Bird in Hand  

Proprietors Tom Cosgrove and Michael Gage have really done well in this renovated village local just off the A358 to Taunton. With a gravel frontage populated by picnic benches this pub is right off a chocolate box lid. Inside it has stone flag floors and low beamed ceilings. It has three areas, one for children away from the bar, though this is also sometimes used for food. The other two areas are near the bar. One, on the left as you enter, has comfortable settees to relax in while the area to the right of the main entrance has big kitchen tables and chairs.

There is also a real fireplace this side which is large enough to 'walk' into - it can get hot by here in winter. Mainly full of locals, it does cater for the passing trade.

The pub is a free house and serves what beers it wants. Usually there are three guest ales on - Butcome Bitter, Otter Head and Exmoor Stag, though on this occasion there was Exmoor Gold too.

The Bird also does food (not Sunday evenings though). There is not a lot of choice for vegetarians, but the portions are plenty full and filling. Prices can be a little steep too. Menus change with the seasons.

Music happens regularly. The toilets are fine, though could be a little cramped for the disabled (no separate toilet). Access elsewhere is possible, though floors are uneven in places.

The car park out back is large and they allow camping.

No accommodation here.

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Also try: The White Hart Inn (Knapp Lane, North Curry, Somerset, TA3 6AU) (01823) 490439. Situated off the main 'square' the pub is signposted next to the one way street. An all white building it is an Exmoor house and serves Stag, Gold and Fox (when in season). More of a locals pub that the Bird, it is well worth searching out due to its enthusiastic darts team. 

 

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