Peppers Buffet, Yeovil

Beware strange opening hours: currently 0500-1400 weekdays; 0600-1200 Saturdays; closed Sundays.

Travelers arriving into Yeovil Junction train station still have quite a way to go before they can get their hands on some liquid refreshment, due to the remote location the station finds itself in. This is where Peppers Buffet comes into its own. Located on platforms 1 and 2 in a small, narrow building, the buffet bar is a very handy facility for anyone who finds that the times of the train and shuttle bus didn’t marry up very well. The building dates back to 1908 and apparently has listed status. It’s certainly a pleasant enough spot to spend a bit of time, with some lovely tiled walls and a mosaic tile floor creating a bit of a time warp feel. There is enough room for three or four tables, all laid out formally with placemats and cutlery, opposite the servery which runs the full length of the room. There are a couple of large mirrors, including a huge one behind the bar, which help to make the place feel a bit roomier than it really is. A fireplace can be found on the far wall, but I’m not sure if it ever gets used. A TV screen was on, possibly more for the benefit of the staff than customers, and it was showing an unfamiliar American sit-com. There is a good value take-away menu and I enjoyed a very tasty bacon sandwich, served to me by a polite waitress. Beer wise, there are just the three keg options unfortunately – Carling, Worthington Creamflow and Thatcher’s cider, plus one of those Guinness charger gadgets. I noticed a few bottles as well, but couldn’t tell if there was anything interesting. This might not strictly be a pub but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’ve been delayed and don’t want to make the trip back into town to entertain yourself. It’s also worth a quick peek to check out the tiling or to grab one of those aforementioned bacon butties.