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Picture of The Volunteer
Image posted by john mcgraw
Submitted on Wednesday, 23rd September 2009
With picture contributions to 21062 other pubs
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The Volunteer, Ilminster

Pub added by elizabeth mcgraw
New Road
Seavington St. Michael
Postal town: Ilminster
TA19 0QE
Phone: 01460240126
Correct details

Served areas

Reviews of The Volunteer (Average Rating: 6 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Please Note: This review is over a year old.


E TA left this review about The Volunteer

Now a brew pub on the former main road, it consists of 3 rooms which have been conjoined but not really amalgamated – so it all seems a bit out of place, especially given that the owners’ living space and family activity overflows from the domestic areas to the pub. That said, it means the place is homely, with décor which would not look out of place in a 1950s period drama, clashing as it does with the pubs exposed timbers and original stone fireplace with its large woodburner. There is also a collection of artefacts dotted around, including several beer mugs hanging from the ceiling and a piano with a score of Fuer Elise propped open on its music stand. Around the fireplace is a group of comfy sofas, while there are several tables around, some laid for diners, others simply available fro drinking and socialising. There were 4 pumps on the bar dispensing their own ales – Windy Brewery is the trade name and the ales follow the theme. Tornado Bitter and Windward Stout looked good, but I went for an El Nino IPA (4.2ABV) which was pretty good. Food is home cooked and the menu varies, but I didn’t think it was that cheap. Nearly all the customers were locals, and they weren’t that welcoming, unlike the landlady who was quite friendly. The beer was good, the pub was certainly atmospheric, but there was something I wasn’t quite comfortable with. That said I’d be very happy to drop back in for a pint and a bite next time I’m passing, and it’s on the 2018 Somerset Ale Trail, though opening times can be variable so don’t get blown out.

On 9th April 2018 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3272 recommendations about 3237 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Brew Guru left this review about The Volunteer

Probably improved a bit on Paris's review below. The pub is now home to Windy Brewery (a bit unfortunate considering one of the side effects of copious volumes of beer imbibed) brewed on site. I tried the Tornado, a 3.9% Copper coloured bitter which was perfectly acceptable. They also do a Flurry at 4.2% which was not on. Other beers on were from the St Austall range - Black Prince and Tribute. Was disappointed to have missed the Jubilee ale from Windsor Brewery. Seemed fairly popular with good passing trade and a couple of regulars at the bar.

On 13th June 2012 - rating: 6
[User has posted 116 recommendations about 101 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Paris Hilton left this review about The Volunteer

Roadside traditional village pub on the old A303 tourist route to the Westcountry. 5 handpumps but an unimaginative choice of Courage Best, Youngs Special, Ruddles County(!?), RCH Pitchfork and Cotleigh Owlzat. The Pitchfork was fine. There are better pubs in South Somerset should you wish to seek them out.

BTW, the landlord is to start brewing his own beer in the next few weeks so look out for this here and in pubs and shops in the surrounding area.

On 13th July 2011 - rating: 5
[User has posted 78 recommendations about 62 pubs]

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Pub location see interactive map of local area
Map location corrected by Jonathan Wilde
Crewkerne, 6.14 miles, 1 hr 58 min walk (show)
Yeovil Pen Mill, 11.5 miles, 3 hr 41 min walk (show)
Yeovil Junction, 11.85 miles, 3 hr 48 min walk (show)
Latest updates View all updates for The Volunteer, Seavington St. Michael
9th Apr 2018, 06:47
Review submitted by E TA
 
22nd May 2016, 20:52
Pub map correction submitted by Jonathan Wilde approved

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 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Bar Billiards : No last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • CAMRA Discount : No last updated 25 March 2018 by E TA
  • Car Park : Yes last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Child Friendly : Yes last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Function Room : No last updated 25 March 2018 by E TA
  • Hot Food : Yes last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Jukebox : No last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Live TV Sports : Yes - BT Sport - last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Micropub : No last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Pinball : No last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Pool Table : No last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Quiz Night : Yes last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
  • Real Ale : Yes last updated 13 June 2012 by hondo .
  • Real Cider : Yes last updated 25 March 2018 by E TA
  • WiFi : Yes - BT WiFi - last updated 22 May 2016 by Jonathan Wilde
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