Weston-super-Mare:
On the pier.
A tough one this, but it just about felt publike enough.
No real ale, but decent lager (Kronenbourg) and cider (Thatchers), so they were forgiven. Inside, outside, and semi-outside (sheltered with a cracking view) space. Friendly barman, prices OK, plus it’s a bar on a pier, which is always a good point. Music was present, but tolerable and not over-loud.
Dunster:
Friendly, traditional pub. decent beer, and the opportunity to the told to fuck off by a parrot (called Nelson). What’s not to like?
Washford, Watchett:
We walked from The London Inn via an old mineral line. This pub is a roadside/railside pub- not sure how old, but I’d guess around railway time. Decent beer, friendly barmaid, near the station, and outside space for some autumn sunshine.
Watchett:
very traditional pub on the main street. Decent beer, a friendly landlord (doesn’t this make all the difference?) and proper pub atmosphere.
Alcombe, Minehead:
Literally within sight of our holiday cottage, this was our ‘local’ for a few days.
It’s a traditional backstreet pub- but surprisingly large- the rear is pretty much a restaurant, but other rooms are proper, traditional pub. Staff were all pleasant, decent atmosphere, good beer (3 ales on pulls, plus decent cider on tap). Food was not as good as hoped though, but that was the only disappointment.
Minehead:
Large chain pub in the mould of Wetherspoons, but not actually one. In a rather glorious old theatre building, modern and stripped out inside. No real ale, but decent lager at least. Big screen TV, if that’s your thing, and a standard pub-food menu that seemed good value. Friendly barman.