Mendip Inn, Radstock

Previously The Old Mendip Coaching Inn, this large roadside pub is on a busy crossroads where two holiday routes meet and is otherwise fairly isolated.  There is a large car park at the front, then a small outside terrace with plenty of garden furniture, but the noise and pollution from the roads makes it uncomfortable for anyone other than those who wish to smoke here – and even they don’t linger too long.  The interior has been opened out, though it retain sits original room layout, part of which is because of different floor levels which are joined with shallow ramps.  The work to conjoin the original rooms wasn’t done particularly well, so it all feels a bit like an old school canteen   There are no bar stools – most of the available space is taken up with tables for diners.  The landlady and barmaid were friendly enough, so we did feel welcome.  Food is basic, reasonably priced, nothing exotic.  There was only one ale on, Cheddar’s Gorge Best, which was in average condition but drinkable nonetheless.  It’s good for a pit stop or lunch break, but it doesn’t feel like the sort of place to spend an evening. 

Official site of the Mendip Inn - www.mendipinn.co.uk