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 Volunteer Riflemans Arms, Bath

picture of The Volunteer Riflemans Arms, Bath

Address: 3 New Bond Street, Bath, Somerset, BA1 1BA
Phone: 01225 425210
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Nearest train stations: Bath Spa (0.4 miles), Oldfield Park (1 mile), Freshford (4.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I visited this pub for the first time on Wednesday afternoon when Taunton Bob was there. He was sitting at the bar. I sat at a table, but the pub's so small everyone can hear what everyone else says anyway. It's not the place for a romantic drink or cosy chat! I agree with Bob's comments. Paul kept everyone entertained and it was very difficult to leave - if only because you wanted to hear what he'd say next! The beer was good too. I drank Butcombe, but there were others I can't recall. I'll definitely be back
5 Nov 2011 09:58
This is more than a proper pub - this is pure theatre with host Paul using his bar as a stage drawing regulars and first timers alike to play their part in the drama of the show. Nobody, even large Geordie blokes, are spared the attention and relentless mickey taking of the Landlord, all in the best possible taste! Paul's knowledge of regional beers is second to none. No food available on the day owing to a rare phenomonon, that being gravity which caused the spontaneous absence of chef - hope all is well. Great music, sporting and military memorabilia add to the mix. Should also mention the beer which was in perfect condition. Only strong will power allowed me to win the battle against empty glass chinking with pump as Paul used his masterstroke of temptation. Can't remember much about the train journey home, but I obviously got here!! Back soon.
3 Nov 2011 10:00
Great afternoon session on Friday. Thanks to Paul and the regulars for making us welcome and keeping us entertained. My wife says she will win at spoof next time we are in Bath.
29 Oct 2011 18:18

The George and Pilgrim, Glastonbury

picture of The George and Pilgrim, Glastonbury

Address: 1 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9DP
Phone: 01458 831146
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Reviews by BITE users:

I forgot to mention the reintroduction of some live music in here again, mainly on Sundays around 8pm. The quality of the music quite honestly is stunning! I can't imagine anyone disagreeing with that!
30 Jul 2011 17:58
Love the arrival of the suit of Armour! I cannot remember what pub I was in the other day, but the ale really was cold, and I seriously did NOT enjoy it. Ice cold bitter/ale is definitely not good. However having now drank in the George and Pilgrim recently, all I can say is maybe the ale was cold, but It seems just right to me, perfect in fact. I see there are new managers (again), they seem OK, although one hardly ever sees them. Having witnessed food being served, it looked unusually good., and the bar staff seem MUCH better than last time I was in there. I do wish managers, staff etc would somehow persuade smokers to stay out of the doorway.
30 Jul 2011 17:53
As I said, you are mistaken (and in so many ways). The only two establishments I have frequented in Glastonbury, and you appear to be the manager of this one. No matter, as I shall not be back, and as for being "about 70", I wish that it were so!
Regarding my erudition; I would not say it is extraordinary, but I suppose a working life as a technical author may have rubbed off some rough edges.
Aside from that, I have no idea what you mean by the rest of your rant.
Learn your trade, and you could attract more customers!
18 Jul 2011 17:40

The King William Inn, Glastonbury

picture of The King William Inn, Glastonbury

Address: 19 Market Pl, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9HL
Phone: 01458 831473
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Reviews by BITE users:

Great little pub right in the town centre. Does a roaring food trade with a Sunday Carvery and good real ales. The food is consistently good and reasonably priced.

As mentioned by someone else the Guinness is indeed a bit pricey but nonetheless worth a night out.

They have mostly good bands on Saturday nights, playing Blues, Blues/Rock and occasionally other styles too. Some of the bands are spectacular for pub bands.
Gets a little cramped when it's a busy night but the staff are pretty quick at getting everyone served.

The have a pool table, skittle alley and a nice little beer garden (south west facing which is great).
3 Sep 2011 16:53
Sat outside with friends for a few hours. Great beer. Fine cabaret. Good grub. Ace.
3 Jul 2011 22:21
Butcombe was in fine fettle today, and watching the local populace going about their ambulatory business was quite entertaining.
7 Jun 2011 23:26

The King Arthur, Glastonbury

picture of The King Arthur, Glastonbury

Address: 31-33 Benedict Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9NB
Phone: 01458831442
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Reviews by BITE users:

I like this "exarch" person. Really good, honest and accurate reviews so far. I completely agree with you about the Arthur, the crept back in bit unfortunately really puts one off, but, as you say, what can she do ? For what it's worth, the better customers will almost never trust the place if they even just hear about a hint of the usual crap in there.....
exarch, review the others.....The Mitre, Beckets, etc.....
6 Sep 2011 09:24
I don't often come here but it makes a nice change once in a while. The landlady is very friendly and runs the place with help from her family. They have regular music events.

It's a shame it's so quiet in there though. The landlady got rid of a lot of undesirables but unfortunately some of them are creeping back in and I don't think she can afford to turn away the business. She does keep them in check for the most part however, so kudos to her.

The drinks are reasonably priced and they have a good selection of beers and ciders.
3 Sep 2011 16:59
Just keep hearing good reports about this pub now. Apparently more local beers are to be stocked. Good news about the Wilkins' cider too. Will visit soon.
26 Jun 2011 23:00

The Halfway House, Pitney

Address: Pitney Hill, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9AB
Phone: 01458 252513
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Reviews by BITE users:

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..
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.
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.
16 Feb 2011 04:28

The Maypole Inn, Thurloxton

Address: Thurloxton, nr Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8RF
Phone: 01823 412286
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Nearest train station: Taunton (4.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

The Maypole is a wonderful family friendly pub, with a great selection of good food which caters really well for little ones (great to see some "healthy" options on there for them too!).
The staff are always welcoming and helpful, and the beer garden in the summer is just fantastic! Well recommended.
9 Feb 2011 12:54
Just popped in for a pint this lunchtime 8/2/11. Pub quiet but it was just 12 noon. Lovely welcome from the waitress. Exmoor dark, otter and a stout on(think it was Sharps) all on hand pump. I/2 a dark and 1/2 a stout both went down very well, and a pack of very nice Bar King Nuts? Never had them before but they were so nice I kept the packet.
Works out to be £3.05 a pint which is still good value for a drive to pub, and I think its worth it.
Just as I was leaving I saw some food coming from the kitchen, looked nice and steaming hot.
Maybe next time a spot of lunch too!
8 Feb 2011 13:08
Just moved to the area and had been told to come and have a look at The Maypole Inn, WOW.
A great little gem of a pub, and for a real ale lover what a treat. Sharps cornish stout, Exmoor Dark and Otter bitter on tap, 2 local ciders and a 'fizzy' one too. Had dinner from specials 2 coure for £9.50 and could not fault it, althought the portions were too big!

A great pub, will be back.
8 Feb 2011 12:46

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