The Friendly Spirit, Bridgwater

A pleasant-looking village pub in a picturesque setting by a small stream which leads to the village duck pond. There is ample parking at the pub and on the road opposite the village green. The pub has a large garden, part of which is a children’s play area. Inside, it feels more like an estate pub than a village local, though. There are two main bar areas, a saloon on the left and a public bar on the right as you enter. The public bar has a raised area at the end with a pool table and two dart boards. There is also a gaming machine. There are multiple TV screens for viewing BT and Sky Sports, and there is a small disco ball on the public bar ceiling. Food is a mix of pub grub, barbecue and Sunday roast, depending on when you arrive and what they feel like doing – to be fair they provide up-to-date dining information on their FB page. There is also a well-publicised slush puppy machine and a mural of Caspar, the friendly spirit, to encourage families to come here. The landlord was not that friendly, and we didn’t feel particularly welcome. Three handpumps on the bar, two dispensing Doombar and one Otter Amber. The ales were in average condition. The best thing about this pub is its setting, but it’s not the only pub in the village and I shouldn’t go out of the way to come here.