The Brook House Inn, Ansford, Castle Cary

A Victorian roadside inn which offers overnight accommodation for caravans, motorhomes and other itinerants.  The pub sits on a junction between two historic market towns and is an easy win for those with an interest in the area’s history and ecology.  There is a good sized garden with a rather dilapidated children’s play area, and a reasonable albeit scruffy car park for normal people.  Inside, the bar, a knock-through, feels homely.  There is a separate skittle alley and a function room for hire, and they offer an off-site catering service. The two front rooms are conjoined  and carpeted and in a vague U-shape, a single fire heating the whole thing.  The décor and furniture are basic, and the food, touted on laminated menus, is basic pub grub, locally sourced and very well cooked.  Various craft-type niknaks were on sale for those who enjoy such things.  The welcome from the landlady was warm and genuine.  Some of the locals are best described as eccentric-but-harmless.  Other customers present were more mainstream but less interesting, unless you are a talent scout for a care home.  The single real ale – Fine Tuned’s Langport - was excellent, making the trip worthwhile especially as it was complemented by Sheppy’s Cider on draught.  While not spectacular, I thought this was a very nice, unpretentious local, hopefully not ruined by the grockles who see it as a cheap night’s parking for their thromboses, and I’d be very happy to revisit when passing.

Official site of The Brook House Inn - www.brookhouseinn-touringpark.co.uk

Official site of The Brook House Inn - www.brookhouseinn-touringpark.co.uk