Latest Pub News
On this page we will try to keep you up to date on any changes to the pubs of Somerset, i.e. closures, openings, etc. This can be quite a difficult job as the branch area is so large. If you know of any changes, threatened closures, etc. please feel free to contact the pubs officer by emailing ku.gro.armac.tesremos@buptahw.
Check out our new Somerset Branch CAMRA region Pub Guide: Pub Guide
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Pub News.
The Wyndham Arms at Kingsbury Episcopi Rebooted
Welcome to the Wyndham Arms Facebook Group, looking forward to meeting you all in person, for now I’m up to my neck in removal of woodchip wall paper, a little tweak here and there is in order, I’m sympathetically restoring the pub, and hope to be open in the autumn. (If not before). The plan is, loads of local ciders, real ales and Pieminister pie and mash. Great Sunday roasts and a ”proper pub” feel. Wellies, dogs and all welcome!
Getting exciting over here! We will definitely be open for Mayday bank holiday. Sadly not Easter, but somewhere in the middle.. watch this space.. Thank you all again for being so patient, not long now.. eek!
Also Sat 29th April 2023 we will be having an opening party.. more details to come..
See: https://www.facebook.com/groups/400004045118324
New Pubs in Taunton
The Egg Basket Bar & Venue opened in 2022 at 61 High Street in Taunton. They say we are very happy to have the extremely fitting "Independence" from @bristolbeerfactory going on Tap. You will only find this product in independent bars.
Plans have been submitted (3/10/2022) which could allow the opening of a new pub in Taunton. The company want to take over where Retro used to be situated. The Lager Company Limited have submitted a grant on 48 East Street, towards the back end of the town centre. The Lager Company Limited plan to add new life to East Street by offering live entertainment to the locals of Taunton.
In the application submitted, the company intend to host live music from Sunday to Thursday, 12:00pm-23:00pm, Friday and Saturday, 12:00pm-01:00am.
For residents looking for a social outing at the weekend, pint lovers can enjoy a drink or two until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday.
Also Ninkasi craft beer and gin bar named after the Mesopotamian Goddess of Beer provides a very friendly and warm welcome with up to 10 craft beers. Ninkasi specialises in selling on and off sales of craft beer sourced from local breweries and microbreweries, as well as nationwide and international beers. Ninkasi can be found at 1 Riverside Place, Taunton, TA1 1JH.
A Warm Welcome awaits at The Royal Oak at Luxborough
The Royal Oak Inn has been at the heart of the pretty village of Luxborough for over 600 years and still to this day retains most of the building's original features. Inside you’ll find the original flagstone and cobblestone flooring, coupled with rugged stone walls and open beams – giving the inn unrivalled character and charm.
In the main bar area there is a beautiful open fire, which is always kept lit throughout the winter months. We have a second ‘back bar’ area which has comfortable seating, a big screen on which we show sports of every variety including all major tournaments and matches, along with a darts board, pool table, record player with a large selection of vintage records and a wood burner. The back bar is the perfect place to spend a few hours with friends. Although the bar itself is small in size, we have a vast selection of local Real ales, lagers, ciders, scrumpy ciders, gins and whiskeys.
Along with dining available in both bar areas, we have a further 3 dining rooms, all are bursting with character and original features. We also have a large courtyard to the rear of the Inn and a large riverside area. Whether you are after a cosy meal for two in a quiet corner, a casual lunch with the dogs after a walk or a big celebration meal for the entire family, we can cater to your every need.
The Royal Oak we pride ourselves on our passion for fresh and local produce. Everything is always cooked fresh to order with the emphasis on beautifully cooked and presented, seasonal produce. With our main menu changing regularly to accommodate the freshest produce and our specials board changing daily, we also are able to provide a personalised menu for your own special function. Booking is always advisable, especially over the weekend.
The Royal Oak Inn houses 10 ensuite guestrooms, all with their individual features and character, in keeping with the original buildings which make up the Inn in its entirety today. If you’re after a quick and easy over night stay, a weekend away, a stay in our Royal Oak Suite for a special occasion or staycation, we can accommodate your every requirement. A full continental and cooked breakfast is included with your stay.
The Royal Oak Inn is 100% dog friendly throughout, we welcome your 4 legged friends to come and visit with you. We are surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for a leg stretch with your dog. We also have a toasty boiler room, perfect for drying your coats off on a rainy day, and plenty of towels and blankets for wet dogs!
We are dog friendly throughout (not just the bar).
We have 10 rooms.
We have 4 real ciders available at all times.
We currently normally have Butcombe orginal on. As well as an Exmoor ale, a Pitchfork and a Nuttycombe.
Open times are:
Mondays - 3pm - 11pm (Food 6pm - 9pm)
Tuesdays - Saturday - 12pm - 11pm (Food 12pm - 2pm + 6pm - 9pm)
Sunday - 12pm - 11pm (Food 12pm - 3pm + 6pm - 9pm)
Rose and Crown (Eli's Inn), Huish Episcopi has reopened
Just writing to let you know that we reopened on Wednesday 6th July 2022. It would be great if you could update your website to say we’re back open. Here’s a link to our new website - https://www.elisroseandcrown.co.uk which contains our contact info and opening times. We’re still selling a range of real ales one of which is always Teignworthy Reel Ale and two other guest ales. We’ve given the place a bit of a spruce up but have, of course, retained its historic interior.
The pub is now in the hands of the fifth generation of our family that being Ryan, his wife Annalee and myself, Lauren. Ryan and I are the children of Trish, and Steve and Maureen are our Uncle and Aunt.
We’re excited to continue the family business and look forward to welcoming you back for a pint sometime soon.
Best wishes, Lauren
The Star Inn at Watchet is set to reopen
The Star Inn is now up and running with a vengeance and a strong link to Nuttycombe Brewery
The Star Inn at Watchet is set to reopen after 18 months at noon on Saturday 29th January 2022. It is now fully open for business and landlord Ross is also running the Nuttycombe Brewery which has risen like a phoenix from the embers of Cotleigh Brewery on Exmoor.
The Carew Arms at Crowcombe
Ben and Tanya who have been successfully running SW Cider Pub of the Year Pebbles Tavern in Watchet are using their skills and experience in a new venue. Ben and Tanya handed over the reigns in November 2022. The new managers are Sam & Nikki.
They will be continuing to maintain the pub's reputation for good food, lively events, quizzes and live music as well as providing real ale and cider.
In Winter they will cosy up, light the log fire in our front bar and enjoy comforting, home-made food and a glass of mulled cider in the tranquil, rural village of Crowcombe.
Originally known as The Three Lions, the pub owes its name and signboard to the Carew family who became lords of the manor in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The first Carew to become lord of the manor was Thomas. His great uncle, Vice Admiral George Carew, was captaining the Mary Rose when she sank in Portsmouth harbour during the reign of Henry VIII. The Inn still retains much of it rural charm.
The pub is close to Crowcombe Heathfield station on the West Somerset Railway (Heritage Steam Railway). The Beatles filmed scenes from A Hard Day's Night (1964) in 1964 at on the then Taunton to Minehead branch line. A scene in which the band ran alongside a train was filmed at Crowcombe Heathfield station.
The Rose and Crown (Eli's) at Huish Episcopi
Built c.1640 this traditional pub has remained in the same family for over 150 years. Affectionately known as Eli's by locals after the former owner Eli Scott who took over the family pub in 1920.. Famous for having no bar. A Pub with a difference!
The Times They are a-Changin’….
This October we, Maureen, Trish, and Steve, will be stepping down from running Eli’s after more than a 40-year tenure. The pub is staying in family hands for the 5th generation. Eli’s will be run by Trish’s children Ryan, his wife Annalee, and Lauren.
To facilitate the management handover Eli’s will be temporarily closing with our last day being Sunday 31st October 2021 and will reopen in Spring 2022. This webpage will be kept updated with news.
We would like to say a big thank you to all our lovely customers and friends for their support and custom over the years. We’ll still be around and helping out on occasion so it’s not goodbye just au revoir.
Maureen, Trish and Steve