TAUNTON.

Always a selection of real ales and a log fire at The Eagle. A traditional local near the town centre. Sunday lunchtime there is a carvery, £3 single course, £3.95 for two. Every week they have live music, 60's-80's style Fridays, jazz on every third Saturday in the month (modern and Trad). Two skittle alleys and a large function room for hire. Guest ales tend to be Juwards Bitter and Butcombe Wilmotts. Access for the disabled is possible. No accommodation here.

Run by Jeremy Leyton, whose father Paul owned the famous Priddy brew-pub The Miners Arms. Situated in the shadow of the St Mary Magdalene church (500 yards down Hammett Street), the three-storied building was originally the home of a local rent collector and it became a beer house in 1855; the first tenant was one Edwin Witcombe and he was a local stone mason - hence the name. The one room bar is compact but the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. The beer is superbly kept with four real ales usually on show: Bass and Exe Valley are regulars while Juwards and Oakhill are among those who turn up. The accommodation is in a self-catering flat and if you don't feel like cooking the pub does an excellent range of food - served lunch and evenings - including a speciality of the house: the Grillstone Concept.

This is a 17th century olde English public house run by Jerry and Mike. Recently a winner of "Prettiest Pub in Taunton Deane" in 1996. The Vivary Arms is renowned for its superb quality fresh fish and home-made specialty dishes. The restaurant also serves bar food at lunchtimes. It also serves real ales in its beer garden. Located in a quiet residential area, it is within easy walking distance of town centre shopping, Vivary Pleasure Park, the golf club. For accommodation it is adjacent to a tourist board "Highly Recommended" guest house - ring for special deal details.