A TAUNTON pub has lost its manager this week heading into an expectedly busy Christmas period.

The Stonegallows Inn, a historical pub in Taunton, is a part of the Hungry Horse chain of pubs now owned by Greene King.

Located roughly at a seven-minute drive from Taunton's bustling town centre, the Stonegallows is within the Somerset countryside, offering a "welcome pause from the daily grind".

Little has changed from the outside of the building, although it has been extensively refurbished inside in recent years.

A reader has contacted us in the past to let us know that the Stonegallows used to be called the Hutcomb Bunny.

The pub has free Wi-Fi, disabled facilities, and a spacious car park with coach access.

The Greene King Taunton spot is open every day from 10am-10pm, except Fridays and Saturdays when closing time is extended by one hour to 11pm.

James Sawyer has been the pub manager at the Stonegallows for nearly four years, first starting as duty manager in January 2020.

Sawyer had previous pub experience over 36 years, which included a stint at a pub in Exmouth for six and a half years.

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James is leaving the Stonegallows in a career change that has seen him become the new Coffee#1 store manager in Taunton.

Providing a statement online about his departure, James said: "Well, that's it.

"For 36 years of my life, I have been in the pub game in one way or another and I finally decided it was time to look after me for a change and get out before it totally broke me.

"A new chapter of my life begins on Monday and I am very excited to see where this goes.

"Coffee has always been a love of mine and now will also be my career too.

"So to any of my friends, FB family or ex-customers please pop in and see me for a coffee and a chat at Coffee#1 in Taunton from the end of December when I will be there starting the next adventure in my life.

"I have loved my time in the pub game met some amazing people, and had some terrifying moments but also some of the best memories of my life.

"If you have worked with me or for me over the years I am sure most of you are on here I would just like to say I love every one of you and would not be the person I am today without the love, support and experiences I have had along the way from each and every one of you.

"Hope to see many of you very soon."

You can find the Stonegallows Inn at Stonegallows, Taunton, TA1 5JP.