Kildare Lodge, Minehead

E TA left this review about Kildare Lodge

An attractive hotel which no longer offers accommodation or restaurant services. The owners now live in it as their family home, though they keep the pub open as a wet-led business offering quality ales and convivial hospitality. The rooms now used are two dining rooms, a drawing room with an open fire and a raised bar area with bar stools and a couple of armchairs. There is some parking in the grounds at the front, while the rear garden is sheltered, well kept and attractive. There is a boules court which gets regular use. We found the landlady very welcoming, eager to chat and very proud of her ale quality – rightly so. The landlord was also present, though he stayed in the drawing room chatting to his regulars. The pub is popular with charity and other local groups. Entering here feels like going through a time warp to a more gentile time, or at least a less stressful day. Ales on were Butty Bach, Tribute, Dartmoor Legend and Palmer’s 200, while another handpump dispensed Exmoor Cider. The keg options were Hobgoblin Dark Stout, Poretti, 1664, Carlsberg and Thatcher’s Gold. It’s only a short walk from the grockle traps down the road, but it’s a world away in other senses, well worth making the effort. It’s on the 2025 CAMRA Somerset Ale trail.

On 28^th August 2025 - rating: 8
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