The Bell, Shepton Mallet

One of the few traditional town centre pubs remaining in Shepton, this one dates from the Georgian period.  The two former front bars have been conjoined to form a single area with a raised dais at one side used by DJs and other acts, there is a piano the other side, and there is a mix of seating styles.  There are also TV screens and a jukebox.  The pub was friendly, welcoming and comfortable despite its basic décor and slightly battered feel, and the barman was very professional when it came to the beer, sampling each ale before he drew it to assure quality.  Ales on were Cotleigh Night Owl, Cotleigh 25 and Hardings Pale Ale, all in excellent condition.  There were also various cheap (and one suspects nasty) cocktails for tho who relish such things, as well as the standard range of megakeg offerings.  Definitely worth a pint if passing.