Rose & Crown, St. Marys Street, Nether Stowey, BRIDGWATER, TA5 1LT [Map]
01278 732265 
12-23 MO-SA; 12-17, 19-22:30 SU
Accommodation, Evening Meals, Beer Garden, Lunchtime Meals, Quiet Bar

For several years I’ve had E-mails recommending this pub so I decided that I ought to pay the Rose and Crown a visit and what a pub! Travelling from Birmingham to Exmoor, I managed to route our journey via Nether Stowey, which might sound like its miles from anywhere, but in reality is just off the main A39 Bridgwater to Minehead road and right by the Quantocks – very pleasant walking country. OK, it is in the middle of nowhere but it was a welcome watering hole on our rather arduous Friday night journey down. Sorry there’s no photo for this pub, camera was buried in the bottom of my bag in the car boot and I think that we were more keen to consume some ale than snap a shot of this fine pub on a dark wet winters night that would really not do the place justice!

A lovely old characterful pub dating back to the 16th century with coppers and brasses on the walls and plenty of seating at sturdy tables. For much of its life it was a coaching inn and even now is no doubt a welcome watering hole for travellers weary of the seemingly incessant bends of the unsurprisingly de-trunked ‘39. I love a pub full of locals, you know that you’re bound to meet some entertaining characters and if they’re all drinking the real ale you know that it’s going to be good. This is just that sort of pub and the range and quality of the beers is excellent. I went for the Cotleigh Barn Owl (abv. 4.5%) a wonderful full-bodied ale, one to truly relish when on top form. For those who seek more than beer food is available that will suit all and the restaurant is open during the latter half of the week serving decent food using home grown produce when available. They also offer good accommodation, it’s certainly a great place to stay with plenty of tourist attractions and good walking nearby.