The Edinburgh Inn, Wells Town, Wells-Next-The-Sea

The Edinburgh had a much more local feel to it than the nearby Crown Hotel. It is a long, narrow building that accommodates both a locals' bar and a restaurant/cafe known as Ollie's. The whole ensemble was quite noisy and also very busy. We ordered at the bar (Wherry is the regular beer; Nelson's Revenge & Abbot were the guests) and went in search of seating. We ended up venturing into the cafe/dining area and occupying a sofa where presumably nobody would chose to dine. With all tables in the crowded bar taken and all in the restaurant either occupied or reserved, this was the only option. Moments after plonking ourselves down, we were approached by a waitress who asked if she could help. I momentarily contemplated whether she thought we needed help consuming our drinks, or maybe she was offering to help find us a more suitable seating arrangement. I wasn't quite sure how she could help and politely declined her offer, being quite comfortable on the sofa! A basic and noisy place that seems to cater well for local drinkers and for those looking for a cheap(er) meal in what appears to be an expensive and touristy coastal resort. But make sure you book, if you want to eat.

This is slightly down-market compared to our two previous stops at the Globe and the Crown, but a welcome change to find a proper local with beer at reasonable prices: £4.55 for a round of three halves, compared with £5.65 and £6.00 respectively. And the beers were served in over-sized, lined glasses: another pleasant surprise. The choice was Woodforde's Wherry and Nelsons Revenge, plus Marstons Pedigree. My only gripe with this place was the unrelenting sound of the radio playing pop music, which I could really do without. Otherwise it was comfortable enough, with some low sofas as well as the usual pub furniture. Date of visit: 28th March 2016