The Merry Harriers, Clayhidon

Fantastic pub! Mainly an eating pub so either book ahead or hope that there is space in the evening. Good selection of local ales and very friendly and efficient staff. Cozy warm traditional country pub feel with nice clientele and great lounge area.
Good variety on the menu with alternating specials, all local produce cooked by very competent chef.
I recommend this place to all visiting friends as an essential visit!

31 Oct 2009 15:01

The Moat House, Taunton

yeah.. not great at the moment. Still nice interior but lost that modern cosmopolitan feel, hasnt really developed anything in its place. It does get pretty full with drinkers but not the same sort as a few years ago. Got a bit more of a chain pub feel to it now. Staff are not very inviting and dont expect to get good cocktails. But as a neither here nor there drinking venue its still ok, location and nice building make up for pitfalls in the rest.
Dont bother with food.. small menu that isnt executed well. My advice to the owners is to send the "chef" to a good pub/restaurant to see that having a square plate and knotting chives into an arrangement ontop of a dry salad next to a small overdone steak does not a good meal make..
Keep it simple! Fresh local produce cooked well! stick to pub food classics!
Dont try to be a gastropub when clearly its going very wrong!

31 Oct 2009 14:54