The Highwayman, Shepton Mallet

A large roadside inn with B&B and a restaurant area, which also manages to be a reasonable local, owned by Relaxinnz. It’s just off the main road but awkward to reach and exit depending on the direction from which you approach. There is a gravel carpark with a very uneven surface, from which you enter the rear of the inn. There is a dining area at the front, a bar area behind that and a raised mezzanine with a pool table to one side. The building has a modern feel, though I suspect part of it’s fairly old, though the bar area appears to be in an annex with a strange roof. Though I’m not a fan of Relaxinnz, I have to say this one is well decorated, comfortable and has a friendly feel. Dogs are allowed in the bar area only. Food looked pretty ordinary, so we didn’t bother. There was only one ale on, Doombar, which was in poor condition, btu the drinks disaster was averted by the presence of 4 boxed ciders, so morale improved. OK for a pit stop.