The Half Moon Inn, Templecombe

A classic gem of a country pub just off the beaten track and not that well signposted. The pub has a GBG entry. The entrance to the car park is just past the front of the pub, which in turn is at the top of a small hill with a beuatiful terraced lawned garden with tables and benches from which to enjoy the quiet seclusion. The main car park is at the back, wher ethere is another, smaller and more secluded and sheltered lawned garden. The front rooms have been made into a single long bar, still divided by chimney breasts with open fire places. One end is a more formal dining room, and there is another small room behind. In addition there is a skittle alley in a separate building adjacent to the car park, and there are modern dog-friendly letting rooms at the back too. Food is freshly cooked and good value, including an excellent carvery on Sundays, but mainly standard dishes with one or two nice twists. The same landlord has run the pub for over 20 years, but he has now reduced opening times – weekends seem a safe bet, though. Ales on were Wriggle Valley Gold, Church End Goat’s Milk, Otter Bright and GK IPA. There aren’t many pubs around this part of the world which beat this one and I’ll definitely be back.

Official site of the Half Moon Inn, contains menus and details of beer festival - www.horsington.co.uk

Official site of the Half Moon Inn, contains menus and details of beer festival - www.horsington.co.uk