The Stonemasons, Ilminster

Official site of The Stonemasons - www.stonemasonspub.co.uk

Official site of The Stonemasons - www.stonemasonspub.co.uk

A Marstons Two-For-One new build on a rather uninspiring road junction. There is a large car park and a depressing outside terrace with benches and tables for those who don't worry too much about the view. Inside, the single open plan bar has a battered carpet, cheap furniture, various gaming and slot machines and boot fair junk that makes it feel like the ugly twin of so many of these places. The staff are almost glacial in their performance while the majority of the locals look rather depressed by the whole affair. Food was overpriced and came in enormous, unappealing proportions, the specials menu simply a list of different ways to repackage and promote saturated fats to those whose least need them. The beers were not well kept, too cold and tasteless. Hobgoblin, Pedigree and Old Empire IPA were on draft alongside a cider which may have been a better bet. I don't see myself cutting back here again.

My lad has moved to Ilminster recently so we've visited the Stonemasons several times in the past few weeks for a lunchtime meal and a pint or two (well, you wouldn't want to eat at any of the other pubs in town). The food is well cooked and presented, the table/bar service is efficient and friendly and the two meals for the price of one makes it good value. The ales are invariably served too cold, as is the current trend, but are always quite drinkable and I do tend to agree with Brew Guru's comments below.