The Great Lyde, Yeovil

Official site of The Great Lyde - palmersbrewery.com

Official site of The Great Lyde - palmersbrewery.com

A former farmhouse which has been several different kinds of pub over the years. The main house is Victorian, and there is an annex which appears to have been some kind of agricultural building. The main building is now the pub and restaurant, a single knocked through bar, carpeted and comfortable. The annex has a dance floor, pool table, darts, big screen and skittle alley, as well as a bar counter of its own, and it's known as 'The Sports Bar'. The staff weren't the most welcoming, and there seemed to be a village idiots' convention in play. Three ales and a cider on draft in both bars, all the ales from Palmers: Dorset Gold, 200 and Copper. The beer was OK, but nothing special. Not sure I'd make this a regular stop.

A recent enforced visit to this pub was not looked upon with great anticipation on my part and my fears were confirmed on my visit. This is actually a large pub serving the Eastern side of Yeovil which is not the wealthiest area of town. The pub seems stuck in an 80s time warp with an interior of brick walls and fake looking wooden beams on the ceiling. Not sure it is owned by Marstons, the beer range had always been Palmers here and I doubt Marstons would like that. The pub feels run down and undoubtably would need more investment. There are 3 Palmers pubs in Yeovil and and same sense of neglect and missed opportunity pervades all 3 - see reviews on The Plucknett and the Mermaid as well. There were actually Real ales on offer, commendably, these were the Copper and Best, which were too cold and not particularly flavoursome. Don't all rush to get here.

The last time I called in for a quick pint was a big mistake. Below average estate pub (one of Marston's HJ Wellfed chain - enough said!) with little or no character; chav's bar at one end, dining room at the other and a dismal bar area between the two. Three pumps - offering Palmer's Copper Ale, Copper Ale and, er... Copper Ale (which, to be fair, wasn't bad at all). Not a single word from the miserable barmaid when I entered the pub, asked for my pint, paid for it or left the pub! So, what is the worst thing about this place? It's my bloody local for God's sake! - no wonder I don't frequent it! Well below average.