The Pecking Mill Inn, Shepton Mallet

A fairly large roadside inn which does B&B.  There is a large car park one side and a smaller one the other, but no real outside space apart from a rather sad terrace with benches and tables, at the front with views of the HGV traffic which passes at regular intervals.  On approaching it looks dilapidated, piles of builders’ debris and a rusty old van were outside, the sign is broken and on the ground, and it was initially difficult to see whether or not is was actually open; it was.  You enter through the bar, which is small and has been recently renovated, though it looks a bit jerry-built and feels cold and lacking in atmosphere.  The floors are modern stone tiles, the counter-front is made from laminate floorboards.  I’ve seen better bars in people’s garages.  To the left is a small restaurant area which follows the bar’s theme.  The accommodation and toilets are to the right, through a series of corridors and small staircases that make you feel like you’re in an adventure playground.  The landlord was welcoming enough once he realised we were there – there were no other customers.  Only one ale on, Tribute, which was in poor condition.  I hope it improves over the Summer as it’s in a prime location near the County Showground, but as it stands I don’t plan a return visit.