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Home , Minehead railway station, West Somerset Railway

WEST RAILWAY – CAMRA (SOMERSET BRANCH)

A REAL ALE GUIDE TO THE RAILWAY

Special thanks are due to the members of the Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) who carried out nearly all of the pub and brewery research which is contained in this Guide. CAMRA has been the leading consumer voice for beer drinkers and pub goers for over 40 years and details of membership can be found in most if not all of the pubs in this Guide. The Branch also produces a quarterly Newsletter “Pints of View” which you may find in the pubs and will give you up to date information about local pub and brewery news.

The is England’s longest “heritage” railway with its trains running over twenty miles of line between station (four miles from ) and . The Railway can be reached by public transport. The nearest railway and coach stations are in Taunton and First Bus service 28 runs a regular service from both of those to Bishops Lydeard station.

The best way to explore the Railway and the communities is to purchase a Day Rover Ticket which lets you get on and off trains as you wish through the day and these can be purchased at a discounted rate from the website at www.west-somerset- railway.co.uk. During the two days of the Real Ale Festival at Minehead station in September CAMRA Members can obtain discounted Rover Tickets over the counter by showing their membership cards (but not at other times, unfortunately).

In total there are 10 stations along the route of the line and this Guide lists 8 of them from which have pubs serving real ale either within a sensible walking distance or along a bus route. The two exceptions are firstly Heathfield which is otherwise an idyllic rural station but sadly over a mile and a half from the Carew Arms in Crowcombe or the Blue Ball Inn at Triscombe. Apart from the distance the walk to these does involve a potentially hazardous section of the A358 road. Secondly Doniford Halt is only of drinkers’ interest to those who wish to take a walk to the pubs in or . On the other side of the coin WSR trains pass close by the “Farmers Arms” at but there has never been station or halt at Combe Florey. It is accessible over a rural footpath from Bishops Lydeard station which will take around an hour, otherwise it is a fairly long step along a very busy and hazardous road from the village bus stop.

Despite its reputation as a cider drinking county there has always been a strong brewing tradition in Somerset and currently there are no less than 14 independent brewers in the county. These include the larger concerns such as Cotleigh and based in Wiveliscombe and then go down to the very small concerns such as Odcombe and Stowey. You are very unlikely to find the products of all of them whilst exploring the pubs in this Guide, but “guest beer” appearances will probably produce some whilst on the other side of the coin you are more than likely to find at least one or two pumps serving products from brewers in the surrounding counties such as Otter. In the last few years St Austell has extended its trading range widely through South West England and their products will be found in many outlets.

Back in the days of the brewery-tied pubs the majority of the licensed houses in West Somerset were divided up between Courage, Grand Metropolitan (under the Ushers brand name) and Whitbread. As the pub owning business has looked more and more to the bottom line many rural pubs have become free houses or part of pub company chains. The free houses and to some extent the pubcos have created the market for the smaller breweries to sell their products. In the last few years St Austell has extended its tied estate into Somerset and marketed their products vigorously to the free trade as well, meaning that the visiting drinker to the area is very likely to be find one or more of the Cornish regional brewer’s products, including seasonal specials, on the bar in many of the local pubs.

A result of these developments is that there can be quite a rate of change in what pubs have to offer and their quality. With a change of licensee the beer range, menus and welcome can become completely different to what has gone before, for good or for ill. Badly run pubs or ones that acquire a dubious reputation can go to the wall and close, sometimes for a short period before a new landlord or landlady moves in and sometimes for good. With that in mind we have kept this Guide basic and cheap to purchase, rather than going for heavier paper and binding, in the knowledge that it will go out of date quickly. If you find changes that you think should be reported please e-mail [email protected]. By the same reckoning we will place changes – the one’s we are reliably informed of - on the West Somerset Railway website www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.

When we reprint the Guide we will put that information on the website also and if you wish to replace the issue you hold with the new one before visiting simply send it back to West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG with a cheque for £1.00 and the latest version will be yours.

Although this is a Beer Guide a number of the pubs also sell traditional cider. With the takeover and subsequent closure of Taunton Cider the largest producer locally is Sheppy’s. There are smaller concerns and if you wish to visit a traditional cider making farm alight at station. Follow the walking route to the White Horse and take the left hand fork in the road junction. This bears left over the trackbed of the old West Somerset Mineral Railway (closed over 100 years ago) and shortly beyond this is Torre Cider where you learn about the making of Somerset Cider, try and purchase if you wish. Just allow good time to get back to the train and treat the product with lots of respect.

TAUNTON

Although WSR trains currently begin and end their journeys at Bishops Lydeard, 4 miles from the county town of Somerset, we have included two pubs within sensible walking distance of the main line railway station in case you have some time to wait for a train home.

If you leave the station from platform 5 and by the main entrance adjacent to the ticket office aim across towards Riley’s snooker hall (closed) on the corner of Railway Street and turn right along the main road. With the imposing St Andrews Church on your left as you head along the road cross over two zebra crossings and opposite the triangular road junction on the left you will find The Grove. Formerly the Cherry Grove this pub has undergone quite a transformation in recent years and regularly serves 2 to 3 rotating guest ales together with regular ones from the Butcombe, Cotleigh and Exmoor ranges. The opening hours are midday to midnight on Saturdays, 2 p.m. to midnight Monday to Friday and on Sundays midday to 10.30 p.m. Draught cider comes from Tricky’s. The internal layout is a large open bar with TV and pool table. Darts and skittles are played.

Alternatively leave from platform 2 through the archway, turn right and then left down the ramp. At the bottom of this cross the road by the zebra crossing, turn left under the bridge and around fifty yards on you will come to The Plough. The entrance is off the side alley and the pub is a lot large than it appears from the front with back rooms going back some distance. Beers and traditional ciders are dispensed on gravity and the beers are Otter Amber and selected ones from the Bath, Cotleigh and Exmoor ranges. The traditional ciders are from Sheppys, Trickys and Orchard Pig. Food concentrates on pies. Opening hours are 11.00 a.m. to midnight Mondays to Wednesdays and 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 a.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.

A number 28 bus runs between the two railway stations at 30 minute intervals with a journey time of some 20 minutes

EN ROUTE

Not strictly on any part of the WSR but if time permits it’s worth breaking your journey between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard to call in at The Cross Keys. A large stone built pub it has a split level open plan layout and a large garden above a stream with a covered area for smokers. There is usually a choice of four or five different ales, many from smaller brewers. The policy is also to support local brewers and a visual check of the pump clips around the walls will show how many beers have been available down the years. The pub is open 11 to 11 Monday to Saturday and midday to 10.30 and food is available for most of that time including some price deals.

BISHOPS LYDEARD

Despite the growth of the village in recent years it has not been enough to prevent two pubs closing and with the loss of The Bell the old trick of “if you wish to find the pub head for the church” won’t work any longer. However the remaining pair are both conveniently close to the station. Leave the station from the main platform (the one with the signal box on it) by the gates at the road bridge end. Carry on up the station approach road and where it joins the main road cross over and follow the underpass beneath the village bypass. After you have made your way back up to street level it is a very short walk past the bulk of the former fives wall (a now defunct Somerset outdoor pub game also played against church walls) to The Lethbridge Arms. Named after the family who were once major local landowners this pub has gone through a series of changes of tenancy in recent years. It is a large rambling roadside tavern with a public and a lounge bar, games room and restaurant. There is a large garden and an extensive car park. The pub serves the entire community with skittles and darts teams. Food is available all day. Accommodation is on offer with 2 family rooms, with 5 double rooms and two family rooms. In the winter there are 2 wood burning open fires and one bar is free of music and TV. Ales on sale are from Butcombe, Exmoor, Otter and Charles Wells. During the summer Thatchers Gold cider is served. Wi-fi is available. The area for smokers is an open one. An upright piano is available for the jazz and music nights. Carrying on up the main village street, which narrows just after the Lethbridge for a bridge over the mill steam you pass a garage on the left. As the main street swings around to the left on the right hand side you come to The Bird in Hand a good beer guide listed pub. A traditional two bar village local on the end of a terrace of cottages it has low ceilings, flagstone floors and a local clientele. It sells a revolving selection of real ale and cider, usually locally sourced and some pub food, Pub games and a small pub garden adjoining a car park which has facilities for motorhomes etc. Open all day. – The 28 bus to Taunton stops on a road junction 30 metres away.

CROWCOMBE HEATHFIELD

A lovely remote station but sadly the nearest two pubs are both 1.7 miles away so if you are stopping here a bottle of Cotleigh or Exmoor from the train buffet car is a good idea before alighting.

STOGUMBER

Another lost pub of the is the former Railway Hotel (closed in the late 1960’s) which is the large building adjacent to the steps leading down from the platform. The nearest pub is in the village and as we are talking a branch line through hill country said village is not in sight. The good news is that the walk over the ridge to get to village is a very pleasant one and The White Horse is a “Good Beer Guide” regular which punctuates the exercise nicely. Stogumber once had a brewery and one of its advertising posters adorns the walls of the pub. You’ll need to allow 30 minutes for the walk and keep an eye out as the road is narrow with high banks. In high season the pub can be selling up to seven ales. The regular ones found there include St Austell Proper Job and Dartmoor and beers from the Otter range. Local cider from The Mad Apple and Rich’s is also available. If you can’t see any please ask as ciders are not always displayed. The opening hours are midday to 23.00.

WILLITON

The station stands at one end of the village it has served since 1862 (and Williton does regard itself as a village even if it has the feel of a small town about it). Again two pubs have closed in recent times. The “Royal Huntsman” may come back to life but the “Egremont Hotel” has been converted to flats (sadly, as it had an interesting interior bar area and was one of the venues for board meetings of the original West Somerset Railway in the 19th century.) Fortunately one of the surviving houses is close to the station. Leave the station by the exit by the signal box and walk up to the end of Station Road. Turn right towards the village centre, pass Gilbert Scott Court (a former workhouse and hospital) on the right and you will find The Foresters Arms approximately ten minutes walk from the station. The pub is older than it looks and it is popular with cricket teams in the West Somerset League during summer weekends (and Somerset cricket is not as genteel and quiet as in some other parts of the land…..). It is open from 11.00 a.m. to midnight Mondays to Saturdays and 11 to 11 on Sundays. Architecturally it is a roadside pub with low timber beamed ceilings, two bar areas and a child friendly restaurant area. There is a wood burner in the L-shaped bar and there is a pool and games room at the back of the pub. Draught beers are St Austell Trelawney, Proper Job and Tribute plus a couple of guests. Ciders are from Rich’s of Highbridge and Mad Apple, which is an organic local product from Williton itself. Accommodation is eight double en suite rooms, some of which are in an adjacent lodge. Continuing up Long Street towards the village centre a ten minute walk brings you to a road junction. The site of the erstwhile West Somerset Antiques Centre is on your right and the Co-Operative supermarket opposite you. If you turn right here a five minute walk takes you to The Masons Arms, a thatched roadside pub in a road junction. Opening between 11.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m and 6.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays whilst on Sundays they are 11.00 a.m. to 3.00p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. As those hours might suggest the main emphasis is on food and the dining experience and if you plan to eat you may it sensible to book. The draught beers are Sharp’s Doombar, Exmoor Ale and Skinners’ Betty Stoggs. There is a beer garden at the rear. Accommodation is available and consists of three doubles and two singles, all of which are en-suite.

If you choose to turn left and follow the road towards Taunton you will find The Wyndham Arms on the right hand side after a walk of six or seven minutes. This is now a St Austell Brewery tied house and sells that brewery’s Dartmoor and Tribute plus two guest ales. A draught cider is usually available. Internally there is a large central bar area with a lounge bar area and restaurant on the left hand side as you enter. On the right there is a sports and pool room. It caters for a lot of local trade with a large number of pub sports teams based there. Architecturally it appears to have been a row of cottages originally with low ceilings and sunken floors. Opening hours are 5.00 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Mondays, 11.00 a.m to 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays to Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays it’s 11.00 a.m. to midnight. Food provided on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays lunchtimes only going over to lunch and evening from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Accommodation is three en-suite double rooms.

WATCHET

The ancient harbour town of Watchet has a history dating back well over 1000 years and has been prosperous enough in the past to attract attention both welcome and unwelcome (including being sacked a couple of times by marauding Vikings in the 870’s). Statues on the quayside depict “Yankee Jack”, a well known sailor and singer and “The Ancient Mariner” from the poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (who lived for a while nearby in Nether Stowey and whose cottage there is now in the care of the National Trust). The former harbour is now a marina. The town still has a number of pubs, all within very easy walking distance of the station. At the time of compiling this Guide although there is a Cask Marque sign outside the West Somerset Hotel which offers pub food and accommodation there was no real ale on sale.

The station has only one platform and if you walk towards the harbour and cross the line by the foot crossing you are on the quayside. The first real ale outlet you will reach is on the left, the Esplanade Club. This club has featured in the GBG for several years, and is open to CAMRA members; it regularly features St Austell products as well as a guest beer. Cider lovers will not be disappointed with Richs and occasional guest ciders being available. Facing the harbour outside tables are available in the summer and there is live entertainment at the weekend. Open between 12.00 and 3.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. and midnight. Something of a nautical tradition lives on in this old sail making loft. It was voted Somerset Branch Club of the Year 2010/11 and 12. Walking along the quayside and past the Town Museum you will find Pebbles Cider Bar and the London Inn as neighbouring buildings on the right had side of Market Street. Pebbles Cider Bar is open midday to 10.30 Monday to Sunday and offers what the name suggests. The four draught ciders on sale are Thatcher’s Cheddar Valley and Heritage, Richs’ and sometimes a guest. The range is augmented by a wide range of bottled ciders, mostly from Somerset producers. There are no cask- conditioned beers and food is bar snacks. The premises are child and dog friendly and have something of a continental bar feel to it. Live music by local musicians is played on the first Friday of each month. The London Inn has a U shaped central bar with open rooms to the left and right with open fires. The ceiling plaster has semi-recessed timber beams and cream plastered walls. At the back, upstairs is the restaurant which has large windows and wide views over the harbour and the Bristol Channel. The pub is an old fashioned, friendly local which has long standing nautical connection reflected in the model ships and other displays around the walls. The opening hours are 12 to midnight Monday to Saturday and 12.00 to 11.00 p.m. on Sundays. The draught beers are Exmoor Ale and Gold. Bar Food and Restaurant are open midday to 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 to 9.00 p.m. On the other side of Market Street is The Bell Inn. Claimed to have been a favourite inn for the poets Coleridge and Wordsworth (who visited Coleridge regularly when then former resided at Nether Stowey), the central passage way is known as “the horse walk” from the days when coach horses were walked through here en route to the stable block at the back which is now a skittle alley and function room. The interior has low-beamed ceilings and is divided into a public bar with usual pub games and a separate restaurant area with the horse walk as the divider. The garden at the rear of the building is child friendly. Opening hours are midday to 11.30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and midday to 10.30 p.m. at weekends. Food is served 12.00 to 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays. Sunday food is at lunchtimes only. The ales on offer are Sharpe’s Doombar, St Austell Tribute and two guest ales. Draught cider comes from Cheddar Valley. Continuing along the road the Star Inn is set back from the road beside the river. As you enter the main bar is in front of you with a smaller alcove area off to the right. The whole area is low-ceilinged. A left turn in front of the toilets takes you up some steps into the quiet garden area behind the pub The Star has been a regular Good Beer Guide entry for a number of years and has won “Pub of the Year” awards. Normally serving Cotleigh Tawny as well as other guest beers this pub has also a reputation for seafood. Usual opening hours are between 12.00 – 3.30 p.m. (4.00 Sundays) and 6.30 p.m. (7.00 p.m Sunday) – midnight.

WASHFORD

The station is the home to the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust whose museum and restoration base may be open when you arrive and is worth taking time to look at if it is. The Washford Inn is right alongside the station. It is open from midday to midnight Mondays to Fridays, midday to 1.00 a.m. on Saturdays, and 11.00 to 11.00 on Sundays. The regular ale offered is “Flying Scotsman” (Appropriately enough as it was once the “Station Hotel”) plus two guests. Food is available and there are 6 double and 2 twin en suite bedrooms. One large bar and restaurant area with a pool table and there is a garden with a child friendly play area.

Finding the White Horse is trickier. To walk directly down the main road towards it is very hazardous and so there is a way marked safe walking route to the pub, adding about five minutes walking time on to the journey. In case the signs have been removed the route is as follows. Leave the station and take the left-hand footpath in front of you. At the end of the row of houses turns left down the cul-de-sac to the t- junction at the far end. Turn right here and you come out at the main road adjacent to the church and the post office. Cross the road, keeping a very wary eye out as you do so, and head along Abbey Road with Cleeve Abbey in front of you. Passing the Abbey on the left (it is a very interesting place to visit if time permits), continue to a fork in the road and the White Horse is in front of you (walking time from the station around 25 minutes). The pub is an old fashioned characterful country local which is around 250 years old. Architecturally it is a long gallery type barn with whitewashed walls and slate/tiled roof. The interior features low timber beamed ceilings and flag stones and is divided into public bar and eating areas. There are wood burning stoves at each end of the building. Somewhat unusually the canopied smoking area, garden and games room are on the other side of the road beside the small Washford River. Accommodation is available in three double, one twin and one single en-suite rooms. Opening hours are midday to 11.00 seven days a week and food is served midday to 2 p.m. and 6.30 to 9.00 p.m. seven days a week. Ales are St Austell Dartmoor plus one other from St Austell, Sharpe’s Doombar, a house beer from Sharpe’s and one other. Traditional ciders on offer are Rich’s (from Highbridge) and Thatcher’s Gold.

BLUE ANCHOR

The station is at one end of a long sea front promenade and the all year round population of is very small in number. However there are two pubs to visit, even if one is at the other end of the sea front to the station. Leave the station by means of the gate by the signal box. This is on a blind bend by the so take some care. Bear right on to the seafront and start walking. It is around ten minutes to The Smugglers. Set back from the road this has more of the feel of a restaurant but there is a small bar area decorated with photographs of various locals and visitors. Yes, that is Don Powell, drummer of Slade, in one of them. There are usually two ales on sale Smuggled Otter and Fat Harry, a house beer from Skinners. Another hand pump offers cider from Westons. Opening hours are midday to 11.00 p.m. Food is served midday to 3.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and midday to 9.00 p.m. at weekends.

Turning right outside the Smugglers it is another 10 minutes to the Blue Anchor Hotel. 20minutes walk to the station (1600mts). The entrance is up the hill on the road to Watchet and it has a garden, which has suffered some coastal erosion in recent times. This commands excellent views up and down the Bristol Channel including the full vista on Blue Anchor Bay. This large stone built split level building has real fires, semi exposed timber ceilings, and wood/carpet floorings leading to central large U shaped bar with open stone fireplace and tables. Next level up is a large games room with pool table etc. and also toilets and access to back entrance to the beer garden with its children’s play area. The accommodation consists of 4 en-suite, and 2 double rooms. Large car park behind. If you miss the last train there is an occasional bus to Watchet and Minehead. Opening hours are between 12:00 to 10.30/11:00 p.m. every day. And food is served between 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.hrs, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. incl. Sunday. The regular drinks are Sharps Doombar, + 1 guest, plus Richs cider.

DUNSTER

When in the 1870’s the railway line was extended from Watchet to Minehead one of the main backers was the Luttrell family who owned Castle. However they were not keen on having trains too close to their property and as a result the station was built closer to the beach than the medieval village (in an area then known as Rotten Row and subsequently renamed Marsh Street). For passengers this has meant a 20 -25 minute walk to the village with the last section being uphill. There is no public transport from Dunster station but bus services do operate from right outside Minehead station to the bottom of the climb to the village (18 and 28) and less frequently into the village itself (398). However when you reach the village the first pub you will encounter is on the left hand side of the road looking towards the Castle and adjacent to the historic Yarn Market building is The Luttrell Arms and is a large 3 Star Hotel. There are two bars in an interior with old beams and a large fireplace and a very pleasant garden area which is an ideal spot to enjoy a quiet pint on a sunny day. The hotel is entering new ownership at the present time and beers on sale are currently Sharp’s Doombar and Skinners’ Betty Stoggs. Cider is from Cheddar Valley. Opening hours are 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. with food available from midday to 3.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. There are 25 rooms with 12 doubles, 5 4 posters and 8 twins all en suite. Farther along on the right of the road you will see The Dunster Castle Hotel. This combines a restaurant and bed and breakfast accommodation whilst the cellar bar is the main drinking area accessed by an entrance on the left as you make you way through the arched entrance. This has low ceilings and a number of alcoves one of which is dominated by a large TV screen. Accommodation is in seven double and one twin bed rooms. Beers are St Austell Tribute, Proper Job and Dartmoor. Opening hours are 11.00 to 11.00 in summer, reduced in winter. Food is served 12.00 to 2.30 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. There is an interesting selection of bottled beers from independent brewers on sale as well Speaking of bottled beers the Dunster Village Delicatessen is certainly worth a visit with an excellent array from Somerset breweries available. In addition there are some beers produced especially for the village by the Draycott Brewery (in Cambridgeshire!). From the top of the high street proceed up to the castle, turning right, and down the slope to the road, turn left and the Stag will be found on the right. This is one of the oldest pubs in Dunster, atmospheric, with public bar and restaurant behind. It certainly dates from Tudor times and would therefore have been in business during the most turbulent time in the village’s history, the English Civil War when the castle was besieged. A beer garden to the rear gives a good view over the village. The food is more restaurant than pub fare, boasting an a la carte menu which concentrates on modern dishes and tourist trade. Exmoor Ale is the house beer, and two further local guest ales in summer. No real cider served. Accommodation provided, 3 letting rooms, 2 with en suite. Opening hours, - 12.00 – 3.00 p.m., and 6.15 p.m. to 11.00 p.m., closed Wednesday lunch times.

Approximately 3 minutes from the Stag going downhill until a fork in the road is reached turning right, the Exmoor Forest pub will be seen on the left hand side. Allow a 30 minutes walk back to the railway station. This is a large two bar pub with dining area, and a beer garden suitable for small children. Bed and breakfast accommodation comprises six letting rooms (4 doubles). Popular with locals and sports teams, the pub has a skittles alley, quiz nights etc. and also has a rather rude parrot called Nelson, (not always allowed out due to bad behaviour). Cotleigh Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Sharps Doombar are the regular beers sold with summer guest ale. Real cider sold with Thatcher’s Cheddar Valley currently on offer. Opening hours are 12 – midnight, 7 days a week, but food only served between 12.00 and 2.30 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. The food is reasonably priced “pub grub” served in a large separate dining area and outside in good weather.

MINEHEAD

The station is on the seafront, on the edge of the town centre. One set of pubs is directly in front of you if you follow the promenade along to the harbour and another is on the main street into town, the Avenue, which you reach by turning left. At weekends outside the main holiday season Butlin’s Holiday Centre holds regular “adult weekends” which are popular with hen and stag groups and some town centre pubs, particularly those with outside drinking areas develop a “lively atmosphere”. On leaving the station drinkers can either go straight ahead along the seafront towards the harbour or turn left along the main shopping street the Avenue.

Directly beside the station is the Beach Hotel which caters for much of the coach holiday trade that comes into the town. However the bar facing the station is under separate management and now serves Exmoor Ales and Thatchers Cheddar Valley cider as well as guests of a variety of ales and real cider in summer. Basic pub food is served during the day, but between 7.00 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. a.m. it serves specialist sea food, usually outside the bar on tables (partially) overlooking the bay. Opening hours are between 10.30 and 11.30 p.m. all week.

Along the seafront you will first come to the Hobby Horse. approx. 5 minutes (120mts) away .This takes its name from “the Sailors’ Horse” which parades around the town with drum and other accompaniment from sunrise on May 1st and usually for a couple of days afterwards. From the main road opposite the station, bear left, pass car park, and cross the Avenue to the Esplanade. The Hobby Horse is approx. 80mts on the right hand side. A 3 storey red/yellow stone exterior the building was formerly a residential hotel complete with ballroom at the back, built for the patrons of the Dunster polo matches. The ballroom has now been expensively restored to its Victorian grandeur. The ballroom possesses a small bar with 200 covers. The public bar is in the front and comprises a high ceiling public bar with 30 covers, dining area, plus a pool table. Bar food is served with Sunday meals a specialty. Austell Tribute and Trelawny + 1 guest beer in season. No real cider. Opening hours are 12:00 to 3.00 p.m. 6.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. every day. Food is served between 12:00 to 3.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. including Sunday. Accommodation is available in 6 en- suite double rooms.

After a brief period of closure the Quay Inn (01643 707323) is now open again. This can be found five minutes down the promenade from the Hobby Horse. There is a single large bar area with television, pool table and darts in a separate area to the right the beers on sale are Exmoor Ale, Sharps’ Doombar, St Austell Dartmoor ale and Otter Ale. No real cider. Opening hours are midday to 11.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Saturday and midday to 11.00 p.m. on Sundays. Food is served midday to 9.00 p.m.. Monday to Saturday there is a lunchtime menu in a 70 cover restaurant. High teas sold in the afternoon and in the evening .local fish a speciality. Accommodation is one Family Room, two twins and one single, all en- suite. There is a large pub garden to the rear with excellent views, and a “pavement cafe” to the front. The next stopping point is the Olde Ship Aground at the harbour at the end of the promenade which is open 11.00 to 11.00 seven days a week. The bar is in front of you as you enter the downstairs area offering St Austell Tribute, Courage Best and Ruddles County. The pub then runs back a long way with groups of tables in alcoves. Food is served 12.00 to 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Sunday lunchtime has a carvery from midday to 3.30 p.m. and the regular menu 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.. Accommodation is in 12 en-suite rooms (three twin, three family and four double) and early breakfasts are available if required.

Proceeding up the Avenue can be found the Hairy Dog. This is specifically designed as a family friendly pub, and serves this function well. It possesses a range of real beers including Sharp’s Doom Bar but no real cider. Both pub and children’s meals are offered. There is an enclosed veranda overlooking a large children’s playground in the building as well as a terrace of tables overlooking the Avenue. All day opening

Leaving the Hairy Dog and continuing on you way you will approach Wellington Square. At the top end of the Avenue stands the Wellington Hotel, a Wetherspoons pub, a Lloyds No 1 bar ,and Wetherhotel on the same premises. The original building was erected in 1820 as a coaching inn and the high ceilings and Georgian features have been retained in a good renovation of the building. Outside drinking in the square is permissible at the tables provided. Large bars and a typically Wetherspoons revolving real ale menu (normally ½ dozen on at any time + ciders) is available in both bars. As in all Wetherspoons establishments a large range of inexpensive meals are available everyday until 11.00 p.m.. The Wetherhotel has some 20 en suite rooms normally available with discount rates of up to 25% for booking on line through their website. Live music played on some weekends. Normal opening hours 7.00 a.m – midnight extending to 2.30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

From Wellington Square with Wetherspoons behind you, a left turn into Holloway Street brings you to the Queens Arms, a regular entry in the Good Beer Guide down the years. The pub is approx. 18minutes (830mts) from the station. Open 12- 3.00 p.m. and 5.30 – 11.00 p.m.. The building comprises a 2 storey building with yellow stone exterior walls and white timber windows. The interior comprises an open spacious public space with a large U shaped bar. Walls mainly cream, ceiling semi exposed timbers, and carpeted floors. Eating is targeted to bar food with tables on left and right hand sides. TV and games areas are at the back. Up to a dozen draught beers sold (but not cider). Draught Bass is a regular as well as St Austell products. A good range of quality pub food is available.

A left turn at Wellington Square into Friday Street past some interesting shops (note the specialist home brew outlet) leading onto Townsend Street where you pass the Esso garage en route to the Kildare Lodge. Estimated travel distance to the station of approx. 22minutes (1120mts) Listed in the 2013 Good Beer Guide this building was inspired by Lutjens. It was built in 1907 as a house and won national awards for its design. A large stone built split level building. The interior is mainly stone, and a mix of cream/white walls, timber partitions and supports. The windows have thick wood frames and leaded glass. The floors are a mix of carpets and wood, and there are open fireplaces. An open large beer garden and tables can be found on the left hand side of the Lodge. Opening hours are 11:00 a.m to 3.00 p.m. and 6.30 to 11.00 p.m.. every day A smallish but cosy and welcoming bar area which usually offers up to four real ales. The range changes regularly although Brain’s Reverend James of often part of the line-up. Meals are served 11:00 to 3.00 p.m., 6.30 to 9:00 p.m. incl. Sunday. As can be expected with 12 letting rooms (doubles and singles) and a large restaurant, meals are of high quality. There is a separate bar menu.

The furthest pub from the Railway is the Britannia in Alcombe; around 35 minutes walk from the station. However on Mondays to Saturdays there are regular buses from outside to Alcombe. Hit the bell as you pass the line of shops including the Alcombe Tandoori and the Post Office and alight in the layby. Cross the road and walk along a narrow road with a stream on your right until the Britannia is reached. The pub has a central bar area serving three rooms around it with a restaurant area at the rear. Also at the rear of the pub is a large garden and a skittles alley. Draught ales are Courage Best, St Austell Trelawney, Butcombe Bitter and a guest, often from the Wells & Youngs range. Accommodation is available and good food is served.

SOMERSET REAL ALE FESTIVAL

Each year the Somerset Branch of CAMRA and the West Somerset Railway join forces to present a two day Real Ale Festival on the platform of Minehead station. This usually takes place over the second weekend in September with opening times 11 to 11 on Saturday and midday to 4 on Sunday. At open tap on Saturday 100 or more 9 gallon casks will be racked up and ready to sell with many of the products of Somerset’s Independent Breweries on sale. In addition there are representatives of other styles of cask conditioned beer and a separate bar for cider and perry. Food is available through the sessions and live music features on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

BEER AND CIDER SPECIAL TRAINS ON THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY

During the year the Railway runs a number of special packages on its trains in which participants can enjoy some bottled local ale and a pie, or sample some local ciders and Somerset cheeses whilst enjoying a journey on a steam train. These do have to be booked in advance and details can be found in the Railway’s timetable leaflet for the year or via the West Somerset Railway website which allows online booking of tickets for these and other specials. The “Quantock Belle” dining car train, operated by the West Somerset Railway Association, on selected days during the year has a bar car which carries local beers. For more information and bookings call 01823 433856.

THE BREWERIES

COTLEIGH;- Ford Road, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2RE. 01984 624086. [email protected]

COTTAGE:- Hornblotton Road, Lovington, BA7 7PS, 01963 240551, [email protected]

EXMOOR;- Golden Hill, Wiveliscombe, TA4 2NY, 01984 623798, [email protected]

GLASTONBURY:- Wessex Park, Somerset, TA11 6SB, 01458 272244, [email protected]

KUBLA:- West Bagborough, Taunton, TA4 3EJ

MASTERS/BLACKDOWN;- Greenham, Wellington, TA21 0LR, 01823 674444, [email protected]

MOOR:- Long Sutton, 07887 556521, [email protected]

NORTH CURRY:- Church Road, North Curry, TA3 6LH, 07928 815053, [email protected]

ODCOMBE;- The Masons Arms, Lower Odcombe, BA22 8TX. 01935 862591, [email protected]

ORDNANCE CITY:- Ashcott, TA6 3EN, 01458 210050, [email protected]

QUANTOCK:- Summerfield Avenue, Wellington, TA21 9ND, 01823 662669 [email protected]

STOCKLINCH;- Stocklinch, TA19 0DG, 07711479 917, [email protected]

STOWEY;- The Old Cider House, Nether Stowey, TA5 1LN 01278 73228, [email protected].

WINDY;- The Volunteer, Seavington St Michael, TA19 0QE, 01460 240216, [email protected]

YEOVIL;- Artillery Road, Yeovil, BA22 8YH, 01935 414888 [email protected]

CIDER PRODUCERS

ASHILL:- Clifford House, Ashill Farm, Ilminster, 01823 489513

BERE CIDER COMPANY:- Woodpecker Lodge, Bere, Aller, TA10 0QX, 01458 250166

BRIDGE FARM CIDER & PERRY:- Nigel Stewart, Bridge Farm, East Chinnock, Yeovil, BA22 9EA, 01935 862387

BURROWHILL CIDER:- Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock, TA12 5BU, 01460 240782

CHESTNUT FARM CIDER (formerly Bennetts Cider):- Chestnut Farm, Edithmead, Highbridge, TA9 4HB, 01278 785376

ERNIE & GERTIE’s CIDER;- Ian Cinclair, Pitney House, Pitney, TA10 9AR, 01458 252308

HARRY’s CIDER:- Littlefield Farm, Littlefield Lane, Long Sutton, TA10 9NS, 01458 241324

HECK’s FARMHOUSE CIDER & PERRY;- 9 – 11 Middle Leigh, Street, BA16 0LB 01458 442367

HENRY’s FARMHOUSE SCRUMPY:- Tanpits Cider Farm, Dyers Lane, Bathpool, Taunton, 01823 270663

HONEY POT FARM CIDER;- Julie & Aran Comben, Winton Cottage, 80 West Street, South Petherton, TA13 5DJ, 01460 242539

KNEE CRACKER CIDER;- Stodden’s Lane, Appleyard Manor, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2DF, 01278 792898

LAWRENCE’S CIDER:- Ridgeway, Corton Denham, DT9 4LS, 01963 220650

MAD APPLE CIDER:- Ian Cunnen, The Cottage, Bridge Farm, Bridge Street, Williton, TA4 4NR, 01984 633671 (the cider is actually produced in the village of Holford on the A39)

MILLWHITE CIDER:- Orchard Barn, Rooksbridge, BS26 2TG, 01794 860846

NAISH’s CIDER:- Piltdown Farm, West Pennard, Glastonbury, BA6 8NQ, 07940 853099

ORCHARD PIG:- Andrew Quinlan & Neil MacDonald, Coxbridge House, Coxbridge, BA6 8LG, 07957 870376

PARSONS CHOICE CIDER:- Parsonage Farm, West Lyng, Taunton, TA3 5AP, 01823 490978

PERRY’s CIDER:- Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, TA19 0NY, 01460 52681

RICH’s FARM CIDER:- Mill Farm, Watchfield, near Highbridge, TA9 4RD 01278 783651

SHEPPY’s CIDER;- Three Bridges, Bradford on Tone, Taunton, TA4 1ER, 01823 461233

TORRE CIDER:- Torre Cider Farm, Washford, Watchet. TA23 0LA, 01984 640004

TRICKY CIDER:- The Stables, Lower Willand, Churchstanton, Taunton, TA3 7RL, 01823 602782

WESTCROFT CIDER:- Westcroft Farm, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, TA9 4BE, 01278 760762

WILKINS CIDER:- Land’s End Farm, Mudgley, Wedmore, BS28 4TU, 01934 712385