Oscars, Crewkerne

More traditional pub than wine bar, this little gem is housed in a 15th Century terrace and oozes character with its stone floor (partly renovated), exposed ornamental timbers and fireplaces. The church pews and mismatched tables and chairs add to the charm. There is a main bar with a dining area at the side, and a function room at the back. The staff were friendly, the customers were a mixed bag and they are dog-friendly. The absence of any decent wine stocks also belies the wine bar tag, though there was a poster advertising some sparkling wines. The actual line-up was a pub-standard set of pressure pumps with Guinness, Becks Vier, Stella, Carlsberg, Thatchers Haze and Gold, and Pimms, though there was, oddly, no megakeg bitter. Two handpumps were also there, one dry, the other serving Cotleigh Tawny Owl, and there was Kingstone Press cider in bottles. The Cotleigh was passed its best, but drinkable, and there were fresh barrels arriving as we supped. Food also looked good, freshly cooked, and the soup in particular came in massive bowls. Dog treats were also on sale. Not wildly exciting but a good place to come for a quiet lunch when in town.

Calls itself a wine bar, but looks more like a quaint pub / restaurant both inside and out. Mix of furniture, including a good selection of tall pews, with dark decor, restricted lighting and low ceilings enhancing the old-fashioned feel. Two real ales on handpump: Bombardier and Butcombe Bitter (£3.00). Overall, with a friendly welcome, this was rather better than I was expecting.