The Master Thatcher, Holway Park, Taunton

A modern pub built in around 1996 in a traditional style with thatched roof, exposed beams and a pleasant brick chimney breast, complete with open fire, at on end. There is a ample parking at the back and by the main door, and there is further parking next door in the Tesco car park. Outside areas are limited, so smokers tend to congregate by the man door which isn’t particularly inviting. Inside, there are two main bar areas. The first is like a traditional public bar, with a mix of stone and wooden flooring, a pool table, gaming machines and the aforementioned fireplace. There are also some comfortable Chesterfields and more casual tables for bar snacks. The second area is FOR dining, served by a carvery and furnished with dining tables. As well as the carvery, basic pub grub is offered at low prices, and at commensurately low quality. The staff were a bit vague, not terribly welcoming, while the locals has clearly had too much lead in their cider that day. Five handpumps on the bar, only to working, both with Palmer’s beers – Dorset Gold and 200 – on. Both beers were in reasonable condition. It’s fine for a swift pint when passing, but I’m not sure I’d make an evening of it.