The Rodney Stoke Inn, Cheddar

An attractive looking pub on the main Wells to Cheddar road, it looks as though it has been extended somewhat over the years and now is quite a good size, and although much of it was in use by diners on our visit, it certainly doesn’t appear to be a gastro-pub. The smallish bar at the front was described as a snug, but being dominated by a pool table and darts board felt more like a public bar. There was a minimal amount of seating off to one side, and a few more tables and chairs opposite the bar counter. Flooring was wood strip, and there was wooden panelling on the lower part of the walls that had been painted in a Farrow & Ball brown, whilst very pale yellow paintwork was elsewhere. A large map of the world was on one wall and there were a few old black and white photographs of the locale. A stone fireplace was off to one side with a pile of logs stacked up ready for the colder weather, and a TV was showing the tennis. As mentioned previously, it extended some considerable way at the rear, with the furthest section having a large vaulted ceiling, although we did not investigate this as it was full of diners. We didn’t study the menu, but noticed a blackboard offering a selection of tapas and pizza options, and this was apparently also available to take away. Beers on tap were Cheddar’s Gorge Best and Butcombe, whilst a third pump appeared unused. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Dry and Ashton Press.