The Full Quart, Weston Super Mare

Much as described by Blackthorn, below. I found the pub welcoming, the staff engaging and it had a local feel despite its size and location. Two ales on were Butcombe Original and Wadworth Jug O’Malt, both in very good condition. A good bet for a couple of pints.

Official site of The Full Quart - thefullquart.co.uk

An extensive pub on the main A370 and only a couple of minutes drive from J21 of the M5, it has a large patio seating area adjoining the car park and internally is divided in to a number of different areas. In some cases it seems to be a bit of a strange mix of old and new, and whilst there is plenty of old timberwork around, I wasn’t entirely convinced that it was old. Perhaps it just looks newer as it’s been given a paint job, I’m not sure. To the left as you go in is a large carvery counter, although this was not in use on a recent Thursday evening visit. Another room beyond this was up a couple of steps and separated with some partitioning that included stained glass. The wood-panelled bar counter is in front of you, and a small restaurant area off to the right. This had pale yellow paintwork as well as the aforementioned timberwork and a brick fire-place in the corner with a wooden mantle. This had a few logs blazing away which was a pleasant touch on an autumnal evening. A plasma was mounted on the wall although this was not in use, and there were a selection of quills in a glass case as well as a few copper odds and ends. The main bar area is beyond this at the front of the pub and this was much cosier with flagstones on the floor, some exposed stonework and more fire-places at each end. Beyond this was a small snug. The menu offered a good selection of pub grub dishes, with most of the main courses being around £8 - £10. These included all the staples such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Fish & Chips, Scampi & Chips, Lasagne, Sausage & Mash, etc. We opted for the Fisherman’s Pie and a Beef & Ale Pie – these were both decent enough dishes with plenty of vegetables and very generous portions. Despite four hand pumps on the bar, only two beers appeared to be available and these were Butcombe and Piston Broke. Ciders were Thatcher’s Gold and Symonds Founders Reserve. Overall, whilst this had many of the ingredients of a good pub, somehow it didn’t quite do it for me, although it’s difficult to pin down exactly why. In some ways it felt like a mass produced chain pub trying to incorporate some “olde worlde” features, although I’m not sure that is actually the case. Worth popping in though, and it makes a decent pit-stop to break up a motorway journey.

Official site of The Full Quart - thefullquart.co.uk