The King William IV, Shepton Mallet

A pleasant village pub on a busy road. This is a working village local, not a chocolate-box curio for passing tourists, so quaintness does not feature here. There is a singe main bar is as described by BS, below, plus there is a small dining room at one side and a skittle alley, the other, the latter also housing a TV, dart board and allegedly a bar billiard table which we didn’t actually see. The main bar is warmed by a woodburner in a brick chimney, which adds to the atmosphere, and there is a TV screen and dartboard in this bar. There is limited outside seating at the front, but the traffic and lack of a view mean it’s mainly used by smokers. There is also a small garden at the back, though we didn’t venture out there due to the weather. We found the staff quite pleasant, but we didn’t eat so can’t comment on the food, although the menu looked reasonably priced and they offer inexpensive Sunday lunches. Two ales on draft, Cotleigh Tawny and TT Landlord, plus a dry pump. There were two or three keg options but nothing of note. Worth stopping if passing by.

I hadn't planned to visith this pub in the village of Wanstrow and on the main A359, but with 2 others unexpectedly closed, I was onto a reserve list! There is a single bar that serves both drinkers and diners. I could only see one person eating and assume that the chef was the landlady. Whilst she was in the kitchen, another guy who was playing darts (dartboard to the front right corner of the room) came behind the bar to serve. Whether he was a local who was available to serve, or whether he was the barman taking time out to play darts, I've no idea! Bath Gem is the regular ale here. The guest was St Austell Tribute, whilst a third handpull was clipped with Moon's Medium Cider, which was as dry as old boots. Nevertheless, it was a new one for me and from a local producer I'd only tried once before previously. A village local that seemed to welcome visitors, without suspicion. Parking to the side of the pub is limited, but is also available around the corner in the side street.