The Poachers Pocket, Shepton Mallet

The name of this pub suggested a chain-type eatery to me. But that couldn't be much further from the truth. This is a village pub run by Wadworth that serves homecooked food, the type that you can actually smell being prepared in the kitchen. A group of 4 overtook us in the car park and got to the bar first. They were after food and were invited to take a seat and order, whereas I'm not sure they would have let us eat, had we wanted to, as it was quite late for lunch. 6X & Henry's IPA are the 2 real ales.

A large village pub with a small, tight car park and a reasonably modest garden. The interior is a single large bar, mostly laid to table, and it’s food led. It’s popular with families and other diners, so it’s advisable to book, and if they can’t feed you, there isn’t much space left to drink. It’s a Wadworth house, and the ales on during this visit were 6X and Henry’s, both in very good condition. The landlord was helpful and friendly despite the lack of room, and the clientele were mostly pleasant. It’s well decorated, has atmosphere and is a good, comfortable place to spend time once you find somewhere to perch. I’d be very happy to come back, though next time I’ll book and have a meal.