Crown

For some, this quite unchanging and distinctly laid-back pub might not be spic and span enough - it could perhaps do with a lick of paint -but you can be sure of a genuinely warm welcome, a roaring log fire and a fine choice of real ales. The small and rather local-feeling stone-floored and cross-beamed room on the right has a wooden window seat, an unusually sturdy settle, built-in wall benches and chatty, friendly customers; the left-hand room has a slate floor and some steps past the big log fire in a big stone fireplace lead to more sitting space. No noise from music or games (except perhaps dominoes) and up to ten real ales tapped from the cask: Bath Ales Gem Bitter, Butcombe Bitter, Cotleigh Batch, Palmers Best, RCH Hewish IPA, PG Steam, St Austell Tribute and changing guest beers. Several wines by the glass and local ciders. Outside lavatories are basic. There are garden tables at the front, a smallish back lawn and hill views; the Mendip morris men come in summer. There's no pub sign outside but no one ever seems to have a problem finding it. Some of the best walking on the Mendips is close by.