Cross Keys Inn, Somerton

Staff had gone to good lengths to celebrate Halloween in this country pub situated on a busy crossroads. The bar staff were dressed up and even the music being played was related to Halloween. Entering from the car park, you pass through an outdoor drinking area, before entering the first indoor area, where all beers and ciders are listed on blackboards. Most ales and ciders are then dispensed from the tap room, on the road side of the pub. Three real ales were on - Wychwood Hobgoblin, Hanlon's Yellow Hammer & Pitchfork Beetlejuice. Real ciders were Lilley's Mango Cider, Harry's Dry, Rich's Medium & Heck's Browns Apple & Kingston Black. The interior was certainly not what I was expecting from a village pub and made a refreshing change. Certainly a pub I wouldn't mind returning to one day.

Revamped by a local businessman the reputed aim is to establish a pub to rival the Halfway House, Pitney. Indeed with the manager being ex HH this has gone some, if not all, of the way to doing this. Bright and airy inside with tables set for the restaurant and locals around the bar. Ales are served from a stillage, a chalk board lists the beers, but not the breweries which made identifying the beers trickier than usual. There are large function rooms and a skittle alley across the entrance to the large car park. Camping is also available. Beers (once identified) were from Milk Street, Abbey Ales, Hop Back and Teignworthy plus one I couldn't work out! All good condition.