The Orchard Inn - Taunton Deane

My friend and I stopped by for a spontaneous drink and were welcomed warmly by the landlord! We had a great time as my friend requested ginger beer and the landlord miraculously produced one. I have dined at this restaurant before and the food was excellent.

According to their website, the pub was supposed to be open until 10:30. However, when we arrived around 8:00, a man quickly approached us and informed us that they were closing at 8:00 and we couldn't come in. He was quite dismissive when I mentioned the discrepancy with their website. This is the second time this has happened to us, and I'm not sure if any of us will be returning.

I booked the venue for my stepfather's wake, which included a buffet. When the funeral party arrived, the staff were still setting up the food. The buffet offered a mix of hot and cold dishes, but the quality left much to be desired. The roast potatoes were greasy, the chips frozen, and the sausages deep fried with sparse fillings in the rolls. The presentation was underwhelming and unappetizing. Some guests raised concerns at the bar, but there was no effort to address them. Despite multiple emails to the Orchard, most were ignored, with one response stating that the buffet was standard for the price paid. Each person was charged £8.45 for this disappointing spread. Requests for gluten-free options were made, but the lack of labeling left our Coeliac guests uncertain about what they were eating. The lack of care and respect shown by the Orchard in handling our complaints was disappointing. No apology or compensation was offered for the subpar experience, causing embarrassment on a somber occasion. I have no intention of returning or recommending this venue in the future.

Great food with the family. All meals were excellent. Lovely staff and very dog friendly, could sit anywhere- water bowl and treats.

We've been popping up to The Orchard frequently since lockdown was eased to allow outdoor drinking only. It has been a treat, bearing in mind 3 other pubs locally have not opened due to it not being financially vaible to run a pub outdoors only during a wet and cold British spring. For that we are grateful. There has always been heated seating areas, and the table service has been fast and enthusiastic. The beer has been cold and plentiful, and the food great. Thanks from us. Very much appreciated in very challenging times for everyone, particularly the hospitality industry.