Old Inn, Huttonback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A quick whistle-stop tour around some of the GBG-recommended pubs in this area was undertaken last Sunday, having left the wonderful Hunters Lodge at Priddy, ultimately to arrive at the splendid Crown Inn at Churchill. One of these discoveries was the Old Inn.
For once - regular readers will be relieved to hear - I shan't need to go on at length about the interior layout and atmosphere of the place, for Blackthorn has provided a good recent description and there's little I want to add. It is indeed a strange splicing of routine chain family pub-restaurant and discerning drinkers' quality local. Clientele were mixed but not in a jarring way, and the pub doesn't lack character, despite being a far cry from the usual country cottage comforts.
I have to say the cask beer sampled was excellent - really rather better than one might expect on first appraisal. Service was efficient despite the place being filled to the gills - a clear sign that things are working well. Although not a spirits drinker usually in pubs, I couldn't help but notice the diverse selection on the optics and uprights. A nightmare if driving like me but go for it if you're without such encumbrance.
I got the feeling a hardworking team run this pub and their efforts were being paid back handsomely by locals who clearly preferred it to their front rooms - a success story in itself these days. Well done folks.
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Agree with Blackthorn; this feels a bit like a chain pub although it actually isn't. Had decent pint of London Pride (Butcombe Gold & Otter Head were the other two on) and empties at the back from Arbor Ales and RCH shows they ring the changes a bit on the beer. Lunch was two mains for �9 and very good too.
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A large and prominent stone built pub on the main road through the village. Inside it�s a large L-shaped bar, mostly open plan with a couple of segmented areas off to the side.
Inside it seems to be a slightly curious mix of chain pub and country inn. It�s pleasant enough, but somehow doesn�t quite gel together in the way you�d expect. The large central area has a big fire place, cream plastered walls, some exposed brickwork and a wood strip floor and ceiling with a few red tiles around the bar area. It was a little noisy in spite of not being too busy, probably due to the somewhat harsh acoustics and some rather loud guys stood at the bar. At the back was a smaller, tiled bar area which had a projection screen showing a football match.
There was a small room off to one side and another raised area at the end of the �L� that were more geared up for dining. These were carpeted and a little cosier, and one also had a big fireplace, although not in use on this visit. That said, we felt that it was rather harshly lit and due to the relatively open plan nature of the pub did suffer from some noise intrusion from the bar. The landlady and the waitresses all seemed friendly enough. There is a quiz night on Sundays.
The menu was quite extensive, although it did have a slight mass produced feel to it. Most of the mains were reasonably priced at around the �6/�7 mark and there were a good selection of sizzlers featured. There were also a few specials chalked up on a board, and a good choice of puddings. The food we had was pleasant enough, and generous portions, and whilst I�m sure it wasn�t all home cooked and freshly prepared, at �12.50 for two main courses you can�t really complain. I�ve paid that for one meal in some pubs and been far less satisfied.
Beers on tap were London Pride, Butcombe Gold and their own Old Inn Centenary beer, brewed for them by RCH. There was also an IPA although I didn�t spot which one. The solitary cider was Ashton Press.
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Cute friendly barmaid, Great tasting pint of RCH PG Steam, YUM, 8/10
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Went in last Sunday, found Carvery available plus the normal menu. Had the carvery and was fully satisfied, would recommend the food to anyone and will return in the future.
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Tried this pub a few weeks ago,on my way into the town of Weston,Mid- afternoon,only a couple of what appeared to be regulars in,TV,s talking to themselves,expensive J20,s Placed looked clean and pleasant enough,didn,t go a bundle on the Menu,Their seemed be a hint of try our Burgers etc,,If i want Fast food,i would visit the trilion takeaways that are on every street corner..Not a good sign,that the Barmaid was suffering from the latest Virus that was going round..Why not pass this on,to the dwindling clientelle..enough said.............
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The pub is a really nice building with friendly staff and good beer.
Up until a couple of weeks ago I would have strongly recommended it for food as well. However since then there has been a new menu introduced with significantly less choice. The quality of the meals today was very disappointing as well - smaller and of poorer quality than before.
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A lovely pub hidden away on the western end of the Mendips between Weston Super Mare and the M5. Five real ales on tap plus plenty of reasonably priced meals.
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