of the landlord. I stand by my previous review, and my rating: /10.
10 Nov 2008 21:03
The Rose and Crown, Nether Stowey
Popped in last Sunday afternoon. Bar was thronged by local lads all getting over the night before. Beer was so-so. Juke box was too loud for a Sunday afternoon. Left the impression of a none-too-friendly lads pub; all the sensible people seemed to be in the George next door (which is where we retreated to after just one pint).
14 Aug 2008 15:26
Now closed. Will the last person to leave Bridgwater please turn off the lights.
14 Aug 2008 15:20
The Harvest Moon, North Newton
New owners (managers?) are Lionel and Leathea who have the Globe at Cannington. All the very best to you, I hope it works out for you.
22 Jun 2008 18:08
Bristol and Exeter Inn, Bridgwater
You can get a decent pint of cider in here (unbelievably the only pub in Bridgwater to sell proper cider). The landlord is also quite a friendly chap. You do need to take this place with a fairly hefty pinch of salt, but at least it's real.
22 Jun 2008 12:48
The Kings Head Inn, Cannington
This place has come on in leaps and bounds. There's a choice of 3 ales and an excellent pint of Rich's cider at �1.70. Beer prices are too high at �2.70, but blame greedy Punch Taverns for that! The atmosphere has become more pubby, in a good way, with people still enjoying their food. Reminds me somewhat of pubs in Essex like the Swan at Little Totham: they have a way to go to reach those lofty heights, but they're laying the foundations of a good community pub. Just keep the cider: there were five of us drinking it at the bar last evening, and very fine it was too!
22 Jun 2008 12:22
Called in yesterday afternoon after an unpleasant stop at the Hunters Lodge. Four or five ales on including a splendid pint of Cheddar Ales' Potholer. Prices were steep at �2.80/pint for a beer from down the road! Dogs welcome in the bar but we sat outside by the attractive village green. Had to return a dodgy pint of Exmoor Gold but it was cheerfully exchanged by the pleasant and hardworking barmaid. Sadly she appeared to be the only one working as she was running the bar and serving food; coupled with the high prices this left an impression of a pub run on the cheap for maximum profit at the expense of the overworked (and very young) staff.
1 Jun 2008 09:59
Untouched interior made utterly inhospitable by a sullen and sarcastic landlord possessing all the ignorance and bitterness only standing behind a bar for 40 years can bring. If he doesn't know you, and he probably won't as he appears not to have been any further than Priddy since decimalisation, you will not be welcome. Has perfected the grunt and glower technique of customer service, while his washed-out, overworked wife looks on like a frightened rabbit. Mr Dors, your father would be ashamed of you to see you behave so rudely to paying guests.
Beer and cider kept on stillages behind the bar and suffer as a consequence: Wilkins cider, normally fresh and fruity, was sour and unpleasant. Rather like the landlord.
1 Jun 2008 09:48
Hmm, having read the glowing reviews I was a little disappoionted in the beer selection, quality and price. There were three beers on, London Pride, Butcombe and RCH East Street Cream. All were kept on stillages behind the bar and they suffered from the afternoon heat. Same goes for the Thatchers Traditional cider. Not undrinkable, just could have been much nicer, especially when you're paying �2.80 for the East Street Cream and �2.20 for the cider. All in all, a nice spot to visit, maximum curiosity value, but I wouldn't go out of my way again. The lady behind the bar was very pleasant, even though she was doing all the work herself (landlord laid up with a swollen ankle).
12 May 2008 09:28
Royal Artillery Arms, Highbridge
Popped in here today after a walk on the beach at Burnham. As usual the beers were superb and the welcome from customers and staff exceedingly friendly. I can't add much more to the other two reviews except to say that this is also a dog friendly pub (a bowl of water was gratefully received by our two dogs), it is open all day (including Sundays), there is a bus stop right outside (it is on the Taunton-Burnham route) or you can take the train (it's about a ten minute walk from Highbridge station). The best pub in the area by far!
27 Apr 2008 22:25
Trafalgar Freehouse, South Wimbledon
Good range of well-kept beer, good jazz on Sunday, dog friendly. Wish there was a pub like this near me!
23 Apr 2008 16:11
I've had the beer in the summer and it's like tar. There's nothing here worth a second visit, sadly.
5 Mar 2008 23:01
Cycled out to the February beer festival on the Sunday and enjoyed a few halves of well-kept local ale. Only disappointment was that they decided to stop the tap at 4pm, even though the publicity flyers for the beer festival specifically stated they would be open all day! At least I got a drink; I wonder how many made their way out there only to have to turn back, disappointed?
5 Mar 2008 22:03
The Naval and Military, Taunton
From an Avon and Somerset Police bulletin issued today:
A full review will now take place of the licence at the Naval & Military pub on East Reach after community concerns about problems connected to the venue.
On Tuesday, February 26, a multi-agency visit was carried out to the pub which involved police, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the Health and Safety Executive and Somerset Trading Standards.
Evidence of Class A drug use was found at the premises as well as concerns about anti-social behaviour and breach of licensing regulations.
A raft of measures will now be drawn up, with the venue facing closure if proposals to revoke their licence are granted by the council's licensing committee.
PS Griffiths added: "We have received a number of complaints from local people about the Naval & Military and have asked for a review to be carried out as a result.
"This has been driven by public and local businesses concerned about anti-social behaviour and the pub not upholding our licensing objectives.
"The vast majority of licensed premises in Taunton are well managed and we work closely with the council and landlords to licensees do everything they can to make their premises, legal and safe.
"We hope to make the town safer and reduce alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour as a result."
5 Mar 2008 21:45
From an Avon and Somerset Police bulletin issued today:
Taunton Deane Borough Council's Licensing Sub Committee heard and application for a review of the Firestone's licence on Tuesday, March 4.
Police sought the review after problems with management at the venue and a glass related assault.
The venue has now pledged to work closer with police and the licensing authority, train staff, employ registered door supervisors, improve CCTV and supply toughened or plastic glasses.
Taunton Town Centre Team Neighbourhood PS Mike Griffiths welcomed the Firestone's pledge to improve its safety to those using the venue.
He said: "Ourselves and Taunton Deane Borough Council are pleased that the licensee has pledged to improve their management of the venue and make it safer place for all concerned.
"Training staff and having properly registered doorstaff is a vital part of managing a venue and ensuring it is safe and compliant with the law and licensing regulations."
5 Mar 2008 21:44
No dogs allowed now. So if you were planning on going for a walk on the Quantocks you'd better leave Fido at home, or forego your pint, or better still avoid this place and go to a proper pub. The pubs in Stowey or the Bicknoller Inn serve decent ales, keep more sociable hours and will let you in with your best friend.
19 Feb 2008 23:29
It's a lovely pub with friendly landlady and locals, but the prices do take the edge off of one's enjoyment somewhat. The TT mild isn't that great nor is it very strong, yet it's still �2.80. 7/10.
30 Dec 2007 11:41
Had planned to visit the SS Great Britain; was so disgusted at the entrance fee (�10.50!!!) that I decided to go for a pint instead. Happened upon this smashing traditional boozer and was instantly impressed with the range of proper ciders and ales and the friendliness of the staff. Also liked the fact that there was no big screen telly on despite it being the day of the England/Australia match (why can't more pubs just dig out their old portable for special occasions instead of allowing those nasty great screens to dominate?) An added bonus was folk dancing performed by ladies in sensible shoes: very entertaining!
9 Oct 2007 21:53
All in darkness just after 7 on Saturday 6th October; tried the door and was told in no uncertain terms to come back when the lights were switched on. Had no idea when this would be and had to catch a train so sadly can't say what the pub was like, however it doesn't seem to be run very professionally. May give it another go if Mrs High 'n' Mighty deigns to open at the appointed hour.
9 Oct 2007 17:56
What a find! Friendly welcome, beers excellent both in range and quality, good crowd, charming interior and reasonable prices. Will definitely be back.
9 Oct 2007 17:50
Was in here on Saturday afternoon (6/10/07). Dim boy behind the bar seemed most reluctant to get some ice ("no, don't trouble yourself, we'll just have warm orange juice, it's only your job after all). As I got to the end of my pint I noticed a black mark at the bottom of my glass; this turned out to be one of several colonies of bacterial mould. As there seemed to be more intelligent life at the bottom of my glass than behind the bar I didn't bother reporting it, but have since notified Bristol City Council. I'm not a fussy person, but this is without a doubt the filthiest dive it has ever been my misfortune to drink in.
9 Oct 2007 17:46
Was last in here a couple of weeks ago. Both the pints I asked for were well below the mark and when I asked for them to be topped up I got an argument from the foreign trainee barperson. They don't seem to know how to pull a pint in here any more; who interviews the staff ffs? The kindest thing you could say about the beer (Black Sheep) was that it was indifferent. Each time I go in here it's got that bit worse; shan't bother in future.
9 Oct 2007 17:38
Ventured here on the coldest Spring Bank Holiday I can remember, more like February than the end of May. Walked from Witham believing it to be only 5 miles (not true!) but was so glad we made the effort: the owners and the locals were very welcoming and the beer was top notch (at least eight real ales in varying styles, including a mild, plus four real ciders). To top it all, not only were we fed, we were also given a lift back to Witham station by the wonderful Val (thankyou so much!), thus saving us the tortuous route march back and allowing us to savour more of the splendid ales and equally splendid company to be found in this gem of a pub. Deservedly CAMRA National Pub of the Year, I urge you to visit even if you do have to walk there! Terry
6 Jun 2007 15:56
The Sedgemoor Inn, Westonzoyland
Popped in last night, pub was packed, great atmosphere, nice pint of Otter. Was the current landlords' leaving do; let's hope the next ones keep it going!
20 May 2007 10:40
Have to agree with the previous comment, an expensive tourist trap with a surly woman in charge. Avoid.
24 Apr 2007 13:23
Called in on the afternoon of Saturday 10th March. The bar was empty but the "games room" part held the usual collection of all day boozers; the two Essex types holding court and ordering the barman to change the Sky channel as though they were in their own private fiefdom were particularly obnoxious (I'm very surprised the barman put up with it). The new owners really will have to make it clear exactly whose pub it is! Two ales were on: Gem and Seahawk, both in good condition.
12 Mar 2007 15:31
Popped in on Saturday on my way back from Street. Three real ales on, including a mild brewed down the road: all three in excellent condition. Enjoyed a pleasant chat about ale with the landlord, then made my way closer to home. The perfect antidote to a morning amongst the sweaty masses in Street and Clarks Village.
12 Mar 2007 15:18
Visited during their Yorkshire beer festival (24/02/07). Pub was packed with beer drinkers, Fulham supporters and Morris men. Good selection of (30) beers and the quality was superb, but some of the prices were OTT, (even for Putney).
OTT puts it mildly, is this the first case of the �6 pint? (It was an 11%er but even so.. and there wasn't much under �3/pint, so drank mainly Taylors)
Enjoyed the festival tho, especially the Hammersmith Morris Men. Thanks to all concerned for a fun afternoon :-)
5 Mar 2007 09:45
It's an ok spot to sit and read the paper, they do have different ales on but seem to be stuck with several barrels of Brains SA (Welsh cooking beer) for which they charge �2.60! However, this is the only other pub in Bridgwater serving real ale (if you don't count the Wethersoons dive). Come on Somerset CAMRA, where real ale's concerned this town's dying on its arse!
19 Feb 2007 15:41
As predicted the previous incumbents couldn't last the winter and this pub is now under new management. I didn't get the chance to pop in yesterday but watch this space. Let's just hope it's going to be run as a pub rather than some glorified eating-house; getting the cider back in would be a good start....
19 Feb 2007 15:02
Fascinating interior to this former gin palace, particularly liked the etched mirrors (from Kennington) and the sepulchral urinal in the gents. Have to agree about the SS bitter, but at least it was cheap. The lady behind the bar was extremely pleaant and friendly. Hope they keep the refurbishments tasteful.
24 Oct 2006 15:14
The Blue Anchor Inn, Teignmouth
Visited this pleasant down-to-earth town pub at lunchtime on Saturday 24th June. Excellent range of six real ales on tap, including a superb wheat beer from O'Hanlon's which was very welcome on such a hot day. The locals were friendly, not foul-mouthed in the least! Yes there is a pool table but there was no sign of the ubiquitous satellite tv which usually accompanies the worst type of pub; I don't even recall any reference to the footer, another definite plus. Quite the best pub I've visited in Teignmouth, will be back again.
26 Jun 2006 16:57
Generally busy, especially on a week-end when the great unwashed of Bridgwater come here to get tanked up on cheap booze before hitting the town's world-renowned nightspots ("Remedies", "Galleries", "Palace"). Expect a long wait at the bar as your feet stick to the liquor-soaked floor. The prices and range of beers seem tempting, until you realise that most of them are barely fit to be drunk; by the time you've hit upon the one decent pint in the whole pub you may well have tried half a dozen! If you can get your chosen drink back to a table you'll probably find it piled high with used glasses and dirty crockery. I could go on but there doesn't seem much point; my advice is to steer well clear.
21 Jun 2006 15:11
Spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon here recently. It was a hot day and the beer garden was busy, but we found a nice cool spot with a breeze coming through the open doors. Received a lovely, genuine welcome from the landlady, then settled down to sample the well-kept Timothy Taylor ales. The lunches that came out of the kitchen looked excellent and smelled just like the Sunday roast your mum used to cook (sadly I'm vegetarian so couldn't partake, but they looked to be splendid value to me). Friendly local crowd too. 9/10, one point off as I couldn't see a veggie alternative for lunch.
21 Jun 2006 12:45
Popped in on Sunday 14th May for a quick pint. This place has always been dear but I couldn't believe my ears when the barmaid asked for �2.90 for a pint of Wolvers Ale (a local brew, 4.1%, nothing special!). That's dearer than most places I've been to in London. An absolute disgrace; needless to say I shan't be back. Avoid like the plague!
16 May 2006 12:54
Food pub, no proper cider despite the fact that there are several cider farms nearby, only two real ales and one of them was off when I visited (they'd run out of Butcombe so had to have Abbott @ �2.60 / pint, quite dear enough and had to ask the barman to top it up!). Two questions: why stock two brands of fizzy, tasteless, mass-produced cider but none of the real stuff when you are in the heart of England's cider country?; and, how do you run out of a beer, especially when you only stock two?
Pleasant enough interior but I really can't think of anything particularly good to say about the place. Oh yes, they have a very nice Golden Retriever, but he was chained up outside. Just another food pub, don't suppose I'll be back.
16 May 2006 12:47
Down-to-earth real ale pub, probably the only reason you might consider visiting Highbridge! Visited on Sunday, 9th April to find the place busy with a skittles game in progress (which is always good to see). Good range of real ales (I was delighted to find "Sheepshagger's Gold", which was well-kept and a real treat) but I nearly left without trying them as the only one with a badge on the pump was London Pride! Talk about hiding your light under a bushel! Fortunately I remembered there was a board listing their beers, tucked away at the side of the bar, but I wonder how many of their customers have walked away disappointed? Service was good, the barmaid was polite, friendly and poured an excellent pint (waited for it to settle, topped it up without having to be asked and apologised for the wait). All in all worth a visit, even if some of the clientele do look a bit dodgy!
10 Apr 2006 10:44
A real gem of a pub in picturesque Roupell Street, well kept selection of ales, friendly service and good atmosphere. My only complaint is that my last visit was rather spoilt by the juke box being so loud; it really was deafening, it was early on a Saturday lunchtime and there was absolutely no escaping it. Why do pubs insist on piping this noise to every corner, don't they realise the value (and rarity, esp. in London!) of a little peace and quiet? Other than that highly recommended, will return in the hope that someone has cut the speaker wires to at least one of the bars!
29 Mar 2006 10:49
Popped in one Saturday afternoon and they'd run out of real ale! There really is no excuse for such poor cellar management. Went to the Coach and Horses instead and really enjoyed it.
15 Feb 2006 15:44
A good, straightforward boozer serving good quality real ale at a reasonable price. Friendly service. Will be returning here rather than paying the inflated prices at the Prince of Wales!
15 Feb 2006 13:26
The Rose and Crown, Cannington
Cosy 17th century village local serving excellent Abbot Ale with Green King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Deuchars on as standard, plus occasional guests. Real fire, tiled floor, large collection of bric-a-brac adorning every available surface. Friendly staff and a good local crowd. Dogs welcome. Return as often as I can afford it!
15 Feb 2006 12:05
Visited on the 28th of January 2006. Disappointing range of beers (just two really weak ones, nothing above 4% and this on a cold day when I could have done with a "winter warmer"!). Completely taken over by "vorreigners" trying too hard to live the country life, so feels quite artificial despite the genuine fixtures and setting. The only good point is that you can take your dog(s) in. Shan't bother again for a while.
15 Feb 2006 11:44
The Rising Sun Inn, West Bagborough
Would-be gastro pub situated incongruously on the western edge of the Quantocks. Seems to be some tie with St Austell as the only beers they have nowadays are Tribute and Proper Job, drinkable but kept too cold and nothing special. Food looked like standard pub fare with a gastro price tag. Service at the bar was slow even though they weren't especially busy. There's a Sawday sticker on one window declaring it to be a "special place to eat and drink"; I saw nothing special whatsoever. How about getting some Quantock Brewery ales and some proper cider? The Quantocks are crying out for a decent walkers' pub; a ponced up grockle parlour is the last thing we need.
12 Aug 2015 23:13