Cross Keys Pub Norton Fitzwarren Taunton

Alright, picture this: you're cruising through the Somerset countryside, stomach rumbling like a distant thunder, and suddenly, like a mirage in the English countryside, you spot it - the Cross Keys Pub in Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton. It's like finding an oasis in the desert, but with more cider and less sand.

First Impressions: The Pub That Time Forgot

Now, don't go expecting some fancy, shiny new joint. The Cross Keys is as old as the hills, and it's got the charm to prove it. It's like that favorite pair of jeans you've had since high school - a bit worn, a bit faded, but you wouldn't trade 'em for anything. The outside's a bit weathered, with ivy creeping up the walls like a green, leafy tattoo, and the sign's swaying gently in the breeze, as if it's been doing that for centuries (which, let's face it, it probably has).

But don't let the exterior fool you. This place is like the grandma who bakes the best apple pie but swears she can't cook. It might not look like much from the outside, but wait until you get a taste of what's inside.

Step Inside: A Warm Welcome and a Cold Pint

Push open the heavy wooden door (which creaks like a horror movie, but don't worry, it's just the hinges), and you're greeted with a warmth that's not just from the roaring fire in the corner. It's like walking into your favorite aunt's house - cozy, inviting, and filled with the kind of chatter that makes you feel right at home.

The bar's a bit like the command center, with the barman (let's call him Bob, because every pub needs a Bob) pulling pints with the precision of a NASA scientist. And the pints? Oh, the pints. They're like liquid gold, poured with love and served with a smile. It's like drinking a little bit of Somerset history, and it's all the better for it.

Food: The Hearty Stuff of Legends

Now, let's talk about the food. The Cross Keys isn't one of those fancy gastropubs that serves up tiny plates of foamy nonsense. No, this is hearty, honest-to-goodness pub grub that'll stick to your ribs like a good friend on a cold night.

Think massive Yorkshire puddings that could double as small planets, roast dinners that could feed a small army, and pies so good, they should be illegal. It's like they've taken everything that's good about British food and crammed it into one menu. And the best part? It's all cooked with love, and it shows.

The Crowd: A Cast of Characters

The regulars at the Cross Keys are like a cast of characters in a novel. There's the old bloke in the corner who's been coming here since before you were born, the young couple celebrating their first anniversary, and the group of friends who've known each other since primary school. It's like a little community, and you're invited to join in.

And the banter? Oh, the banter. It's like a verbal tennis match, with jokes flying back and forth like a comedy Wimbledon. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's hilarious, and it's all part of the Cross Keys charm.

Sunday Roast: The Main Event

But if there's one thing you absolutely, positively must do at the Cross Keys, it's have their Sunday roast. It's like they've taken all the best bits of a Sunday roast dinner and supercharged them. The turkey's like a small planet, the gravy's like liquid gold, and the Yorkshire puddings? Well, they're like the cherry on top of the most delicious cake you've ever tasted.

It's not just a meal, it's an experience. It's the kind of Sunday roast that'll make you want to move to Somerset just so you can have it every week. And if that's not a reason to love a pub, I don't know what is.

So, What's the Verdict?

The Cross Keys Pub in Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, is like that old friend you can always rely on. It's not fancy, it's not flash, but it's real, it's honest, and it's got a heart as big as the Somerset countryside. It's the kind of pub that makes you feel at home, makes you laugh, and makes you want to come back for more.

So, if you're ever in the area, do yourself a favor and pop in. Have a pint, have a laugh, and have a bloody good meal. You won't regret it. And who knows, you might just find your new favorite pub. Just don't tell the locals - we want to keep it our little secret.