The Fox and Badger, Wellow

Called in here for refreshing pint on cycle ride to Frome. Butcombe & Doom Bar were on offer as were a few ciders. The Butcombe was top notch, good condition and temperature. The pub was reasonably busy for a Monday lunchtime with mostly locals in residence. The food - only had time for BLT, was good and served quickly with a variety of breads offered. Bar staff were quick to serve an welcoming.
Quite a big pub inside with various nooks & crannies, could probably do with a bit of updating to make a dedicated dining area perhaps and it would be good to try to make more use of courtyard area which was had kitchen equipment on various tables. Outside seating area on quiet country road is OK but could possibly do with a couple of flower planters to brighten it up and make it separate from the road?
Pleasant enough local pub and would be happy to call in again anytime.

2 Jul 2013 18:00

Neeld Arms, Grittleton

Our first visit to this pub. Ales on offer were Gem, 6X, Henry's IPA and Stonehenge Pig Swill which was my choice. The Pig Swill was in superb condition, very tasty and served at a good temperature. The pub, for a Thursday night, was surprisingly busy, most tables were taken with diners. the menu was not very extensive - maybe 10 choices, but those choices looked quality meals. I had Lamb shank which was very nice and hot - it did need additional gravy/jus to stop it being too dry but that was the only problem. My wife's vegetarian selection of goats cheese was good but could have had more salad / vegetables to accompany it - certainly more than what was offered.
Desserts were very good indeed. Price, ambiance and service was very good for this class of service and I will be visiting again in the not too distant future.

22 Apr 2011 07:34

The Wheelwrights Arms, Monkton Combe

Visited this pub for the first time last Wednesday, pleased to see it was open all day as I arrived there after a long cycle ride mid afternoon. As expected at that time of day the pub was virtually empty so service was of course good! The Butcombe on offer was very good and not as expensive as I thought it could have been considering this is a gastro pub rather than a village local. The food choice was good but looked a bit pricey, hopefully the tastes will justify the cost. It is a shame to lose a good village pub where you could chat about the meaning of life etc but to survive these days as any sort of pub it has to diversify and they've obviously decided an upmarket pub will do well in this location, it's either that or go the way of many other pubs (e.g. The Viaduct Inn) and close altogether?
Hopefully they'll acknowledge that it is still in the heart of the village and a community asset as well as a business so maybe they could rethink their business model just a bit to create a small drinking snug etc for locals who do not want to dine there every day?

22 Jan 2011 13:45