There’s nothing better than going for a winter stroll 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:
1. NORTH SOMERSET
If you are staying in and around Midsomer Norton in north Somerset, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional pubs. ‘The Crossways Tavern’, located in the heart of the village, offers a full range of local ales, in addition to tasty food served during lunchtimes and evenings. 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 Gurney Slade on the A37 Bristol to Shepton Mallet road is an ideal stopping off point for anyone discovering this part of the county. It has a reputation for serving superb local ales, and is a magnet for food connoisseurs, offering an ever-changing menu that uses locally sourced produce to good advantage.
Enjoy a winter tipple in the White Hart Inn. Photo copyright of Roger Cornfoot and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
2. MID SOMERSET
Situated in the heart of Bridgwater, you will find the ‘Duke Arms’, which offers visitors delicious, hearty food and a good variety of fine beers and local ales. A little off the beaten track is Compton Dundon and the ‘Castlebrook Inn’, a welcoming local pub that puts the emphasis on a warm welcome, simple, home cooked food and ale that’s been properly stored and racked for a better taste.
Photo copyright of Steve Barnes and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
3. SOUTH SOMERSET
If you happen to be in the Norton Fitzwarren or West Buckland area then a visit to the county town of Taunton might be on the agenda. The town has a myriad of quality pubs, including the 18th 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 exceptional beer. Check out the gloriously named and utterly delicious ‘Steak and Tanglefoot Pie’ – and no, we are not quite sure what ‘tanglefoot’ is either, but it’s scrumptious!
Photo copyright of John Sutton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
These are just a tiny selection of the thousands of fantastic pubs that cover the stunning 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!
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