The Sun Inn, Bruton

A good start to post-lockdown drinking, it was good news to find this pub open at lunchtime, albeit with a few restrictions. It supposedly has 13th Century roots, though these are not easy to see. It may have been used as a coaching inn, and the courtyard layout supports this. Inside, there are bars both sides. On the left as you enter from the high street is normally a saloon and dining room, the other side a public bar with pool table and darts. There is a more comfortable lounge bar at the rear, and a skittle alley which doubles as a function room. Passing through to the rear, there is a paved terraced yard with plenty of seating, some of it covered by a high canvas roof supported by columns which also support large infra red heaters. Most of the yard is usable by smokers. There was only one ale on, Doombar, which was in good condition. The staff were pleasant and welcoming, and there was a strong local contingent in. I’d be very happy to revisit, hopefully when restrictions are over and they have more ale on.

Attractive old inn, albeit one given a slightly unexpected semi-modern makeover inside. Partly opened in places, but retaining much of its original layout with a busy (and more traditional) Public Bar with a pool table and a smarter (but modest) Saloon Bar which is supplemented by a small side room (with local history photographs on the walls) and slightly larger and brighter rear dining area. Also has a notional 'beer terrace' and skittle alley at the back. Two real ales on handpump: Doom Bar and - thankfully - Piston Broke from the Box Steam Brewery (£3.20).

Official site of The Sun Inn - www.thesuninnbruton.com

Official site of The Sun Inn - www.thesuninnbruton.com