Waggon & Horses, Shepton Mallet

Admirably described by others, below, this roadside inn feels like a time warp, whisking passers-by right back to the 1970s. There is a good sized car park at the front and a lovely walled garden at the back, mainly laid to lawn and containing enough tables and benches to be sociable. The inside hasn’t changed since previous reviews, or indeed since before Margaret Thatcher’s day, and even the background music was of that era. There were a couple of groups in eating - the food was traditional pub fare at reasonable prices. Only one ale on, Butcombe Original, which was in perfect condition. A really useful place for a pitstop if you don’t mind leaving the main tourist route.

A traditional country pub in a slightly out of the way location, it is nonetheless on a reasonably main road rather than a narrow country lane and so presumably gets a certain amount of passing trade as well as local business. Internally it has the typical and cosy country pub ambience with plenty of black beams covered in horse brasses as well as numerous brass plates on the wall including an old one from the now defunct Courage brewery. The main lounge bar is at the front, with smaller rooms off to the left and rear. Carpet covered most of the floor, whilst the walls were predominantly exposed stonework but with some pale green wood panelling in places as well as some rough plasterwork. A dual aspect chimney breast with an open fire separated the main bar from the smaller one to the left and next to this was a bookcase with a selection of books. A further stone fire-place with a conical brick chimney breast was off to the right and a real fire was blazing away which was a nice touch on a cold January day. The rear snug looked to be similar in terms of décor and there was a piano off to one side. The front door included some attractive stained glass of a country scene including trees, rabbits and appropriately enough, a wagon and horses. We didn’t inspect the menu, but a small specials board above the bar offered a stew or spaghetti Bolognese for around the £9 mark. Beers on tap were Three Daggers Dagger Ale and Butcombe, whilst the ciders were Thatcher’s Gold and Wilkin’s Farmhouse. All in all I thought this was a great pub, just the sort of cosy ambience that I like. Well worth searching out.

Official site of The Waggon & Horses - www.waggonandhorses.webeden.co.uk

Official site of The Waggon & Horses - www.waggonandhorses.webeden.co.uk

This is a classic country pub, set in the middle of nowhere a few miles from Bath. It may have regulars, but it can’t be anybody’s local as it doesn’t looks as if anyone lives locally. But perhaps in the country you are regarded as a local if you only have to drive 5 miles to the pub. I have to say that it doesn’t look anything special from the outside, but inside it has everything you expect in a country pub. It has the lowish ceilings, black beams complete with numerous horse brasses, enormous stone built fireplaces, and the nooks and crannies that these sort of places seem to encourage. There are no tall tables and stools or that kind of stuff – just standard tables and chairs. A room to the left has tables and chairs set for diners (as well as a superb grandfather clock) although the dozen or so people who were eating in here on Monday lunchtime all chose to eat elsewhere in the pub. Another room to the right of the bar counter seemed to be where the drinkers like to congregate as it has its own access to the bar counter, and thus they won’t get disturbed by diners seeking to access the bar in the main seating area at the front of the pub. There were three handpumps on the counter, two dispensing Butcombe Bitter and Wadworth 6X, and the third a cider whose name I failed to note. This is essentially a destination pub for those looking for a meal. Main courses seemed to be around the £8 - £10 mark, with the steak and ale pie being £9.25. I really don’t intend to go all foody, but I have to say that the quality was excellent, and Mrs R commented very favourably on the Raspberry and Apple Crumble (£4 or so as I recall). The service was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and efficient as well. I would be delighted to pay a return visit to this pub if the opportunity presents itself.