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Halfway House, Pitney

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user reviews of the Halfway House, Pitney

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Thank you for your review cellarbouy. We are indeed an ordinary pub that gets very lucky sometimes. Being named as one of The Times top 20 pubs in Britain this year must be one of those lucky moments. Our ordinary beer gets lucky as well, constantly being voted in the top 2 pubs in Somerset by CAMRA including this year. Please do visit us again soon. From the ordinary/lucky landlord Mark
sparkyphillips - 5 Jun 2017 11:58
Just a very ordinary pub with serving very ordinary beer.Nice garden area if you like drinking you ordinary beer beside a main road.
cellarbuoy - 26 May 2017 21:39
I'm sorry you had a bad experience del. perhaps telling us at the time would have saved you the effort of posting a review? We are always more than happy to sort out any problems that may occur at the time. As you say you have used the pub for many years, perhaps you could phone me and explain the issues as we are well known for our excellent ale hence our many awards. I certainly have not had any refusals from people drinking my beer and nor have my staff. Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss this matter.
sparkyphillips - 21 Oct 2015 19:12
After using this normally wonderful pub for years today had a really bad experience.
1) Some out of control dog ran into me and nearly knocked me of my feet and bruised my leg. Dogs presence really not acceptable in a food pub.
2) Pint of rare breed sour and undrinkable.
3) Pint of summer lightning sour and undrinkable. Other people were also refusing to drink it.
Will not be back. WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!!!
DEL59 - 18 Oct 2015 16:58
Still an absolute total corker of a pub, which cannily combines the appeal of a traditional country drinkers' pub, with a more modern restaurant aspect that doesn't impact on proceedings too intrusively and make this more of an eaterie than a drinkerie.

The 10 cask ales were found in excellent nick at the end of May when I last managed a visit, and mercifully I was able to indulge in most as for once I wasn't encumbered by driving. Cask cider also appears to support the already fine spread of beers, which I daresay satisfies many a local Somerset palate.

We enjoyed some home-cooked fare which was generous in portion and flavour, helping to soak up the excess booze. Turkey goulash was a novel option on a menu that catered for classic pub-grubbers to more adventurous diners, and it went down moreishly.

Atmosphere-wise, the HH combines a well-heeled local base with a civilised mix of visitors who come from further afield having heard its good reputation.

With a good garden at the front, the pub is a worthy destination on sunny Summer days, but is also a cosy choice on damp Winter nights too, with a log fire imparting that delighftul smokey aroma.

Go here. It is really rather good. And if you're looking to stay locally, you would be well-served by pitching up at The Mount at nearby Somerton who provide excellent value service and accommodation and will go the extra mile to assist - the proprietress even gave us a lift down to the pub!

Gamboozler - 13 Jun 2014 12:41
A real gem! Spoilt for choice alewise, all served directly from the cask. The pub was very busy during lunch time, and although we didn't eat, the food looked very nice.
Friendly service, no nonsense decor, cosy and welcoming. A really nice country pub. I wish more pubs were like this.
MarkVP - 17 Jul 2013 11:32
Crackin pub!! Drove down from Winchester!! 10 real ales and 3 real ciders....worth the effort! 10/10 from me.
wolvesfan - 15 Jul 2013 20:08
Great pub, nine ales on. Shame it was my turn to drive. I shall return
Jules_B - 27 Apr 2013 12:03
I am sorry you did not enjoy the pub. We are well known for our friendly atmosphere both staff and locals, which is part of the reason we are so busy.
sparkyphillips - 25 Feb 2013 07:27
Can't understand the fuss about this ordinary pub, Sure they have 10 beers but it's so busy with generally unfriendly locals they obviously get through a lot. Grubby, cramped and awful tables and chairs. Won't be going again..
KP153 - 24 Feb 2013 03:06
I understand a small fire at the weekend was quickly extinguished and did not interrupt beer sales at this pretty good pub
Paris_Hilton - 16 Feb 2013 15:11
I am the squadron leader.
I fly up in the air
I landed here
and had a beer
and sat down in my chair.

Potty_Malcolm - 7 Jan 2013 20:13
Visited the Halfway again. Just as good as I remember it. The staff were friendly and the beer was top notch according to my other half. The food is very good with huge portions. A pub with a great atmosphere that I wish was nearer to me.
clcropper - 9 Oct 2012 07:31
The pub does not have any link or ties to Glastonbury ales or any other brewery. We do sell their beer occasionally.
sparkyphillips - 3 Sep 2012 07:07
No, but Glastonbury Ales have been sold here.
The_Heavy_Fandango - 30 Aug 2012 16:13
Just a question.....has this joint got 'remotely' any assoiciation with Glastonbury Ales (brewed in Somerton, Somerset, believe)......like I said, just a question.
wolvesfan - 29 Aug 2012 18:34
As the Landlord of the Halfway House I can assure you that any one who is lucky enough to look under 21 gets asked for ID so I am certain that there were no under age drinkers. We do pride ourselves on the beer we serve and the atmosphere we have in the pub and will not put that at risk with under age drinking.
sparkyphillips - 29 May 2012 13:38
I too am somewhat purplexed by the "gushing comments". It's a nice pub for sure if you like thing traditional, basically just a couple of bare rooms in a decrepid state of repair, with a bar in one of them. But it certainly does have something about it, the sense that things have changed much here for many decades (despite the BMWs and range rovers outside). and a number of Hooray Henry types (obviously not natives of Somerset) seem to have installed themselves there.
The beers are served from the back room by gravity, but despite this they were fine and very drinkable.
The front garden is a delight in the summer, but the drinking area in the adjacent meadow somewhat spoilt by a number of obviously underage drinkers making a nuisence of themselves.
cellarbuoy - 28 May 2012 09:15
Gushing comments, justified comments I would say, Definitely.
mangelwurzler - 22 May 2012 09:49
I know this pub well, and it's definately worth visiting, although I must say that some of the 'gushing' comments here leave me just a little perplexed. Unfortunately located, on the main road, but the beer and food are both very good, and staff are friendly and chatty.
Caravanster - 20 May 2012 22:32
I do wish people whould stay away from this place as it`s increasingly difficult to get my favourite table. Beer, food, atmosphere all fantasic and on my last visit the bread was better than ever.
mangelwurzler - 15 May 2012 12:34
Fantastic pub, with a brilliant atmosphere. I have eaten here on several occassions and never been disappointed. The food has always been excellent with service to match. Whether you want a substantial meal or just some cheesy chips and a pint this is the pub to go too!
Gypsyjean - 11 Apr 2012 18:28
Try it. You'll love it! If you can manage to get through the doors.
The daily specials are splendid.
TheFinalMalcolm - 2 Apr 2012 22:25
Although I live in Meare near Glastonbury I think it is well worth while travelling 10 miles every sunday for my lunch in this pub. Its the best in the country.
channy - 2 Apr 2012 22:09
I was at this lovely pub with my family on Sunday. The staff were great and the beer was brilliant. The roast was sublime. The vegetables I thought were cooked very well, crispy spuds and carrots and parsnips that were not boiled to within an inch of their lives, still had a crunch to them. Would highly recommend to people and will definately visit again when back in the west country.
clcropper - 2 Apr 2012 11:21
Tried again today.
More room, as everyone was in the front and rear gardens.
Beer sublime, but food very poor. Somebody has no idea about cooking vegetables.
The_Heavy_Fandango - 1 Apr 2012 18:44
Terrible pub. Please DON'T visit this place!
I went there yesterday, and I couldn't get in for a long time.
The pub was packed, as was the front and rear garden.
If people persist in coming here, how the hell can I get in for a beer and a drink or several?
Pints of Exmoor Ale and Steam Shamrock were supped, and roast beef with all the trimmings, including an imaginative choice of vegetables and tasty gravy followed.
Please don't go here. It's FINE for me, but you won't like it!
The_Heavy_Fandango - 19 Mar 2012 16:35
Wow!!!! Brilliant to see a pub doing so well,when so many others are failing!!!! Proper pub atmosphere,exactly how it should be. Excellent choice of beers,combined with a very knowledgeable landlord who couldnt be more helpful in me choosing the perfect pint!!! Having worked in the food industry for years i was particularly impressed with the exciting yet simple menu that gave perfect results in all our meals. A very enjoyable afternoon and one that i shall be repeating many times over for sure.
lasiesta - 12 Feb 2012 12:38
Fantastic, good solid example of what an updated pub can be. Best of both drinking and food world, interesting interior without being overbearing or clich�, and one of the best ale and cider selections I have seen. Genuinely a great pub.
JoWard25 - 23 Dec 2011 17:10
All is forgiven, back on form, good atmosphere good beer and good food.
mangelwurzler - 3 Dec 2011 09:30
I DIDN'T get to the superb HH whilst down in the West Country last weekend! I am extremely depressed about this and am contemplating suicide.........
TWG - 10 Nov 2011 10:01
Called in for a quick couple of pints this evening, Good as ever!
martyngs - 20 Oct 2011 20:58
My perfect pub. So good that I regularly make the pilgrimage down from London. Good beers, good ciders, great food.
kmsflyer - 26 Sep 2011 14:22
Beer and atmosphere as good as ever but do I detect a slight downturn in the food? Whitebait overdcooked and goat curry with little flavour and a reduction in the bread rations.
mangelwurzler - 18 Aug 2011 08:20
Three of us popped in, had a pint and a meal. Absolutely top-notch as ever. 11/10
ReInnCarnation - 3 Jul 2011 11:21
Clclyed to this pub and stayed overnight in a lovely B & B in the village half a mile away. A true gem and worthy of its status.
manutd69 - 22 Jun 2011 17:59
Called in today with my fat friend. We had Otter Bright (for himself) and Peat Porter + Old Moggie for me.
Excellent as usual.
Fine_Ale_Arbiter - 6 Jun 2011 17:39
The best pub in the country. End of.
Coops04 - 26 Apr 2011 21:33
Back again for the annual pigrimage. Glad to report that in spite of change of ownership, as goos ever. Although unusually, we were able to get a whole table on a Saturday evening.
Particularly partial to Butcombe beers, and it was in great nick. The food continues to astound. The fabulous beer battered fish (and far too many chips!) would put many a fish & chip shop proprietor to shame.
Finally, one of my bugbears is pubs/restaurants that put Heinz Ketchup out on the tables and their dishonest habit of refilling it with some nasty cheap red gloop bough from the cash 'n carry depot. Delighted to report that the ketchup at the Halfway is exactly what is says on the bottle. Heinz.
norbitonpaul - 19 Apr 2011 13:04
Visited for the first time this weekend as the Halfway House has just been voted Somerset CAMRA pub of the year for 2011.

Was not disappointed. Proper old fashioned pub with wodden benches, stone floors, log fires, beer and thats about it. My other half commented that it was noisy, but the noise was conversation, people talking rather than tvs, music and fruit machines, the sign of a good pub I told her.

8 real ales on offer staright from the barrels which are stored in a cellar, back room rather than sitting in the warm bar.

I agree, yet again, with Dr Pangloss about the Hooray Henrys, all green wellies and Range Rovers; most of them are very rude.

Paris_Hilton - 28 Mar 2011 10:26
Two days running.
Quite a change for me.
Today was the annual pie competition.
We arrived at 1600 and the pub was quite busy.
At 1730 the pie-makers arrived, and it was shoulder to shoulder from then on.
We left at 2000 and the place was absolutely rammed.
Several pints of Union Pale Ale were consumed, as well as one of Otter Bright.

This pub is really gradely!
The_Final_Arbiter - 27 Feb 2011 22:56
And I did! Perfect, as usual!
The_Final_Arbiter - 26 Feb 2011 16:31
Yes indeed! There is also a comprehensive menu for those who are not curry fans, including a splendid chili con carne amongst others, and daily specials too.
(Now you've got me interested again, so I shall visit today or tomorrow!)
The_Final_Arbiter - 25 Feb 2011 10:10
Q. Couple of years since last visit (see comment), but are they still doing those wonderful curries?
norbitonpaul - 25 Feb 2011 09:22
proper beer, properly kept, sofas- can always guarantee a sesh is imminent if there is a sofa - no sport blaring out spoiling the atmos, and whenever we've been in, no kids - what more could you need..
rioathmusV - 21 Feb 2011 15:18
|This place never fails to please. Good beer good food and an atmosphere second to none.If only there were more pubs like this.
mangelwurzler - 17 Feb 2011 14:42
Was recommended to eat here while staying at The Lord Poulett & loved it, very different to The Lord P but just as good in its own way.
Beer is definatley the priority here & the atmosphere is great, the food is inexpensive & really rather good.
I'll certainly try it again when I'm in the area.

andybates - 16 Feb 2011 04:28
Couldn't resist another visit, so popped in again for a few on 12th February. Wonderful pub, great welcome, superb beer, superlative service and I even tried the solids too. The Cheddar ales Tottypot stout was absolutely spot on. I left only for two reasons.
1. I was rather full.
2. They brought in a TV for rugby or some such nonsense.
Still first class though.
The_Final_Arbiter - 14 Feb 2011 14:39
Perhaps I should have mentioned that all the ales are dispensed from the cask direct. Try it. You'll love it!
The_Final_Arbiter - 31 Jan 2011 02:28
I've been going to this pub, albeit sporadically, for many years, and I wouldn't agree with those who claim it to be the best pub in the area.
IT'S THE BEST PUB IN THE WORLD!
I stopped but briefly yesterday. The ambience is perfect, the staff charming and knowledgeable, and the beers are spot on every time.
Some may note that there are two hand-pumps on the bar, but no ales are available by this method of dispense. Instead there are EIGHT real ales from diverse origins, which surely must meet the needs of any taste.
The one I tried was Centennial, which I intend to try again soon, as they change quite frequently, so I think a trip in the next day or two is required.
I just wish it was closer to home (I'd be in there every day!)
The_Final_Arbiter - 30 Jan 2011 15:06
Oh dammit I just had to drop an updated review for this pub, not because there's been some dreadful change of fortunes, but simply to underline just how good it continues to be! Off the top of my head, here are 10 good reasons for making a visit to the Halfway House: 1) A superb range of locally-sourced cask ales and ciders, served direct from the casks. 2) A less-generous, but still enticing range of down-to-earth local pub grub, which is very high quality. 3) Friendly service. 4) An equally jolly mixed clientele. 5) A cosy traditional interior that just oozes comfort especially in the colder months when the log fire is roaring. 6) A lovely garden which comes into its own on hotter days. 7) An unspoilt rural location that is served not only by motorists but also a local bus service. 8) A spacious interior with plenty of seating - although sometimes this can be overlooked due to the pub's understandable popularity. 9) A generous car park and children's play area away from the pub. 10) Even the toilets continue to be kept in decent condition!

I mean, if anyone doesn't like a pub exhibiting all these characteristics, then by all means don't bother looking this place up. But I'd have to wonder whether you like pubs per se if you don't. Go there. Even if you live in John O'Groats or Enniskillen. It won't be a wasted journey!
TWG - 21 Oct 2010 17:55
This is my favourite pub, been going here for 10 years, I often make the journey from Manchester to have a meal and sample the real ales. Julian the ex-landlord created a great place to be and that atmosphere is still retained. Sadly it can be so hard to get a table as people book them up a long way in advance.
Great choice of real ales and food is good pub fayre.
physico - 2 Aug 2010 10:45
Still a pretty good pub - food good but ales exceptional - a wide variety and constantly changing. Customer service standards have declined though - too many youngsters behind the bar these days!
martyngs - 27 Jul 2010 10:40
Absolute Somerset gem! stopped here for an evening meal on Monday 17th May and i will definitely be going back! food very good and good portions and the real ale and proper cider was exceptional quality! pity i had to leave!! Nuff said!
Trouty - 19 May 2010 14:32
Dropped by on a summer's evening after a bike ride and didn't want to leave. A old pub with a modern take that combines the best of both. Friendly, lovely beer, attractive building.
Pilkington - 7 Nov 2009 19:46
Pubs find it diffcult to be uniformly excellent over 2 decades, but this one has managed better than most. Recent criticisms re clientele are probably deserved, but all in all the positive description given by somertel and others is fair and accurate. This is a pub that for beer, food and interior, we would all like to have just doen the road.
Arctium_lappa - 3 Oct 2009 22:27
This place is still a fair pub, but nowhere near as good as it was a few years ago, it just seems to have lost that specil something.
Still full of hooray Henrys, but god only knows where they come from, or why.
Dr_Pangloss - 20 Jul 2009 22:26
I've been visiting the "Halfway" on-and-off for 16 years. It is still a quirky,idiosyncratic pub despite the face changes behind the bar. In the early days there was a young chap called Simon who ran the place superbly; then there was Tom and now a new company has taken over! I hope it remains one of the best handful of beer pubs in the country!
smithy384 - 3 May 2009 11:55
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.
somertel - 8 Feb 2009 20:58
Visit the Halfway every year to visit an old school friend in this part of the world. I guess that seeing the place so infrequently, I also notice the changes. And this time, I would have to say that the most obvious change is the customer mix, with a lot of people turning up for a night out 'dressed up'. It felt a bit like a rotarians' evening, and as much as I like the sight of well-turned out ladies, some were a bit OTT for the Halfway.
There were also a lot of what seemed like 'special occasion' groups, families celebrating birthdays, gaggles of girlies out 'on the town'. Nothing wrong with that, but not the kind of crowd you'd have seen a couple of years back.
Also, and somewhat curiosuly, it seems popular with teenage drinkers. This is the kind of place they're supposed to hate because it was always a bit of a 'dad pub'.
But, leaving aside those observations, what a fine place it remains. Beers, as always, very good. The highlight for me was the superb fish and chips - the battered fish was the best I've ever eaten.
On a sadder note, I hear that the pub is being (has been?) sold. Let's hope that some pub management company doesn't try to turn it into a restaurant, and resists the temptation to tinker with a format that seems to work beatifully. Fat chance.
norbitonpaul - 29 Jun 2008 12:22
Well thanks jamesouthdown for your tremendous expression of self-congratulatory wonderfulness.

Archers?...good god, one must be miserable....numpty!

Lets hope the new owners don't feel it necessary to change an otherwise great establishment.....apart from a ban on parents with kids under 25 that is!

tee-hee!
alehouses - 16 Jun 2008 13:55
I am generally comfortable enough in myself to be more concerned about atmosphere, drink, sometimes food and staff than what my fellow customers decide to drive, wear, talk about, drink. Snobbery, anti snobbery, inferiority, etc. are all very sad human traits.

This is a cracking pub. It has genuine atmosphere. This is backed up with a great selection of (sometimes too many similar styled) local ales, farmhouse cider, simple but effective wines and some good bottled beer and spirit selections. The food is hearty, rustic, homely and extremely reasonably priced. Price is not really something that I base my decision to visit places on and a lot of places probably can't afford to have prices this low, but it's a bonus!

I've met farmers, thatchers, carpenters, accountants, property developers, people from the city, people from the country, people from the country that moved to the city and are just visiting, people from the country that moved to the city and have now moved back, people from the city who have moved to the country and people from the city who are just visiting. Plus some Americans, New Zealanders, Aussies, French and others. Some of all types are nice, others are not. This is life.

Get over yourselves and start enjoying things for what they are and what they offer, not what nuance you canhave a moan about. Go and drink Archers beers and drown in your own misery. I for one am having a great time.
jamessouthdown - 10 Jun 2008 14:48
hould also note that the Halway House is one of the pitifully few pubs in somerset that sells rough cider, including Heck's from Street.
Woppit - 30 Apr 2008 22:53
I visited this fine perveyor of alcoholic beverages with some co members of the local branch of camra in order to appraise some of the ales on dispense.
Having made our choices from a rather excellent variety of examples of the brewers' skills we retired to a corner tables to compare notes.
I quaffed from a local beer that I must say was in very fine fettle indeed, while a friend drank heartily from his half pint of ale from another brewers stable, which he too considered to be in the most excellent of conditions.
Others from our group joined us to imbibe their libations, some of whom opted to partake in the locally produced fermented apple juice.
All in all a rather excellent time was had by all in this most fine Somersetshire tavern.
chopin - 30 Apr 2008 16:43
I feel some of the comments below are written to 'curb' the general enthusiam and so don't give an accurate picture - so i will!

THe Halfway House is nothing short of legendary in Somerset, all on current and not past reputation. There are always 10-12 real ales on served straight from the barrel - so no "coronation street" effects going on here! The qaulity is always top notch and the beer is almost all local.

I don't know about lunchtimes but in the evening it's all genuine local drinkers and of all ages - a true mix - i go there ever week and the talk of range rovers rings not even the tiniest bell.

Knowhere else in the westcountry can match it's atmosphere. If you like good eer and atmosphere you'll never rate a pub higher - end of.
Woppit - 25 Apr 2008 19:48
i'm down-rating to 9...all of a sudden there's more and more family groups wi kids as young as push-chair age coming in.
busy times are creche-like now....

alehouses - 24 Mar 2008 15:49
Used to be a great pub, and probaly would be still were it not for all the up country yuppie types coming down to their second homes in the country and trying to fit in by crowding out the pubs and telling everyone within ear shot how much they earn and how much their cottage cost and how much petrol their car uses to get down on a friday night.
There was a time when these fools all went to Tuscany; now they seem to be coming to Somerset.
Italy's gain is our loss.
chopin - 20 Jan 2008 17:28
I am a Camra type, and the ales in this establishment are truly superb. However, pubs like the Halfway become the victims of their own success. Serving up an eclectic range of beers is one thing, but once a pub gains credibility amongst the Porsche and Range Rover-owning class, then there is a problem. On my recent visit, I couldn't get anywhere near the car park thanks to the aforesaid vehicles, and when I managed to get into the pub, I couldn't get near to the bar thanks to the owners of those vehicles ordering food and trying to decide what wine would go best with the sausages. I will still pop in there when I'm in the area, but that's about it.
BillyD - 17 Aug 2007 16:30
You wont find a better pub this side of the Fat Cat in Sheffield. Now there's a challenge......
alehouses - 24 Jul 2007 11:45
If you want to spend time with a load of pretentious Camra types..this is for you ..truly awful!!
anonymous - 22 Jun 2007 10:16
Must be one of the best pubs in Somerset
Beer, food, service and environment are all nigh on faultless. Always stop off here if I'm passing, sometimes when I not.
Brahmsandliszt - 21 May 2007 21:31
I'm lucky enough to live 2 miles away from this pub via a dodgy cycle ride over the back lanes. Firstly I must agree with Woppit - it does tend to cater for the city slickers down for their "traditional country" break. Remember that Father Ted episode with Henry Sellers - "the solitude gets to them". LOL! Still, everyone's friendly there and count on us "yokels" to always give you a friendly Somerset welcome.

Joking aside, this is a great pub which is 100% deserving of its reputation and awards. It comes into its own when the sun comes out - 200% chill out zone. You will physically feel the stress falling away from you. The food is hearty and there is a simple but effective kids play area and reassuringly the swings take an adults weight (well, about 10st anyway). Even better for me as I can cycle home afterwards but if you cant and you are staying over, then stay in Somerton as there is a heaven sent bus service that calls at the pub at 11.15pm to whisk you back to Somerton. There you go, the perfect country break. See you all there real soon!
daz2 - 12 Feb 2007 23:38

This pub has a great and deserved reputation. Cheap well-kept beer. However it's a country pub aimed at at city ppl i kinda feel, not the real deal but a very good pub all the same.
Woppit - 25 Dec 2006 00:52

This is a good pub; simple food, and good quality, cheap ale. However you can't hear yourself speak it's so loud/busy, and dont bring elderly relatives as you'll be lucky to get a seat!
Woppit - 2 Dec 2006 15:15
I had a jamaican goat curry for lunch, and washed it down with several delicious ales. This pub is heaven. I'll have to come back some evening and try the other home-made curries.
YoYo - 28 Oct 2006 10:41
Don;t use this pub as a model of how to transform your grotty little pubco rural hostelry because you can't compete. This place is beyond compare and past reproach. A stunning pub ov every level.
CJG - 13 Oct 2006 15:51
I'm pleased to report that according to various visits on and off over the last 3 years, this pub really does match up to its press reputation. It is a classic of its kind, combining a down-to-earth friendly local with a stylish presentation that appeals to all.
The Halfway House always serves extremely well-kept beer direct from casks behind the scenes, making it a paradise for real ale connoisseurs. Up to 10 ales are available, primarily sourced from local micros. It is not filled with male drinkers however: it is equally at home to couples, families, local or otherwise, and whilst with a predominantly middle-class bent, it is welcoming to anyone regardless of socio-economic position. This is partly thanks to its very good home-cooked food which is not to be missed if hunger strikes.
Its rustic yet clean interior creates a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, centred on the lively buzz of the central bar. It is especially endearing in Autumn and Winter, when the bar area has that faint whiff of smoke from the open fire...Hard to beat!
There is a generous car park and garden area where children can play, ensuring that its popularity doesn't lead to over-crowding.
This really is a superb country hostelry, and it's just a crying shame that I live so far away in Surrey!
TWG - 13 Oct 2006 13:04
Don't live too far from this pub and haven't visited for many years but must check it out soon before it is over run having seen from the recent Telegraph spread that it is rated No.1 of the Top Ten Pubs in the country.
Will post again when I've tried it out.
anonymous - 15 May 2006 18:53
Quite excellent establishment. Everything a pub should be. Great ale, wine and food. The food is also superb. The fantastic ploughmans should be shown to every other landlord in the country who serve up plastic cheese, two bits of lettuce and not enough bread!!

I can't recommend this place enough....actually I can..go away.....I don't want it to become over run.....Cheers!!


misfithound - 12 Apr 2006 12:25
I've only been once and I thought i was in heaven.
Not even eaten here but rumours are it's first rate.
10/10 for ale, 10/10 for decor and 11/10 for the staff.
Can't wait to go back.

dmb - 3 Jan 2006 14:08
Great pub. Lovely rustic decor - fine ales and belgians and decent grub (albeit a bit pricey). Open log fires and stone floors complement attentive service from bar staff. A bit taken over by weekend trippers from London who have 2nd homes nearby, but - even accounting for the Arran sweater brigade - a bit of a gem.
Henri - 22 Oct 2004 15:30
This is a fabulous pub. Everything you wish a pub would be, stone flagged floors, real fires, fantastic real ale and cider plus Czech draft lager, also a good wine list. This is the benchmark for ploughmans, every landlord who serves up plastic cheese and thin slices of bread should be brought here and shown that it's not rocket science.....

My fave pub in the South.
Chris Hunter - [email protected] - 6 Sep 2004 11:17
Excellent range of about ten real ales at any one time, served from the barrel. Friendly staff and locals. Huge helpings of food - predominantly home made curries. Thoroughly recommended
Boni - 16 Jul 2004 13:03
Real wood fires, stone and wooden seats, 2 beer gardens, middle of somerset, great staff always full of locals. Excellent old fashioned pub, real ales. My favourite pub.
Kate - 12 Apr 2004 16:47
Beer's are good, friendly staff and locals but best of all has to be the food. Usual prices for the area but huge portions and top quality. First time I was in there was by accident. Now I'll divert there for lunch.

anonymous - 23 Mar 2004 11:29
Fantastic little pub. Really old building with stone floors, real fires and old wooden furniture. Excellent beer selection with many local brews, and good cider too.

Food is available, but not Sundays. Garden outside.

Has been CAMRA Somerset Pub of the Year many time - including this year too.
Graham - 29 Sep 2003 09:30

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