The Prestleigh Inn, Shepton Mallet

After a period of morbidity this Victorian village pub has been taken over by Chloe Lovell, former chef at the Lamb and Lion in Hambridge. There is a small car park one side of the pub and another, much larger one the other. The garden is a bit scruffy and nondescript, but it’s early days for Chloe and her team so it should get better as we move into Spring and Summer. Inside,there is an L-shaped main bar which has a very low counter, various tables and chairs and a pool table. There is also a large TV, but this was switched off when we visited. At the back is a former large store room which has been converted to a restaurant. There is a small local following building already, and there is a lot of passing and casual trade from the nearby Bath and West Showground. Ales on were two from Fine Tuned – Langport Bitter and Sunshine Reggae – and Tribute. I’m very keen to come back and try the food, and I’m equally happy to come back for a few beers.