The Kings Head, Merriott

A traditional hamstone village pub dating from the late 17th Century. There is a small carpark opposite and limited parking on the road outside. There is a pleasant walled garden at the back and apparently there’s a skittle alley, though it wasn’t clear where. The interior has been substantially renovated providing a large open-plan bar and dining areas at both ends. There is a large inglenook fireplace with an effective woodburner and an original hamstone fireplace on the junction of former supporting walls. They open a barber shop in the back between 6pm and 8:30 pm – hair of the dog, maybe? The staff, including the pub dog, were very welcoming indeed, making it very clear that visiting dogs were welcome, more so than some humans. Freshly home-cooked food is available, a some it gastro-style and some more traditional pub grub, all of it moderately expensive. There were 4 ciders on, 3 boxed and one on draught alongside Doombar, Landlord and Fortitude, all in good condition. Well worth seeking out and a good place to while away the hours and it’s on the 2018 Somerset Ale Trail.

Official site of The Kings Head - thekingsmerriott.com

Official site of The Kings Head - thekingsmerriott.com

A lovely old sandstone building tucked away at the back of the village near the church. The warm tone of the sandstone is matched by the warm welcome from landlord and customers. It's very nicely presented, with the many rooms expanded into one space by widening the doorways so that there are still separate areas with comfortable bench seating and settles. There's a large fireplace to one side of the bar, where three of four hand pumps were available serving St Austell HSD, Dartmoor Best and Palmers Copper Bitter. The Dartmoor was good enough for me to have one more than I intended.

Solid traditional village pub, a free house but has 3 pumps with Palmers beer on and a fourth guest ale which was not on. No food served tuesday night but atmosphere and solid fuel stove push up the rating, plus local folk musicians playing music.