The Old Inn, Bishops Hull, Taunton

A Victorian village pub, long and rambling, formed from 2 or 3 terraced houses. It appears to have two separate ends, one quite deserted with what looks like a public bar, and a large bar and dining room formed from conjoining two or three rooms at the other end. The décor is red carpet and drab colours, the tables are spaced out to facilitate circulation by the less able, it would seem. It looked a bit haphazard, and the feeling wasn’t that welcoming. There is also a covered smokign area at the back. The young bar staff were functionally friendly, but the pub was not busy by any means. That said they do host social events – quiz nights, open mic nights, and so on. Food was good value, basic pub grub and a few buffet items, but it was irritating to see chips served in a sieve rather than on a plate. There were 3 handpumps on the bar, but no ale or cider was available – the barman said there would be some ‘in a couple of weeks’. It’s probably a great local, but it just hasn’t inspired me to make a return journey.