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Chat about:
Pub annoyances #834 with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Jonathan Wilde
Submitted on Sunday, 14th January 2024
With picture contributions to 4517 other pubs
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Detail Pages
Sheep & Penguin, Wells
Wells
BA5 2DZ
Served areas
Reviews of Sheep & Penguin (Average Rating: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Blackthorn _ left this review about Sheep & Penguin
Much as described by ETA below, this has been shut for more than ten years so it’s great so see it being given a new lease of life after an extensive refurbishment. Although I think I probably visited previously I really can’t remember what it was like, but Mrs B who grew up in the area and used to frequent it says that it’s quite unrecognisable.
It’s formed in to a reverse L-shape internally, with a long room at the front housing the bar counter. There are sanded wooden boards on the floor along with some Victorian style chequered tiling by the bar, and very new looking, or at least renovated, exposed stone walling at either end. High tables and chairs were arranged along the front to make the most of the outlook, and the colour scheme was a mixture of deep aqua blue and mustard yellow, although there was also some maroon wood panelling on the lower part of the walls at the rear. A snug area at the front was perhaps a little cosier with some upholstered arm chairs and stools as well as a sheep and a penguin on the window sill, and there was a wood burning stove off to the right, as well as a further wood burner on a freestanding dual aspect brick chimney breast at the rea, which was something of a feature perhaps. A small courtyard patio area was at beyond this.
The menu looked a step up from your usual pub grub, with most of the main courses being £20+. We were on there for a quick bite on a lunchtime, and were really after a sandwich or something similar. The only options were a steak or fish goujon ciabatta. We opted for the latter, which was a fish finger sandwich in all but name, and was served with a small bowl of chips. At £16.95 it seemed rather expensive.
Beers on tap were Moor Stout, Electric Bear’s Citra Self Down and their own Sheep & Penguin Bitter brewed by the New Bristol Brewery, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Iford Wild Juice which went down well. Overall, I’ve mixed feelings about this. It’s great to see it re-open, they’ve done an extensive refurbishment even if it isn’t perhaps to my taste, and the staff were very friendly. But somehow it just didn’t quite hit the spot for me, partly because of the food prices no doubt but it just seemed a bit lacking in atmosphere or charm.
On 7th May 2024
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1953 recommendations about 1866 pubs]
E TA left this review about Sheep & Penguin
Previously The Mermaid, the pub reopened under the new name in Aug 2023. I wonder whether the name is a reference to the Falkland Islands – quite probable given that the pub is next door to the Falkland Islands Agency, which further raises the question as to whether the two businesses are connected. Whether it is or not, the pub has been substantially renovated inside and is now a bright, airy open plan space with wooden flooring and plenty of space between the tables. The original brick fireplace has been kept and the bar is a U-shaped dining and drinking area. There is no proper garden as such, but there is a paved yard at the back with a covered patio area and high tables. There is also a private dining room, but we didn’t look inside there. Ales on were Cheddar’s Gorge Best and two from Bristol Beer Factory: Big City Nights and Wildness. Keg offerings were Camden Helles, Kimono Weekday, Meantime IPA and Thatcher’s Gold. The young staff were very pleasant and helpful. The pub also offers B&B so would make a good place to stay, probably a better bet than some of the hotels in town. I’d be happy to come back for lunch of a beer.
On 8th September 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3297 recommendations about 3262 pubs]
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- Official site of Sheep & Penguin - www.thesheepandpenguin.co.uk
- Facebook page of Sheep & Penguin - www.facebook.com
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Sheep & Penguin - whatpub.com
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : Yes last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Car Park : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Darts : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Function Room : Yes last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Jukebox : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Karaoke : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Micropub : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Pinball : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Pool Table : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 09 May 2014 by Dave McNally
- Real Cider : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- Wheelchair Access : No last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
- WiFi : Yes last updated 20 August 2023 by E TA
