Valiant Soldier, Roadwater, Watchet

E TA left this review about Valiant Soldier

A family-owned freehouse which does B&B. The location is quite picturesque, sitting by a small river flowing through the relatively unspoiled countryside at the edge of a small settlement. The pub, though, has been overdeveloped and much of its rural charm lost. What was once a large rural garden has mostly been tarmaced over to provide extensive parking at the back, leaving a very narrow strip of lawn by the river, big enough for only a couple of benches. At the front is a small garden area, clinically tendered, with a couple of benches and tables, and an adventure playground for younger children. What hits you first as you enter the building is the overpowering stench of burnt meat; this is prevalent throughout the pub and very off-putting. The single large L-shaped bar is formed from knocking through the downstairs rooms. At one end are a pool table and dartboard, the remainder being filled with dining tables. It’s carpeted, has plenty of exposed timbers and a chimney breast with a woodburner, but it all feels rather sterile, lacking pub atmosphere and having the air of a Home Counties chain pub rather than a Somerset local. This isn’t mitigated by the attitude of the staff, whom we felt were functional rather than welcoming. Food is standard pub grub dressed as ‘daily specials’, plus they offer Sunday roast. Prices are high, adding to the view that the pub is over-commercialised. Jail Ale, Harding’s Best Bitter and two Porlock Vale ciders were on handpumps, plus there was a standard selection of keg. It’s on the Coleridge Trail and the 2025 Somerset CAMRA Ale Trail, but I don’t think it justifies a visit for its own sake.

On 4^th August 2025 - rating: 6
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