The Bell Inn, Taunton

A working village pub away from the tourist trail, built in Georgian times. There is a functional car park and a scruffy, rather unappealing garden. Inside, there is a single L-shaped bar formed from three former rooms. At the short end is a games area with a tiled floor, pool table, gaming machine, TV screen and jukebox, while the other end is raised, reached up a short flight of steps past the remaining chimney breast, has a screen and projector. Th remaining floor is carpeted, and there is an original brick fireplace which has been painted a fetching shade of pastel green. Dogs are welcome, but humans seem to be an encumbrance, our presence causing the near-dead barmaid the inconvenience of having to stir to serve us. The locals were not at all welcoming. Food is mainly basket-type pub meals, plus steaks on Wednesdays. Two ales on, Otter and Langport Bitter from Fine Tuned. The ales were not that well kept but still drinkable. They also run regular gin tasting evenings. I wouldn’t bother seeking this pub out but it would be OK for refreshments if in the village.