The Plough Inn

The Plough is a proper pub: a wooden floorboarded, friendly freehouse selling a huge selection of local cider, scrumpy and real ales (straight from barrels behind the bar) to colourful locals and tourists alike. There are no fruit machines and no loud music here, just a gentle backdrop of blues, with live music on Sunday nights. The popular Tuesday quiz night is a must - just make sure you arrive early for the 8.30pm start, as The Plough packs out.

For rumbling tummies, they serve the full range of award-winning Pieminister pies - so good they barely need an introduction, as anyone who has tried the Heidi pie of goat's cheese, sweet potato, spinach, red onion and roasted garlic will agree. Meat-eaters will relish the Moo and Blue variety, packed with freerange British beef, vegetables, red wine and Stilton. And just when you thought it wasn't possible, the pies are made even tastier with the addition of The Plough's minted mushy peas, homemade mash and secret-recipe onion gravy. Filled crusty rolls also feature on the menu, with fillings such as locally farmed rare roast beef and horseradish, and Somerset Brie, bacon and cranberry, to name just two. The Plough's convenient location - it's the first pub you'll come across after exiting Taunton's railway station and is very close to the cricket ground - makes it a popular spot on cricket match days, when a steeldrum barbecue caters for the crowds who gather. From Taunton town centre it's a short walk down to The Plough, and a welcome escape from the chainpub district.

Don't be deceived by the width of the frontage; the pub is commonly referred to as a Tardis and has loads of nooks and crannies with comfy leather-sofa-filled snugs, a log fire and, amazingly, a secret passage (don't drop your drink if someone mysteriously appears from within the bookcase). Food is available all day, everyday, until late. The Plough is a CAMRA pub and is dog friendly.