Looking for the best pubs in Taunton? Look no further! Whether you’re a local looking for your new favourite spot or a visitor seeking an authentic pub experience, we’ve got you covered. From classic English cuisine to real ale and craft beer, these 14 top pubs offer something for everyone. So sit back, grab a pint, and let’s dive into the best of Taunton’s pub scene.
Best Pubs in Taunton – Top 14 (Maps Included)
1. The Ring Of Bells
Website: www.theringofbellstaunton.com
A must-visit bar in Taunton is The Ring of Bells, which is conveniently located on St. James Street only a few steps from the Somerset County Cricket Ground. Offering an impressive range of real ales, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits and bottled products sourced from around the South West region, this is one spot where you’ll never run out of options for quenching your thirst.
But it’s not just about drinks here at The Ring of Bells – their classic authentic English cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients is equally impressive. From hearty pub classics to lighter bites perfect for lunchtime meetings or after-work gatherings, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
No matter what brings you through their doors – be it a working lunch or an evening out with friends – The Ring of Bells has got you covered. With plenty of seating options available throughout the pub’s various sections and spaces, finding your ideal spot couldn’t be easier.
The Ring Of Bells combines great food and drink with a prime location right in the heart of town. If you’re looking for an all-around excellent pub experience in Taunton that won’t disappoint even the most discerning drinkers and diners among us – look no further than The Ring Of Bells!
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2. The Plough Inn
Website: www.theploughtaunton.co.uk
The Plough Inn is a pub that takes its real ale seriously. The gravity-fed firkin casks on classic stillage behind the bar are sure to impress any ale enthusiast. If you’re not an ale person, don’t worry – there’s an extensive collection of traditional local farmhouse cider and rotating lines of local craft beer available too.
But it’s not just about the drinks at The Plough Inn. They also offer a wide range of tasty bar snacks and full meals, with their veggie and vegan options being particularly noteworthy. Keeping things simple doesn’t mean compromising on flavour either – try out their homemade British tapas bar snacks for proof!
This pub is welcoming to all, even dogs! And with chatty knowledgeable staff, open mic performances, weekly quiz nights, live music and more, it’s clear that they strive to make every experience a good one. Don’t forget about the roaring open fire, bashed-up leather furniture and upright piano adding to the cosy atmosphere.
The Plough Inn has everything you could want from a boozer – great drinks, delicious food and plenty of entertainment options for everyone!
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3. Hideout
Website: www.greeneking.co.uk
Hideout is a hidden gem located in the heart of Taunton. Situated opposite the historic Castle Museum on Castle Green, this pub offers a truly chilled environment with great service, excellent food and drinks. The interior decor is modern yet cosy, perfect for both intimate dinners and casual catch-ups with friends.
The menu boasts an impressive selection of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients that cater to various dietary needs. From vegan options to classic English cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Complement your meal with their wide range of alcoholic beverages including beers, wines and spirits.
The atmosphere at Hideout is relaxed yet vibrant making it the perfect spot for unwinding after work or celebrating special occasions with loved ones. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to read a book or looking for lively conversations over drinks, Hideout has got you covered.
With its prime location and exceptional offerings, it’s easy to see why Hideout has become one of the top pubs in Taunton. So next time you find yourself in town craving good food and drinks served up in a welcoming ambience – head straight to Hideout!
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4. The Flying Horse
The Flying Horse is a pub that truly caters to all ages and interests. Located just 200 yards from the town centre, it’s perfectly situated for those looking for a casual spot to grab a drink or bite to eat after work or while out running errands.
Inside, the layout is open plan but thoughtfully segregated into distinct areas based on activity and atmosphere. The sports area provides ample opportunity for patrons to catch their favourite teams in action, while the snug offers a more intimate setting for quieter conversation or relaxation.
For families with children, The Flying Horse has plenty of outdoor activities available including football, skittles, quoits and swingball. Younger kids can enjoy the ball pool and sandpit while parents kick back with friends over bar food favourites like fish & chips or bangers & mash.
With such a diverse range of offerings both inside and outside its doors, it’s no wonder that The Flying Horse has become such a popular family pub in Taunton.
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5. Princess Royal
The Princess Royal is a charming and traditional pub located on a quiet side street in Taunton. It’s the perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a casual night out or catch up over lunch. The central entrance leads you into the cosy bar area where you’ll find three handpulls dispensing mostly national brands.
If you’re feeling competitive, there are plenty of traditional pub games available such as pool, darts, and Skittles. Whether it’s challenging your friends to a game of darts or showing off your skills at the pool, there’s something for everyone.
On Saturdays, live music fills the air and creates an atmosphere that will make you want to stay all night long. And if playing sports is more your thing than watching them, worry not because Skittles, darts and football teams are supported here too.
But what really sets Princess Royal apart is its dedication to being family-oriented and community-focused. It’s within walking distance from both the town centre and cricket ground making it easily accessible for locals looking for a relaxing drink after work or visitors exploring Taunton.
The Princess Royal offers everything you could ask for in a traditional English Pub – good food, great drinks, friendly staff and fun activities!
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6. The Somerset Inn
The Somerset Inn may look like a modern conversion of an Edwardian terrace, but it has been standing there since 1859. This back street boozer surprises visitors with its sincere welcome from both staff and locals.
Once you step through the door, you’ll find yourself in a large single bar that feels modern yet cosy. The carpet-tiled floor adds to the warm ambience. The pub is spacious enough for various activities such as playing pool or darts while catching up on live sports games displayed on the TV.
One ale was available during my visit – Tribute – which was in good condition. It’s worth noting that this is a new innovation because until recently, there was no real ale available here. So cheers to the good news!
While it only opens evenings from 7 pm and not at all during lunchtimes, The Somerset Inn is definitely more pleasant than some other places around town. It almost feels like a social club rather than just another pub.
If you happen to be in the area looking for a place to unwind after work or catch up with friends over drinks, give The Somerset Inn a try!
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7. The Ale House
Website: www.thealehousetaunton.pub
If you’re looking for a friendly and lively atmosphere in Taunton, The Ale House is the place to be. This local’s pub has undergone several name changes over the years, but it has always been a hub for locals and visitors alike.
With five hand pumps at the central bar, you can expect to find a great selection of cask ales from around the country. Whether you’re after an IPA or a stout, there’s something for everyone here. And when there are major sporting events on TV, such as football or rugby matches, this place really comes alive.
But it’s not just about the beer – The Ale House also hosts live music on Saturday evenings and open mic nights on Sundays. Quiz nights are also frequent events that bring people together for some friendly competition.
Conveniently located near Taunton station, this pub is easy to get to whether you’re coming from out of town or just fancy stopping by after work. Keep up with all their upcoming events by checking out their Facebook page – who knows what exciting things they have planned next!
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8. The Cricketers
Website: www.greatukpubs.co.uk
The Cricketers is a popular pub in Taunton, with great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly and accommodating, making your experience all the more enjoyable. As for the music, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t detract from the overall vibe of the place.
The interior of The Cricketers is cosy and inviting – perfect for relaxing after a long day at work or exploring Taunton. Whether you want to catch up with friends over some drinks or simply unwind on your own, this pub has got you covered.
One thing worth noting about this establishment is its loyal customer base. Many locals return time and time again due to their positive experiences here. It’s clear that The Cricketers has built up a reputation as one of Taunton’s top watering holes.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy some quality beverages alongside good company, then The Cricketers is definitely worth checking out. With its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder why so many people recommend coming back to this place!
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9. Crown & Sceptre
Website: www.crownsceptre.business.site
Crown & Sceptre is a charming public house in Taunton, Somerset that offers everything you need for a great night out. Situated on Station Road, it’s no wonder why we are one of the most popular choices in the area. We have an excellent selection of beer and spirits that will quench your thirst and leave you feeling satisfied.
Our friendly staff create a warm atmosphere that welcomes everyone who walks through our doors, whether you’re local or visiting Taunton. The pool table provides entertainment for those who love to play while enjoying their drinks with friends and family.
We also offer karaoke nights that allow guests to showcase their singing talents or simply enjoy cheering on others as they take centre stage. If you plan to stay overnight, we provide bed and breakfast accommodation so you can wake up refreshed and ready for another day of exploring.
To stay updated on upcoming events at Crown & Sceptre, be sure to follow us on Facebook where we post regularly about what’s happening at the pub. For more information about our services, please contact us by phone at 0182 3284 398.
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10. The Coal Orchard
The Coal Orchard is a pub located in Taunton that was originally a Wetherspoons. It has an interesting history, as it used to be the site of an orchard which became the landing place for Welsh coal. The building itself was once a hardware store and has an Art Deco style.
Seating is arranged over a single open-plan level, with a small garden and patio area at the rear. The pub reopened in early February under experienced landlords and is now a free house with ongoing changes as the business is redeveloped – so make sure you check for updates before visiting.
Various bus services stop close to The Coal Orchard, making it easy to access from different parts of town. And if you’re arriving by train, it’s only 15 minutes walk from Rail Station.
It’s worth noting that opening hours and services may be different from those displayed here, so it’s best to double-check by phone or via social media before visiting to avoid disappointment. And if you see any details here that need updating, don’t hesitate to let them know by submitting updates on their website.
The Coal Orchard offers visitors unique history combined with ongoing development – definitely, one to keep your eye on!
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11. The Hankridge Arms
Website: www.thehankridgearms.com
The Hankridge Arms is a pub in Taunton that boasts of being the perfect place to visit and eat. It is situated in a magnificent building that includes many period features such as stone mullion windows, inglenook fireplaces, oak and elm-panelled partitions, and stone floors. The ambience of this pub is truly unique.
One thing that sets The Hankridge Arms apart from other pubs in Taunton is their commitment to serving high-quality food made with locally sourced seasonal produce. They pride themselves on crafting menus that are both memorable and delicious. Their main menu is supplemented daily with seasonal specials, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
On Sundays, they serve up a spectacular Sunday Lunch Menu featuring their quality Hankridge Sunday Roast. This has won them many awards including the 2018/2019 Taste of the West – Commended Award.
Apart from all these amazing offerings, The Hankridge Arms also welcomes dogs into their bar area making it more than just your ordinary pub experience! They serve Hall & Woodhouse beers as well as an extensive wine selection along with teas, coffees and non-alcoholic drinks for those who prefer not to indulge in alcohol.
If you’re ever looking for a unique dining experience paired with great drinks, then look no further than The Hankridge Arms – where exquisite cuisine meets warm hospitality!
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12. Molly Malones
Molly Malones is a charming pub that offers more than just an Irish-themed atmosphere. Its recent refurbishment has resulted in comfortable seating and a welcoming ambience for all customers. This establishment’s ownership is Irish, which explains the nod to its heritage through various pieces of Irish ephemera.
The L-shaped bar boasts three hand pulls serving Otter beer, Taylor’s Landlord and a guest ale such as Bath Gem. The selection caters to different tastes and preferences, making it easy for patrons to find their preferred drink.
Live entertainment takes place on weekends at Molly Malones, adding to the overall experience. Darts and pool are available for those who want some friendly competition with friends or family.
Molly Malones is an excellent option when looking for a relaxed evening out with good drinks and live entertainment. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Taunton!
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13. Stonegallows Inn
Website: www.hungryhorse.co.uk
The Stonegallows Inn is a perfect spot for families who want to enjoy a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere. The menu offers an array of family favourites, from All Day Breakfast to Beer and Beef Burgers, Fish & Chips, and more.
But what sets this pub apart is its commitment to wallet-pleasing promotions. With a different deal for every day of the week, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget.
And when you’re done with your meal, the fun doesn’t have to stop there. The Stonegallows Inn is ideally located near many attractions including Hemyock Castle, the Museum of Somerset & Willows Visitor Centre.
So whether you’re looking for a delicious meal or an exciting adventure nearby, The Stonegallows Inn has got it all covered!
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14. Cross Keys
Website: www.chefandbrewer.com
The Cross Keys is a charming 18th-century inn located at the edge of Norton Fitzwarren village on the old turnpike road from Taunton to Bishop’s Lydeard. This former coaching inn offers a glimpse into Somerset’s rich history and culture, with its honey-gold Hamstone facade and red clay roof tiles. The nearby Quantock Hills to the north and Blackdown Hills to the south offer stunning views of picturesque hamlets, tranquil wooded valleys, steep ridges, and narrow country lanes that have been in use for thousands of years.
Norton Fitzwarren itself was once a thriving market town during medieval times that boasted a Grade II listed church dating back as early as 1219. Legend has it that a fearsome dragon once terrorized locals until slain by Fulk itzWarin, an iconic medieval knight who left his mark on this ancient settlement.
Today, The Cross Keys remains one of Taunton’s best pubs offering seasonal specials served alongside fine wines and cask ale. It provides an ideal venue for relaxing after exploring quaint villages or hiking along scenic countryside trails amidst breathtaking landscapes – making it perfect for Sunday lunches or pub lunch dates throughout the year.
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Conclusion
Taunton is a town filled with character and charm, and its pubs are no exception. From traditional family-oriented pubs to trendy modern bars, there is something for everyone in Taunton’s pub scene.
Whether you’re looking for a pint of real ale or a delicious meal made from locally sourced ingredients, the pubs in this list have got you covered. They offer some of the best drinks and food around along with great atmospheres that will make your visit unforgettable.
So why not take a stroll through this beautiful town and explore some of these amazing establishments? You won’t be disappointed!
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