Somerset pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Somerset - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Old Green Tree, Bath
Address: 12 Green Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2JZ [map]
Phone: 012 2532 9314
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Nearest train stations: Bath Spa (0.4 miles), Oldfield Park (1 mile), Freshford (4.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Royal Oak, Bath
Address: Lower Bristol Road, Bath, Somerset, BA2 3BW [map]
Phone: 01225 481409
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Nearest train stations: Oldfield Park (0.2 miles), Bath Spa (1.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Worth the trek or bus ride from the city centre and a useful stopping off point on the way tyo or from the football ground. An excellent choice of ales along with real cider and perry. Yes it's a bit plain, especially from the outside, but I can't say that bothers me. The pub seems to work well as it is so, if it ain't broke, don't mend it.
11 Aug 2008 13:11
Best pub in Bath (if you like good quality beer). CAMRA pub of the Year 2007 & 2008. However if toilet decor is more important to you than beer choice & quality then you probably should try somewhere else. 1 Aug 2008 22:32
Royal Oak folk and Beer festival 2008 - FANTASTIC! This pub gets better and better. An amazing choice of beers and great music of all varieties. You've missed it for this year so make a date for next year. Of course, they have other beer festivals too - I'm looking forward to the winter beerfest. 20 Jul 2008 20:02
Royal Artillery Arms, Highbridge
Address: 2 Alstone Lane, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3DR [map]
Phone: 01278 783553
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Nearest train station: Highbridge & Burnham-on-sea (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
They had 8 pumps, and 6 different ales on when I was in there. The landlord and other customers are a friendly lot too. There's not much you can ask of a pub.
1 May 2008 19:13
Not much to add to the review below. The best pub for miles.And Miles.(my name)28 Apr 2008 11:18
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
The Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough
Address: Exmoor National Park, Luxborough, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0SH [map]
Phone: 01984 640319
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Reviews by BITE users:
Visited here in 2006. Really nice inn. I'm from London, but brought up in Hampshire, and I appreciate country pubs. Loved everything about this place - game hanging up round the bar, food and ale delicious. A dying breed. 10/10
I had an overnight stay in the very comfortable accom, in a room overlooking the rapidly babbling brook coursing under the little stone bridge outside the window; b&b £75 for 2 pers, breakfast choices incl full english, haddock fishcakes, kippers, fruit compote.
Dinner was approaching restaurant price but easily justified by its quality; starters~£7, mains~£14, all six dishes eaten at our table were very, very good, all slooshed down with some decently priced sauvignon & merlot.
Probably a pub that you would usually aim for if eating or staying in the area, but the beer was great too, and an all-round thoroughly pleasant visit.
1 Apr 2008 01:23
Fan-dabby-dozy!! Great beer (Exmoor Gold always on!!)and great food. Fantastic atmosphere. Beautiful interior - shame smoking has been banned as you feel the urge to light up a pipe as soon as you're in the place.5 Nov 2007 13:46
A gem of a country pub. The rooms beyond the immediate (fairly small) bar area are mostly dedicated to eating, but that does not detract from a warm welcome and a good selection at the bar itself and if you do also eat here you are in for a treat. The excellent Exmoor Gold was supplemented by beers from Otter & Palmers, and also local ciders.I had an overnight stay in the very comfortable accom, in a room overlooking the rapidly babbling brook coursing under the little stone bridge outside the window; b&b £75 for 2 pers, breakfast choices incl full english, haddock fishcakes, kippers, fruit compote.
Dinner was approaching restaurant price but easily justified by its quality; starters~£7, mains~£14, all six dishes eaten at our table were very, very good, all slooshed down with some decently priced sauvignon & merlot.
Probably a pub that you would usually aim for if eating or staying in the area, but the beer was great too, and an all-round thoroughly pleasant visit.
4 Sep 2007 12:22
The Seymour Arms, Witham Friary
Address: Witham Friary, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HF [map]
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Reviews by BITE users:
Been backl lately with relatives to show them,they were amazed as i was on my first forray here.great the landlord remembered me.He was pleased to tell me since the smoking ban,he,d papered one of the rooms.But the Seymour is still quaint/quirky and legend in it,s own lifetime.I,ll continue to make my sojourns to one of Britains public house of nostalgia.
Butcombe ale fantastic at less than £2 a pint.
Local Medium soft cider for the wife 65 yes 65 pence for a half.
We opted for a game of bar skittles in the front room and the landlady promptly lit the coal fire and the landlord corrected us on the local rules a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon
23 Jul 2008 17:03
about as unimproved as you could wish for....welcoming reception from staff and locals....great prices for good ale 'n' cider. worth finding if you can.11 Dec 2007 14:27
Wow Like stepping back in timeButcombe ale fantastic at less than £2 a pint.
Local Medium soft cider for the wife 65 yes 65 pence for a half.
We opted for a game of bar skittles in the front room and the landlady promptly lit the coal fire and the landlord corrected us on the local rules a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon
7 Nov 2007 10:47
The Halfway Inn, Dunwear
Address: Westonzoyland Road, Dunwear, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0HZ [map]
Phone: 01278 444905
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Nearest train station: Bridgwater (1.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
"yoyo, what a tosser - why not visit the pubs you comment on?"
I didn't comment on the pub, I commented on 3 suspicious reviews.
"Are you a bitter owner of one of the less friendly pubs in the area as you left a rating without even mentioning whether or not you had actually visited the
hostalery."
I have not rated this pub, nor am I a pub owner.
For your info, I have 3 reviews at the moment with more to come as I travel round the southwest on business.
You really are a sad individual.
I have no ties with this pub, in fact I live 80 miles away and if any pub would have given the same service I would have responded the same.
Are you a bitter owner of one of the less friendly pubs in the area as you left a rating without even mentioning whether or not you had actually visited the
hostalery.
I didn't comment on the pub, I commented on 3 suspicious reviews.
"Are you a bitter owner of one of the less friendly pubs in the area as you left a rating without even mentioning whether or not you had actually visited the
hostalery."
I have not rated this pub, nor am I a pub owner.
31 Jul 2008 19:00
yoyo, what a tosser - why not visit the pubs you comment on?For your info, I have 3 reviews at the moment with more to come as I travel round the southwest on business.
You really are a sad individual.
1 Jul 2008 00:16
Yo Yo what are you trying to insinuate!!I have no ties with this pub, in fact I live 80 miles away and if any pub would have given the same service I would have responded the same.
Are you a bitter owner of one of the less friendly pubs in the area as you left a rating without even mentioning whether or not you had actually visited the
hostalery.
29 Jun 2008 15:36
The Blue Flame Inn, Nailsea
Address: West End, Nailsea, Bristol, Somerset, BS48 4DE [map]
Phone: 01275 856910
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Nearest train stations: Nailsea & Backwell (2.1 miles), Yatton (2.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
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
"age yellowed" glasses ?!? Frankly never noticed this Pilkington, don't tell Mick or he will put the Cider up in price yet again! :-)31 Mar 2008 21:09
idiosyncratic,age-yellowed glasses, a structure looking like it's in danger of imminent collapse, good beer, unmissable18 Mar 2008 16:38
The Brewers Arms, South Petherton
Address: 18 St. James Street, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5BW [map]
Phone: 01460 241887
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Reviews by BITE users:
busy place in the centre of village, always good ale selection and quality.....not eaten here but looks like a popular pub-type menu.
A very good beer enthusiastic landlord always helps of course.
A very good beer enthusiastic landlord always helps of course.
11 Dec 2007 14:31
This a well named pub with a decent beer selection that must rotate, as there is a chalk board showing the status of various ales on tap, those that are settling, and the scheduled deliveries.1 Nov 2007 10:49
Great pub, new outside covered smoking area, always good real ales and good food. Beer festivals are brilliant. Typical village pub with excellent landlord.10 Sep 2007 11:43
The Moat House, Taunton
Address: Corporation Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4AH [map]
Phone: 01823 334499
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Nearest train station: Taunton (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
It lost more than its mojo, it lost its name. The sign says: The Globe
9 Jul 2008 21:31
This was decent bar, not pub, but it seems to have it mojo a bit. No real complaint, but it seemed a to have lost a bit of its liveliness.28 May 2008 13:50
great atmospheric litt;e bar, the chef is coming back soon after a refurb apparently, he was very good before, looking forward to his return25 May 2008 12:04
The Tuckers Grave Inn, Faulkland
Address: Faulkland, Radstock, Bath, Somerset, BA3 5XF [map]
Phone: 01373 834230
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Reviews by BITE users:
pub looks much nicer than the photo.
plenty of jolly locals.
watch out for the scrumpy!
The main central section of Tucker's Grave Inn was built in the mid-1600s and the pub was already known by its current name by the early 1800s. There's a bit about its history in a folder in the 'Rose Room'.
Enough of that, it is a unique and unspoilt traditional pub with a unique atmosphere, fine beer and cider, a great Landlord and Landlady and a surprising variety of friendly 'regulars' from all walks of life - like a pub should be!
Big furniture, nice to sit outside in summer and gaze across the fields.
The cider is lethal, most folk are pretty jolly, fires are good, and the picture above really doesn't do it justice.
Although, it doesn't bother me enough to upload one of my own (ahem).
Apparently, Tucker was a 19th century landlord of the establishment, who got into debt and hing himself on the premises.
plenty of jolly locals.
watch out for the scrumpy!
16 May 2008 21:23
The pub is named after Edward Tucker who hanged himself at nearby Charlton Farm in 1747 not in the pub! He would have been buried in unconsecrated ground at a remote crossroads as was the custom for suicides. The field opposite is named after him so it is probably the site of his last resting place. There is no evidence that he was was a former Landlord of the pub. In fact nothing is known about him at all. The main central section of Tucker's Grave Inn was built in the mid-1600s and the pub was already known by its current name by the early 1800s. There's a bit about its history in a folder in the 'Rose Room'.
Enough of that, it is a unique and unspoilt traditional pub with a unique atmosphere, fine beer and cider, a great Landlord and Landlady and a surprising variety of friendly 'regulars' from all walks of life - like a pub should be!
4 May 2008 17:37
No bar, just sort of stand in front of a space while your beer or cider is poured from the barrels behind the landlord.Big furniture, nice to sit outside in summer and gaze across the fields.
The cider is lethal, most folk are pretty jolly, fires are good, and the picture above really doesn't do it justice.
Although, it doesn't bother me enough to upload one of my own (ahem).
Apparently, Tucker was a 19th century landlord of the establishment, who got into debt and hing himself on the premises.
24 Oct 2007 15:56
The Salamander, Bath
Address: 2 John Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2JL [map]
Phone: 01225 428889
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Bath Spa (0.5 miles), Oldfield Park (0.9 miles), Freshford (4.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Lovely old style pub. Ales always good, and a delight to visit.
Well done.
Well done.
13 Jun 2008 22:57
One of my favourites, excellent beer, friendly atmosphere. Don't know about bar food, but have eaten in restaurant upstairs which was good.11 Jun 2008 15:01
favourite pub in Bath, nice building, excellent beers. Toilets however leave a little to be desired but it won't put me off going there!4 Jun 2008 14:58
The Racehorse Inn, Taunton
Address: East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3HT [map]
Phone: 01823 327513
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Nearest train station: Taunton (0.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
to me the new owners have settled in without a problem. there friendly and make everyone feel welcome. they have the best pint of bitter and i have heard they won an award for the tribute,dartmoor and tinners getting a 5 star rating. gd atmosphere nd i feel the only decent pub left in taunton
Otherwise a traditional no nonsense old boozer.
4 Jun 2008 21:55
Now owned by the St. Austell Brewery, perhaps the most southerly brewery in mainland England. Nevertheless, they still pump their beer through northern style swan neck pumps fitted with northern style diffuser sparklers which to my mind is not the way it should be done.Otherwise a traditional no nonsense old boozer.
10 May 2008 10:33
One of only 2 decent pubs in Taunton, this one and the newley opened Plough on Station Rd, great atmos and best of all decent beer...Dartmoor and Tribute both from Cornish Brewery who now own the pub and have put a manager in. Great Beer garden in the summer, which The Plough lacks, having said that beeter choice of local ales in the plough than The Racehorse.....overall Great Pub!!10 Apr 2008 14:27
The Black Horse, Clapton in Gordano
Address: Clevedon Lane, Clapton in Gordano, Bristol, Somerset, BS20 7RH [map]
Phone: 01275 842105
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Nearest train stations: Nailsea & Backwell (3.2 miles), Avonmouth (4.1 miles), Shirehampton (4.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
This is a great old pub. The stone walls, stone floor, and low beams in a perfectly proportioned space make you immediately feel like you've entered upon one of the great country pubs. The lively number of people in there at a weekday lunchtime lets you know everyone thinks so as well. But it wasn't overly crowded, everyone that wanted a place to sit seemed to get one. The crowd seemed a mix of regulars and pub explorers.
The menu is appropriatley simple and the service is cheerful and quick.
Why isn't this place my local?
The only drawback is that, as others have pointed out, that despite have 5 or 6 ales available there didn't seem to be anything intriguing.
I went with a Butcombe, always enjoyable but available everywhere in that part of Somerset. Spitfire, Courage etc while not being dreadful are even more dull. However, I didn't want to leave so we stayed for another round.
Went here on a winter's evening for the first time in years during January and was sad to leave, a real treat for lovers of good ale and good old pubs. Far enough out of Portishead for the local gene puddle element to be absent. Not easy to find unless you know where you're going - but well worth the effort.
A gem - go visit.
The menu is appropriatley simple and the service is cheerful and quick.
Why isn't this place my local?
The only drawback is that, as others have pointed out, that despite have 5 or 6 ales available there didn't seem to be anything intriguing.
I went with a Butcombe, always enjoyable but available everywhere in that part of Somerset. Spitfire, Courage etc while not being dreadful are even more dull. However, I didn't want to leave so we stayed for another round.
3 Jul 2008 18:17
An excellent old pub (of the basic country stonework and hearty fire variety) serving a good range of well-kept ales, mostly from the south west.Went here on a winter's evening for the first time in years during January and was sad to leave, a real treat for lovers of good ale and good old pubs. Far enough out of Portishead for the local gene puddle element to be absent. Not easy to find unless you know where you're going - but well worth the effort.
A gem - go visit.
12 May 2008 22:06
Good selection of 6+ ales and friendly service from this hidden gem , would never have known about the place if it wasnt for finding "PH" on a ordnance survey map!! 8/1011 Mar 2008 19:22
The Blue Ball Inn, Triscombe
Address: Triscombe, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3HE [map]
Phone: 01984 618242
See full pub details
Reviews by BITE users:
Had a fantastic lunch here last Sunday. One of the best sunday lunches I have ever eaten. Staff were friendly, atmosphere great. We were not rushed off of the table so could have a relaxing lunch unlike at some places. Was great to see that they also serve lunch on a Sunday from 12 until 6 so next time we will have a walk first and come in later.
15 May 2008 20:11
This pub keeps their beer really good. The Cotleigh Tawny was really tasty and they always have two stronger ales on as well. It's great to see that ulike many of the rural pubs, they now do Sunday lunch from 12 to 6pm. Don't forget to save room for one of their mouthwatering homemade desserts!8 May 2008 09:13
That's too bad. I've had food here, a couple of years ago, and really enjoyed it.7 Mar 2008 11:13
The White Horse, Twerton
Address: 42, Shophouse Road, Twerton, Bath, Somerset, BA2 1EF [map]
Phone: 01225 400445
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Oldfield Park (0.5 miles), Bath Spa (1.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Love this pub, we first came here last year when they had been open for a short time and having seen the pub establish itself over the last year has been great. I agree with a previous post, it keeps getting better. The draught ale is spot on too, the Otter here is fantastic, could do with a quality lager on but you cant have it all. The staff are great, it was pretty much first name terms from the start and, and always friendly. They are very keen on the ale and know a lot about what they have on, three/ four ales on at once which ensures your never bored
16 Dec 2007 15:28
The White Horse are holding a Winter Beer fetival on Friday 30th November to about the 3rd December a dozen or so Ales and music from the Mighty Peas28 Nov 2007 15:56
This is how pubs should be - good beer, friendly staff, and a real centre for the community. The landlady even gives computer classes which are much more user-friendly than those that treat the computer illiterate as dimwits. Well done, everyone at the White Horse!11 Oct 2007 21:16
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usually good condition ales and a good selection.
........food is fairly good if you're patient enough to wait for it during busy periods.
much better sit in here than lugging the shopping around town for the wife.