Victoria Gate, Taunton

A high street pub built at the beginning of the 20th Century in a mock-Jacobean style. There is a small, scruffy car park at the back and a solemn-looking wooden table that has seen better days. The ground floor has been knocked into a single large open-plan bar with different areas, work which appears to be in progress still and being done by an amateur. There is a games area with a pool table and dartboard, there is a jukebox which makes horrible noises, TV screens showing live sports and a lounge area with chesterfields and a fake Victorian fireplace with a disconnected gas fire in it. The occupants seem to be mainly those who can least afford to drink beer, and there are noisy children screaming in the corners. There were burgers and pizzas available, but these weren't that inspiring. There was a boxed cider behind the bar and two handpumps, only one of which was active, dispensing Ashes Ale. The ale was flat and not that well kept, but it was cheap. Best left to the locals.