Bird In Hand, Taunton

A small village pub, the original Victorian building opened out to form a large bar area, still partially, informally divided into three main drinking areas, plus a games area at the side with a pool table and dart board. There is a large garden mostly laid to lawn. There is no car park, and the road can get crowded, especially as they have put planters on the front paved area to stop parking while creating an outside drinking space. There is a TV screen on one side wall, which was showing BT Sports when we were there, and a jukebox which was switched off. Ales on were QPA, Cheers and Doombar, plus draft ciders from Corkers and Rosie’s Pig. On keg were 5 ciders from Thatcher, Coors, Carling, San Miguel, Moretti and Guinness. The ales were in excellent condition, very enjoyable. The atmosphere, though, was less so. While the staff were pleasant and pleased to see us, some of the locals were not, so given the location, I don’t intend making this a regular stop.

Facebook page of Bird In Hand - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Bird In Hand - www.facebook.com

Proper village local's pub with always 4 real ales for sale, always 2 Cotleigh 2 other local brewerys. Yesterday the Cotleigh Nutcracker and Quantock Will's Neck were in a fine condition. The Bird in Hand seems to have picked up the local trade with the transformation of the nearby and previously popular Lethbridge Arms into an "eating house". Fairly busy on a Sunday Lunchtime with mainly local drinkers but a few diners as well.

Recently started going to the Bird on a fairly regular basis as the friendly owners keep good real ale, offer reasonably-priced cider (where else do you get Thatchers for £2.30 a pint?!) and good pub food - I recommend the ham, egg and chips. Very amenable locals and nice, traditional buildings + huge garden with lawns and veggie patch.‎