The Notley Arms, Taunton

A remote village pub which was once a coaching inn on a route now largely bypassed by modern roads. There is a wide parking area in front of the former coach house, now converted to B&B rooms, at the side of the pub. The main building has entrances at the front and side. The front bar is open plan, formed from knocking through several smaller rooms, to form a spacious restaurant area in the centre, a snug with comfy chairs and woodburner on one side and a semi-open plan dining area at the other end, which in turn leads to a pleasant, sheltered garden. The garden is mainly lawned and has tables and benches, plus there is a coveerd smoking area. There are stone floors throughout. The bar counter is in the centre, fronted by a drinking area with bar stools and church pews. The young bar staff made us feel welcome, happy to chat and very pleasant despite being busy. Food was restaurant standard, plus they offer breakfast. It wasn’t cheap, though. Beer was also expensive for the area. On draft were Wadworth 6X, Jail Ale and Sheppey’s Original cider. On tap were 1664, Moretti, Poretti, Fizzy Pheasant cider, two from Hawkstone, IPA and Lager, Guinness and Harbour Peach Lager. I really liked it here despite the prices, and I’d be happy to come back.

Official site of The Notley Arms - www.thenotleyarms.co.uk

Official site of The Notley Arms - www.thenotleyarms.co.uk