The Crown Inn, Ilminster

A town pub in a terrace, hamstone on the lower floor, mock-Tudor above, the other buildings in the terrace all having their own individual style. The Crown has improved considerably since BobO's visit. The inside consists of two bars as described by Soupy, below. The pool table has gone, leaving a small public bar with a dartboard. The larger saloon bar has a TV screen, brick fireplace and WiFi. The only outside space is a small paved yard at the back. There is a very comfortable family atmosphere in the pub, and the staff are pleasant. No hot food is served, though there is a selection of different flavoured pork scratchings available. Two handpumps on the bar, but only one ale on, Hobgoblin Gold, which was in decent condition and well kept. It's now a good local and a pub worth stopping in for a pint

I worked in Ilminster for about a year and never found this pub (and the Bell a few doors along) open at lunchtimes - and, let's face it, you wouldn't come to Ilminster for its nightlife! So I stayed on late at work just to visit the Crown - I certainly won't bother again. A boringly nondescript interior poorly furnished and a mediocre welcome. Worse yet, only one ale on. Now, when Butcombe Bitter is well kept it is a quality ale but when it is poorly kept - as here - it is bloody awful. Please, please clean your pipes!! Well, well below average.