The Somerset Inn, Taunton

Surprisingly, this back street boozer has been here since 1859. The surprise is that it looks like a modern conversion of an Edwardian terrace, with its cheap double glazing at the front. But once through the door you find yourself in a large single bar that again feels modern with its carpet tiled floor. There is a TV showing live sports, a pool table and a dartboard, plus plenty of room for socialising, all of which make it feel like a proper local, almost more like a social club than a pub. The welcome is sincere, from both staff and locals. There was only one ale on, Tribute, which was in good condition. This is a new innovation – until recently there was no real ale, so this is a good news story. OK if you’re in the area, certainly more pleasant than some other places, but it only opens evenings from 7pm, and not at all at lunchtimes.