The Half Moon Inn & Country Lodge, Yeovil

A Seventeenth Century roadside inn which has been substantially renovated. It still does B&B, though it is the former skittle alley which has been converted to provide chalets for this purpose with only a couple of guest rooms left in the main building. There is a large car park with some bays reserved for disabled badge holders. The former stable yard now has a few tables and chairs for al fresco diners and drinkers. Inside, there are several open-plan dining and drinking areas, served from a central bar counter. Rustic features – mostly repro – abound, including exposed beams, rural bric-a-brac fixed to the walls and a large, open stone fireplace at one end. Ales and cider are gravity-served from barrels on stillage behind the bar. The ales on during this visit were HSD and St Austell's Proper Job, the cider was Black Rat. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, although the first thing you see when entering is a sign pinned to the door with a rather tedious list of rules about bringing dogs in, which you can do now. Food is freshly prepared, though the list of 'specials' on the blackboard is quite extensive, so one wonders how 'special' they are. There was no background music, just a quiet, convivial atmosphere and excellent beer. I'd be happy to come back when passing and would probably try it as a B&B.

Official site of the Half Moon Inn, contains menus - www.thehalfmooninn.co.uk

Official site of the Half Moon Inn, contains menus - www.thehalfmooninn.co.uk