Elms Inn, Street

to be converted into houses

A Victorian roadside inn which tends to get overlooked by tourists as it's on the outskirts of Street. There is a good sized car park and a large, well maintained garden, though if you're travelling too fast in traffic, you will miss the entrance. Inside, the single large L-shaped bar has been formed by opening out the original bars, retaining the two 1960s stone fireplaces, both now with woodburners. The décor is a bit tired, very 1960s, but that is a minor point when seen in light of the food, the welcome and the beer. There is a TV in the bar, which was showing MTV or something very like it, though the noise emanating from it was largely drowned out by the clatter from the jukebox. Staff and regulars were very welcoming, the food was basic pub grub, well cooked and reasonably priced. The ales on draft were Sharp's Atlantic, Doombar and Butcombe's Bitter. The Atlantic was slightly off, and the barmaid replaced it immediately without question. The other beers were in good condition. A decent local and a good place to stop for lunch.