The Hatch Inn, Taunton

Refurbished since BobOs's review, and thankfully free from the Mr Blobby fans who mobbed the place when Noel Edmonds had some sort of theme park near by. It's now a village pub catering for its locals and, by virtue of its above average food quality, families and groups who travel from afar. The main bar is at the front, formed from conjoining two smaller bars while retaining the original bow windows, and there is a second, larger bar at the back which is mainly a dining room despite the presence of a dartboard. Most of the seating in the bar was around tables, but there were a couple of low benches near the stone fireplace which graces one end. There is no proper garden at the moment, just a concreted yard at the back through which the gents' toilet is reached and which is only really of interest to smokers. A couple of benches are also available at the front, on a narrow strip of garden next to the road. There is an Illy coffee machine on the bar, next to handpumps dispensing Stag and Barrel (their own house brew) and Bay's Topsoil. A board behind the bar suggested that Yeovil Ruby and Teignworthy Scrum Down were also available. Just off the A358 it's a decent place to stop for lunch (make sure you book) and I'd be happy to batten down here for an evening's drinking with friends if we could get a table.

Suffered somewhat when the bypass was built but seems to have survived quite well. Comfortable and clean village pub, albeit somewhat spartan interior, with reasonable welcome and well kept ales (Cotleigh Harrier and Sharp's Doom Bar were on during my last visit). Didn't eat but menu is very limited and very ordinary. Average.

Official site of the Hatch Inn, contains menus - www.thehatchinn.co.uk

Official site of the Hatch Inn, contains menus - www.thehatchinn.co.uk