The Landing Light, Weston Super Mare

A Marston’s new build, comprehensively described by Blackthorn, below. The gaming machines were switched off, much to the chagrin of the feral children roaming the bar, while the 1970s muzak made it feel impersonal, an impression enhanced by the blank looks on the joy-less faces of the overworked staff – too any demanding customers, too few staff. Ales on were Pedigree and Brakspear’s Oxford Gold, both in average-to-poor condition. The keg bank dispensed Amstel, Carlsberg, San Miguel and two ciders from Thatcher’s. Convenient for the Helicopter Museum, but that’s about all that can be said for it.

A new build pub on the outskirts of Weston opposite the helicopter museum, it is one of a few in the vicinity that have been constructed to serve the recent sprawl of new houses in the area. Inevitably a new pub is never going to have the same old world charm as a traditional hostelry, but overall I thought they done a pretty good job and it certainly has a bit more character than many of the bland identikit pubs that have sprung up in recent years. Internally it’s one large, open plan L-shape pub, although divided in to separate areas by the use of wood or glass partitioning. Décor wise it’s quite contemporary with cream coloured tiling on the walkways and patterned carpet elsewhere with various pastel shades of blue and yellow paintwork on the walls. Wooden shelving units housed a number of knick-knacks and there was a brick chimney breast in one corner with the fire somewhat unusually being at chest height with a basket of logs underneath. A further gas fire was at the rear. An area down to the left looked initially to be a dining area but on further investigation it seemed to be more of a family area and included a small children’s play area. The menu was a mass produced, laminated affair and was divided in to a number of sections such as burgers, grills, curries, mains and a section on customisable rotisserie chickens – choose your size (even a whole one!), type of topping, accompaniment, and so on. The rotisserie was clearly something of a theme and the unit in question was open for all to see. Despite a board outside saying that head chef Dave welcomed me to the pub, I was initially sceptical that he’d have much to do, but perhaps he does have his hands full customising people’s chickens. Prices were mostly somewhere around the £8 - £10 mark. A Yee-Ha! Burger with pulled pork and Monterey Jack cheese was a decent enough dish and came complete with chips (sorry, skin on fries) and slaw. Beers on tap were Marston’s Blond Ale, Pedigree and Hobgoblin, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. Ciders meanwhile were Strongbow and Thatcher’s Gold. Overall, whilst this isn’t the sort of place I’m going to make a point of stopping at for a pint, it’s a decent enough pit stop for a bite to eat and the staff were all very friendly and helpful which is not something you always get in chain places by any means.