Wells top 5 pub picks

Wells is a veritable goldmine of quality public houses when compared to other settlements of a similar size.

In fact, it is home to the infamous Wells Mile – a pub crawl where a drinker and his or her chums has a tipple in each of Wells’ 12 pubs.

But which ones of this drinkers’ dozen are the highlights of the crawl, where they add that something extra? Here is WellsPeople’s pick of the Wells pubs…

Where all Wells Mile attempts start, or finish, is the Britannia Inn, on Bath Road. This welcoming local is a fine all-rounder, mixing a friendly landlord, well-kept beers and top quality pub grub. In fact, it is for its food that the Brit is now becoming known, particularly its Sunday roasts and steaks which have been hailed as the best around.

A completely different sort of pub is the Fountain Inn, at the bottom of St Thomas Street. More of a food pub than a drinkers’ den, the Fountain boasts a mouth-watering menu, while still offering real ales at the bar. The Fountain is the right mix of posh and friendly, ideal for an evening meal, or starting a night out with a civilised drink.

Sister pub to the Fountain is the Crown in the Market Place, an historic centrepiece for the city, and a lively bar and restaurant. The Crown is a curious mix – its restaurant is of superior quality, the sort of place one goes to take the in-laws. The bar changes its vibe hourly, with the clientele starting out sedate and more elderly for coffee in the morning, before changing to work-finishers and then becoming a buzzing mix of youth and those who are still hanging on to their youth at night.

The King’s Head in the High Street gained its reputation though its live music, but it is so much more than that. Now a hub for many a night out in Wells, the King’s Head welcomes the widest range of customer of any pub in the city. The 20-somethings go for the pool table, and the lively atmosphere at the back bar, while the serious beer buffs prefer the quieter front bar where they can sample the ever-changing real ale selection.

Last, but by no means least, in our popular pubs is the Globe in Priest Row. Landlord Manny is the amicable host of this bustling hostelry. Many go there for a drink, but do not forget to look at the menu, as the Globe’s food is of a high quality and not overly pricey. The main front bar often has sport on the two screens, but for those seeking refuge from football and rugby, a side room and back courtyard are welcoming and often just as fun as the main bar.

The other pubs in the Wells mile are the Sun, the Mermaid, the Cheddar Valley, the Sherston, the Full Moon, the Rose and Crown, and the City Arms but they're not quite up to the competition above in my opinion.

If you don't agree with my top five picks then you'll have to let me know below, your silence signals your acquiescence...