The Royal Oak, Crewkerne

I understand there’s been a change of landlord since the previous review, but the pub appears much as described. It’s in a narrow backstreet, terraced houses on both sides, not much parking, but it is a great local and it’s one of Crewkerne’s only proper boozers. It also hosts live music on Saturdays, and open mic nights occasionally, in a separate bar at the back, The Hideaway. The front bars, open plan, are carpeted and homely, and there is an odd brick fireplace at one end and a TV showing sport at the other. The bar counter is small and tucked away in one corner which is hard to reach if bar flies are standing in the way. There was various bric-a-brac fixed to the walls including an ‘87 pattern infantry sword and a random golf trophy. Two ales on draft, I had a pin of Exmoor Ale which was in excellent condition. I wish there were more pubs like this, though it doesn’t appear to open lunchtimes.

Inconspicuous little side street pub, and I almost missed it as I got there dead on the Friday 13:00 opening time. Anyway, once inside, you find a very old-fashioned but well-maintained layout with two partially opened-out rooms. The real feature, however, was a game of bar skittles (a table-top version of the traditional alley game) with weekly prizes with those with the highest cumulative score. I found three handpumps on the counter, with St Austell Cornish, a fine pint of Bays 2016 and a cider on tap. With its friendly landlord, and comfortable ambience, this one is well worth seeking out.