The Crown, Glastonbury

Recently re-opened after a few years serving as a back-packers' hostel, this former coaching inn occupies a prominent spot in the centre of the town. As you approach you see crowds of Glastonbury folk milling aimlessly around, being observed by the elderly clients sitting on the pavement-placed chairs and tables for those who aspire to a continental-style cafe. Once inside, the front bar is long and thin, formed from conjoining earlier rooms, and the larger dining area is at the back. The latter was full of noisy families when we visited so we stayed in the bar. The pub also does B&B, but we didn't look at the rooms. The staff seemed a little officious at first, but they were probably just busy, and in the end were quite friendly and helpful. The food portions were enormous - a sort of Brobdingnagian tapas, freshly cooked with added complimentary portions of carbs and fat. It looked and smelled good, but no-one could possibly be that hungry. Two ales on, Tribute and Glastonbury Hedge Monkey, both in excellent condition. Worth a visit.