The Crooked Swan, Crewkerne

This fine Georgian former coaching inn has finally reopened after substantial internal renovation. The original downstairs rooms have been conjoined, the load-bearing walls replaced with I-beams from Swan Steel, appositely left exposed to display the name cast into the web. The sheltered courtyard is gravelled and has new metal furniture. Half of the new bar is a comfortable lounge area with a stone fireplace, while the other half is a more formal dining area. The floor is wood laminate and contiguous through the whole bar and the décor includes a stuffed swan ‘flying’ over the bar. The young staff were pleasant, enthusiastic yet inexperienced. Hotel accommodation is still on offer. Food is restaurant food, and it’s not cheap. Ales on were Otter Amber, Sharp’s Atlantic and two from Bristol Brewing Company – Notorious and Fortitude. I had the Otter, and it was in very good condition. It’s good to see another Crewkerne pub reopening, particularly when it’s done to a high standard as this one has been.

Imposing-looking three-storey Georgian listed building, formerly a hotel, with a porticoed front entrance but much more basic inside than one might expect. The bar has been opened up at some stage to form a staple-shaped layout with a pool table at one end and a mix of plain furniture (plus two dartboards) at the other. Limited decor. Sports TV and live music advertised. No food. Just Doom Bar (£2.50) available from the two handpumps.