The Farmers Arms at West Hatch

Tucked away in a quiet corner outside Taunton, this traditional country pub is the kind of place locals are almost reluctant to share. The staff genuinely make you feel like a regular from your first visit, and the food comes in proper portions — none of that fancy small-plate nonsense. Dogs are more than welcome, which says a lot about the vibe here. Grab a picnic table outside when the weather cooperates, and there’s parking sorted so no faffing around on country lanes.