Half Moon Inn, Taunton

A large Victorian village manse with a very big garden, the sort of house you might see in a Christmas Album, where festivals and other outdoor village functions are hosted. There is also a children's play area and a small seating area for smokers and al fresco drinkers. Inside, the rooms are open plan and quite atmospheric. Food is mostly OK – the specials were definitely better than the a la fridge menu - but not in the gastro league, and portions are large, perhaps too much so. There were 4 barrels of beer behind the bar, but apparently they weren't ready to drink, a shame as the Otter had just gone off at the handpump, leaving only Doombar for ale drinkers. Staff were friendly, locals tolerant if a little aloof, and human and canine customers were equally respected. Overall it was a very pleasant session, and it would have been very good if the beer selection had been better planned (it was a busy weekend with known events) by the landlord.

Local pub in small village, so why were all the beers standard brands? Youngs and Butcombe were on offer. Chips were good though

This pub is the sole survivor of three pubs, which Stoke St. Mary possessed at the turn of the century. It is a fairly large country pub, obviously quite extended from its original stone building. But it is well laid out for both drinking and dining, having two central stone floored room areas in front of the bar and then three decent sized dining areas either side of these. The bar supports four real ale hand pumps but only three were going at the time of my visit and these were GK Abbott, Fullers London Pride and Butcombe Bitter. Tried the pride and the Butcombe Bitter and both were in excellent nick. The evening meals were decent quality and substantial so no fault there neither. Would definately return if in the area again.