The Best Pubs for a Winter Tipple in Somerset

The Best Pubs for a Winter Tipple in Somerset

There’s nothing better than going for a bracing winter walk and finding yourself (inexplicably!) outside a country pub. The welcoming beacon to many a weary traveller over the years, Britain’s inns and taverns offer good food, excellent ale and a cosy fire to warm your toes by. If you’re spending a winter break at a luxury cottage in Somerset, here are some pubs where you’ll find the best winter tipples and a hearty steak and ale pie to keep you going:

North Somerset

If you’re staying in and around Midsomer Norton in north Somerset, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional pubs. The Crossways Tavern offers a full range of local ales, as well as excellent food served during lunchtimes and evenings. Its location in the heart of the village makes it easy to find. Also in Midsomer Norton you’ll find the White Hart, another traditional Somerset pub that also holds regular events such as skittles evenings and quiz nights.

The George Inn at Guerney Slade on the A37 Bristol to Shepton Mallet road is a perfect stopping off point for anyone exploring this part of the county. It has a reputation for serving excellent local ales, and is also a magnet for food lovers, boasting an ever-changing menu that uses locally sourced produce to good advantage.

South Somerset

If you’re staying in the Norton Fitzwarren or West Buckland area then a trip into the county town of Taunton will probably be on the agenda. The town has a myriad of quality pubs, including the 18^th Century Vivary Arms, which gets a ‘Worth a Visit’ rating from the Good Pub Guide.

Slightly out of the town at Bradford-on-Tone you’ll find the award-winning World’s End, a beautifully restored pub that offers gourmet food as well as excellent beer. Check out the gloriously named and utterly delicious ‘Steak and Tanglefoot Pie’ and no, we’re not quite sure what ‘tanglefoot’ is either, but it’s very tasty!

Mid Somerset

In the heart of Bridgwater you’ll find the Duke Arms, which offers visitors good, hearty food and a selection of fine beers and local ales. A little off the beaten track is Compton Dundon and the Castlebrook Inn, a friendly local pub that puts the emphasis on a warm welcome, simple, homecooked food and ale that’s been properly stored and racked for a better taste.

These are just a tiny selection of the thousands of excellent pubs that cover the county of Somerset. The best advice we can give you is get out there and discover a few hidden gems for yourself – but remember to leave the car at home!