Old Down Inn, Radstock

Situated just off the main A37, this pub appears to serve as a hostelry for locals, in addition to a restaurant for passing diners. A parrot will greet you near the entrance, just before you reach a podium where you are invited to wait to be seated. In front of the entrance corridor is the main bar area, where local drinkers seem to congregate. Toby jugs line the top shelf along with a couple of vintage soft toys that have since been banned for racial reasons. To the right of the entrance corridor are the toilets and at least one large dining room, which looks as if it may also serve as a function room. To the left of the entrance corridor appeared to be further dining space. 3 real ales were on - Butcombe Original, St Austell Tribute & Bass. The cider was Thatcher's Stan's Traditional. A strange place that seems to try to suit all needs. The parrot didn't say much!

This roadside pub was originally a coaching inn on an important crossroads, and it still does B&B. It’s also well known as a restaurant. It’s set back from the modern road and it has a large carpark. You enter through a foyer which (sadly) houses a caged parrot, where you either wait to be greeted for a restaurant table or accommodation, or you pass through to the bar which is open to non-residents. The restaurant occupies a large portion of the ground floor and has its own bar counter, while the bar itself is smaller and quite cosy. It’s family-run, and they do go out of the way to make people feel welcome. The bar and other public rooms are adorned with various bric-a-brac including a large collection of Toby jugs. The customers are a mixed bunch including casual passers-by and local workers on their way home. It was friendly though not completely convivial. Food was basic and well cooked, and it wasn’t expensive for the area. Ales on were Bass and Butcombe Original, both in good condition. I’d be very happy to come back and it would make a good pitstop, though it closes during the afternoon.