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Detail Pages
The Wooden Top Inn, Yeovil
East Chinnock
Postal town: Yeovil
BA22 9DP
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Wooden Top Inn
Formerly The Portman Arms, this pub is best described as ‘eccentric’. The name was given to distance the pub from the bad reputation of the previous business, and it refers to the eponymous children’s TV family rather than Guards or policemen. It is open from about 7.30 in the morning until late at night; the derelict, closed facade is just that. The car park is full of what looks like scrap Landrovers, and the building’s exterior is shabby. There is no garden worth speaking of. The interior is large, consisting of a restaurant which is relatively normal and will serve you just about whatever you want, and a bar which is undergoing substantial renovation even while it’s open. The servery has been moved from one end to the other, and the original tiles on the floor show holes where stud walling has been removed. There is a Harley Davidson fixed to the wall at one end, and there are shelves full of vinyl records, presumably waiting for the piles of hi fi equipment to be sorted and plugged in so they can be played. The tables and chairs are piled haphazardly around the room, though there are some usable bar stools. There are, apparently, nine bedrooms for B&B but we didn’t see these. The landlord was very sociable, making it clear we were welcome any time and explaining his plans to reclaim the inn’s former glory. Only one ale on, Black Tor Blonde, which was in fair condition. The pub is mainly used by locals, probably because it just doesn’t look open. A work in progress, but worth a look in if passing
On 6th June 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3288 recommendations about 3253 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Jonathan Wilde left this review about Portman Arms
According to Pints of View should be open as the Woodentops by now. Although quick Google doesn't imply it has yet nor if it his how it'll be spelt. One to keep an eye on if in the area.
On 11th September 2017
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 365 recommendations about 347 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brew Guru left this review about Portman Arms
BobOs, I fear that you were correct, this is a far from perfect pub. However do not write this tavern off just yet. A Marstons owned pub it does the best it can with the naff hand of cards it is thus dealt. Beers on this week were Hobgoblin and the improved Ringwood 49 ner which was quite pleasant. Burrow Hill cider is on handpull alongside the beers, refreshing to see quality in amongst dross. The bar area is large, too large to be cosy with an area to the left with a pool table and to the right a more formal dining area. On a cold night the log fire seemed to have little effect and everyone in the pub looked cold, even the warm welcoming landlady was looking chilled.
On 15th February 2013
- rating: 6
[User has posted 116 recommendations about 101 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
BobOs . left this review about Portman Arms
Oh dear - yet another sole review praising his own pub and giving it a 10/10 - bloody silly as the perfect pub lives only in my fertile imagination. If it is that good perhaps I'll visit soon and see for myself.
On 13th July 2011
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 370 recommendations about 355 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Trevor Hurling left this review about Portman Arms
WOW WOW WOW WOW...Was passing through East Chinnock April 2010 and stopped in at this place for an evening meal. Anyone wanting a superb bite to eat should definitely visit this place. All the food is of a really nice quality. Everything is home made including the deserts and it sure shows when you get your meal. I had the Pie Of the Day and it was amazing and so filling I actually couldn’t get through it all. My wife had Mushroom Stroganoff, again home made and it was to die for. The deserts, well they are just something else. What a refreshing change too not only have all the main meals home made but the deserts too. My wife had sticky toffee pudding and custard and I had Lime and Tequila Cheesecake again absolutely superb. These guys really have got the food down to a T. I would say it was probably one off the nicest Meals out we have ever had and so unexpected from a village pub. Put this one on your must visit list..............`
On 26th April 2010
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]