The Best Pubs in Taunton
Taunton, the historic county town of Somerset with roots stretching back to a 10th-century monastic foundation, boasts a pub scene as varied as its thousand-year story. Here, you can hop from a traditional inn serving real ales from across the South West to a quirky cider haven pouring local brews straight from the barrel, or from a modern country pub with a play farm and Sunday carvery to a lively sports bar with pool, darts, and a beer garden. Whether you’re after a log fire and a ribeye, a sunny spot with your dog, or live music with a cocktail, the city’s range of historic nooks and modern spaces offers something for every kind of gathering. Discover the best pubs in Taunton for yourself.


1. The Ring Of Bells
16-17 St James St, Taunton TA1 1JS, UK
Tucked just a stone’s throw from the county cricket ground, The Ring Of Bells is a cracking traditional pub that nails the balance between a lively sports-watching spot and a welcoming local. Their lineup of real ales from across the South West is superb, and the kitchen turns out fresh, locally sourced classics that have earned rave reviews for dishes like the melt-in-the-mouth beef cheek. Whether you’re grabbing a table in the sunny outdoor garden with your dog, booking the private downstairs room for a big group celebration, or just settling in for a cocktail and some top-notch table service, the friendly staff treat everyone like a regular from the moment you walk in.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. Ring Of Bells Inn
Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA2 6QU, UK
Step into the historic Ring Of Bells, a cozy 17th century pub where legendary Sunday carveries and ice cold beers create the perfect escape. Their sun trap beer garden is a brilliant spot for groups and dog owners to enjoy a pint, a glass of wine, or a creative cocktail in the fresh air. With a famously affordable menu and friendly service that makes everyone feel right at home, this is the ideal place for a relaxed meal or a lively gathering any day of the week.


3. The Plough Inn
75 Station Rd, Taunton TA1 1PB, UK
Discover a wonderfully quirky cider haven hidden in plain sight, where over a dozen box ciders and two cask ales from a local brewery are served straight from the barrel. The multi roomed layout, set across different levels, is perfect for groups of any size, and the super friendly clientele make every visit feel like a celebration. With live music adding to the fun and a warm welcome for dogs, this is the ideal spot to settle in for a fantastic evening with great drinks and brilliant company.
Photo by David Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Shepherd's Rest
64 Galmington Rd, Taunton TA1 5NZ, UK
Head to Shepherd's Rest for incredible value, where the 2 for £15 lunch deal and £10 lunch menu make eating out a no brainer. This lively spot is a dream for sports fans with multiple HD screens showing Premier League and Champions League action, plus a pool table and dart board for extra fun. Bring the whole crew, including the dog, and enjoy the outdoor seating while sipping on beer, wine, or a cocktail with live music playing in the background.


5. The Allerford Inn
Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton TA4 1AL, UK
Welcome to The Allerford Inn, a modern country pub where the whole family is invited to make every moment count. Settle into a cosy spot by the log burner, grab a table in one of two large beer gardens, or let the kids loose on the imaginative play farm while you enjoy a perfectly poured pint, a glass of wine, or a creative cocktail. Their legendary Sunday Carvery, featuring three slow roasted meats and seven fresh vegetables, is a must book affair, and with a huge function room and decking that overlooks stunning views, it’s the ideal spot for weddings, parties, and everything in between. Dogs are always welcome with water and biscuits on standby, making this friendly, spacious gem a true destination for groups, families, and couples alike.
Photo by Roger Cornfoot — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Ale House
78 Station Rd, Taunton TA1 1PD, UK
This lively local is a brilliant spot to gather with friends, offering a cracking selection of beer, wine, and cocktails alongside a menu of hearty, homecooked food. With outdoor seating and live music, it’s a welcoming place for groups, and the big screens make it a top choice for sports fans. Whether you're stopping in for a proper breakfast or a generous pie, the friendly service and reasonable prices make every visit feel like a treat.
Photo by Jaggery — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Bathpool Inn
Somerset, 102 Bridgwater Rd, Bathpool, Taunton TA2 8BE, UK
The Bathpool Inn is a gem of a traditional pub, where a clever layout of snug rooms and alcoves creates a wonderfully intimate feel for groups of any size. Their menu is packed with flavour, from a perfectly cooked ribeye to a decadent sticky toffee pudding, all served with a smile by a genuinely friendly team. With a large beer garden, plenty of parking, and a warm welcome for dogs, it’s the ideal spot to catch the big game, enjoy a cocktail, or simply settle in for a brilliant meal.
Photo by canalandriversidepubs co uk — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. Stonegallows Inn
Stonegallows, Taunton TA1 5JP, UK
Just a seven minute drive from the town centre, the Stonegallows Inn is a true local favourite where great food, impeccable service, and a peaceful location come together beautifully. Their fully stocked bar serves up everything from ice cold beers and wines to creative cocktails, making it a brilliant spot for groups to gather and celebrate. With generous portions at very fair prices, a welcoming vibe for dogs, and a team that genuinely takes pride in making every guest feel at home, this is the perfect place for a relaxed meal or a festive get together.
Photo by Peter Turner — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Hankridge Arms
Hankridge Way, Taunton TA1 2LR, UK
Housed in a magnificent building with stone mullion windows and inglenook fireplaces, The Hankridge Arms offers a truly unique dining experience. The menu is crafted from the finest locally sourced seasonal produce, freshly prepared and cooked to order, with spectacular Sunday roasts that are a must-try. This dog-friendly spot serves a fantastic selection of Hall & Woodhouse beers, extensive wines, and cocktails, with outdoor seating perfect for groups to gather and enjoy a memorable meal.
Photo by Derek Harper — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Molly Malones
Malt N Hops, 2 Tancred St, Taunton TA1 1SP, UK
For a proper, down to earth pub that fires on all cylinders, Molly Malones in the town centre is an absolute gem. You can grab an ice cold pint of St Austell, a glass of wine, or a cocktail and head out to a big, welcoming beer garden, or settle in for live music and sports on the big screens. With darts, pool, and a famously friendly resident cat adding to the charm, it’s the perfect spot for groups and dog owners alike to enjoy a fantastic, budget friendly night out.




