Offering an impartial appraisal of Britain’s pubs, the Good Beer Guide 2022 includes 20 pubs in and around Mendip.
The Good Beer Guide is the biggest book of pubs and breweries in Britain, with thousands of recommendations from CAMRA volunteers across the country.
The only directory created by members of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, every pub or bar listed has been carefully selected by volunteers who have visited them and tasted the beers.
You’ll find more than 4,500 listings across the UK’s best pubs, bars and breweries, chosen by local CAMRA volunteers as having the best cask beers available – or you can check out the special brewery section to discover new breweries setting the scene alight with interesting, exciting new brews.
Pubs are rated on atmosphere, quality of beer and how well they cater for real ale drinkers.
James Blunt throws support behind the Great British pub
Best-selling singer James Blunt has thrown his support behind the Great British pub and reflected on the industry’s struggles during the coronavirus pandemic, in his foreword for CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2022.
Following 18 months of struggles for the industry in the face of restrictions and lockdowns, Blunt, who owns the 17th-century Fox & Pheasant pub in Chelsea, remarks that as both a musician and a publican, he has “pretty much chosen the worst two jobs for a global pandemic”.
However, with his trademark optimism, he highlights the importance of pubs to communities and encourages Brits to get back to the pub to support their locals.
He said: “Whilst, in recent years, there might have been a trend for people to drink cheap supermarket beer at home, those people have been locked away for the best part of a year, and now those people want out.
“They can taste real beer from the tap, and food cooked by a pro, and they can meet legally and joyfully.”
READ MORE: Quantock Brewery wins second in prestigious beer contest
CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide App
Now fully updated with CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2022 punters can tap into Britain’s best pubs from their mobile phone.
Putting thousands of pubs, beers and breweries at your fingertips, the app uses information compiled, and continuously updated, by pub-goers all over the UK.
Letting you get social, the app allows you to follow, post and even score beers to influence the inclusion of pubs in the Good Beer Guide.
The Good Beer Guide app compiles data from more than 37,000 real ale licensed premises, over 13,000 beers and 2,000 breweries. The data is collected and maintained by CAMRA members and is powered by WhatPub, CAMRA’s online pub database.
:: The Good Beer Guide 2022 is available now through CAMRA’s website priced at £15.99
The Mendip pubs in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2022
King Alfred Inn
Where: Burrow Drove, Burrowbridge, TA7 0RB
What the guide says: “Welcoming free house with a friendly atmosphere, on the Somerset Levels between Taunton and Glastonbury, under Burrow Mump where King Alfred allegedly burnt the cakes.
"The three cask ales rarely change but are always good quality, and the pub usually stocks a couple of local real ciders."
Cheddar Ales Tap Room
Where: Winchester Farm, Draycott Road, BS27 3RP
What the guide says: “Newly opened taproom for Cheddar Ales Brewery, situated just outside the world-famous village.
"The pub is a pleasant diversion from the tourist hotspot and serves up to six cask ales brewed on-site. Takeaway service is also available.
"Cider, gins and wines are served, along with wood-fired pizzas at weekends."
George Inn
Where: Long Street, Croscombe, BA5 3QH
What the guide says: “Attractive 17th-century inn, refurbished by the owner, serving at least four guest ales from West Country independents and hosting two beer festivals a year.
“Blindmans King George, and George and Dragon, are exclusively brewed for the pub. Four real ciders are on sale, with Hecks Kingston Black and Thatchers ciders as regulars.”
Griffin
Where: Milk Street, Frome, BA11 3DB
What the guide says: “This venue, in the part of town known as Trinity, was formerly the brewery tap for Milk Street (now Frome) Brewery, selling up to four Frome ales or guests as well as a range of craft beers.”
READ MORE: AA Restaurant Guide 2022: Best Somerset restaurants revealed. See the list
Just Ales
Where: 10 Stony Street, Frome, BA11 1BU
What the guide says: “Frome’s first micropub opened in 2018 serving up to four real ales on handpump as well as a large range of local ciders.
“Set in what used to be a small cafe´ in the heart of Frome’s vibrant St Catherine’s District, Just Ales has a welcoming atmosphere and is run by the same team as Just Ales in Wells, including the friendly hound.”
Becket’s Inn
Where: 43 High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DS
What the guide says: “A traditional town-centre hostelry named after Thomas Becket, with a pool room and three separate bar areas. Three well-kept Wadworth beers are on handpump.
“There is no food but customers are welcome to bring takeaways to eat in or for a picnic in the garden; plates and cutlery are provided and the Becket will even do the washing up.”
George & Pilgrims
Where: 1 High Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9DP
What the guide says: “Three-storeyed stone-built gatehouse inn featuring a panelled embattled frontage with mullion windows.
“Four well-kept real ales are served alongside a choice of ciders. The pub’s history is worth reading about over a pint.”
Queen of Cups Restaurant & Freehouse
Where: 8-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9JJ
What the guide says: “Quirky hotel and bar in the centre of this historic town within walking distance of the Tor and abbey.
“It is a well known music venue, with an open mic session on a basis.”
Lime Kiln Inn
Where: Knole, TA10 9JH
What the guide says: “Traditional inn that was first licensed in 1814, and has flagstoned flooring in the main bar area and a grand inglenook fireplace for winter warmth.
“Up to three real ales are dispensed.”
Cross Keys Inn
Where: Lydford on Fosse, TA11 7HA
What the guide says: “An 18th-century pub with flagstone floors, blue lias stonework and a wealth of beams.
“There are up to five ales on gravity, including the house beer.
“This community venue hots many attractions including live music, a beer festival, comedy nights and charitable events.
“Camping is available on-site with 29 pitches, a shower block and toilets.”
READ MORE: Best and worst Wetherspoons in Somerset according to TripAdvisor
Halfway House
Where: Pitney Hill, Pitney, TA10 9AB
What the guide says: “An outstanding venue serving eight to 10 regional ales on gravity alongside many bottled beers and four real ciders.
“This basic but busy place deserves its many accolades, including being in the Guide for over 25 years.
Hunters’ Lodge
Where: Old Bristol Road, Priddy, BA5 3AR
What the guide says: “The landlord of this timeless classic roadside inn has been in charge for over 50 years.
“All beer is served direct from casks behind the bar; local cider is also on offer.”
“A folk musicians’ drop-in session is held on Tuesday evening.”
Queen Victoria Inn
Where: Pelting Drove, Priddy, BA5 3BA
What the guide says: “A creeper-clad inn, a pub since 1851, with four rooms that feature low ceilings, flagged floors and three log fires.
“Butcombe beers plus a guest are served, as well as real ciders.”
Fromeway
Where: Frome Road, Radstock, BA3 3LG
What the guide says: “Friendly free house that is in its sixth generation of the same family.
“It serves a great, weekly changing selection of ales from all over the country.
“Outside is an award-winning garden.”
Etsome Arms
Where: 6 West Street, Somerton, TA11 7PS
What the guide says: “A former café, this friendly and cosy micropub was among the first of the breed in Somerset.
“Between four and six ales are served on gravity, depending on the time of week and year, with all changing regularly.”
White Hart Inn
Where: Market Place, Somerton, TA11 7LX
What the guide says: “The White Hart has been trading as an inn in Somerton’s delightful market square since the 16th century.
“A courtyard offers alfresco eating and drinking. Numerous awards and newspaper reviews can be found on the website.”
READ MORE: Unknown Path, brewed by Quantock Brewery near Taunton, comes out top in World Beer Awards
City Arms
Where: 69 High Street, Wells, BA5 2AG
What the guide says: “In 1810 the City of Wells jail closed and later became the City Arms. The main bar retains the small barred windows and low-vaulted ceilings of its former existence.
“Between five and seven beers are normally available, mainly from local brewers.”
Nog Inn
Where: South Street, Wincanton, BA9 9DL
What the guide says: “The striking Georgian façade of this attractive Grade II listed inn fronts a long, narrow building with parts dating back to the 16th century.
“Guest ales are often seasonal, and there is always an extensive range of continental beers on tap.”
Seymour Arms
Where: Witham Friary, Frome, BA11 5HF
What the guide says: “Built in the 1860s as a hotel to serve the nearby Mid-Somerset GWR branch railway station, it was part of the Duke of Somerset’s estate.
“One locally sourced beer and a cider are served from a glass-panelled hatch in the central hallway.”
Ring o’ Bells
Where: High Street, Wookey, BA5 1JZ
What the guide says: “Vibrant and handsome old pub in the village centre, serving a good range of four beers and two ciders.”
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