The Winchester Arms, Taunton

A lively freehouse known locally as ‘The Winch’ which, although part of the Taunton sprawl, still has a village pub feel to it.  The building is around 200 years old and has been modernised sympathetically.  There is a small car park at the back which separates the pub from a single-story skittle alley.  Alongside the car park is a thin lawned garden which overlooks a deep ditch which, apparently, has a stream in it, though it was too overgrown to tell.  There is a large square decked area with tables and chairs and a tiny covered smoking area on the other side of the pub with room for a single wooden bench.  Inside, the front rooms have been knocked into a long, carpeted bar with a 1960s-style fireplace at one end and the chimney breast, opened out on both sides, in the middle.  There is a separate dining room, and they have a couple of B&B rooms, though dogs are no permitted in the latter.  Food is freshly cooked and, although not cheap, represents reasonable value for money.  There was a boxed cider behind the bar and three draft ales on – Parkway Top Dog, Langton Thomas Lift and Bay’s Topsail, plus 4 craft beers.  Due to driving I only had the Parkway, which was in excellent condition.  They run regular social events, too many to list here, but all are on their website.  The landlady was very cheerful, while the pub was, o this occasion, crowded with staff from the nearby private school.  I’d be very happy indeed to come back here. It’s on the 2019 Somerset Ale Trail.