The Retreat (Corner House Hotel), Taunton

An hotel (The Corner House) bar (The Retreat) in an impressive neo-Gothic former ecclesiastical residence, a bit of an oasis of calm in an otherwise functional area of town. As such it was a nice surprise, given its previous history as a ‘sausage and ale’ house; it was indeed previously known as ‘Wine and Sausage’. Given the activity that allegedly went on there, the name was apt. It is however now a respectable boutique hotel. The bar is behind the reception and is formed from three smaller rooms conjoined, as evinced by the different flooring styles – tiles and timber. The room is light and airy, the atmosphere calm. There are several glass cabinets containing wine and champagne along the walls. Only one ale on, Exmoor Fox, which was over-priced and in poor condition. Handy for the courts if that is why you’re in this area.

Official site of The Retreat (Corner House Hotel) - www.corner-house.co.uk

Official site of The Retreat (Corner House Hotel) - www.corner-house.co.uk