Local Reviews
In July 2025, 159liz said about The Allerford Inn
We recently held our wedding reception The Allerford Inn, there were real highlights, but also a few areas that unfortunately let the experience down.
Firstly, the food was delicious, our guests praised the quality of the meals, fresh, well-prepared & tasty. It’s clear the kitchen staff know what they’re doing, and we were genuinely impressed by the flavours and portion sizes.
However, the service side of things left much to be desired. The pace was slow throughout the day, guests often had to wait quite a while between courses, and there were long stretches where it felt like the staff lacked direction. Basic essentials like water weren’t provided on the tables, and several guests had to repeatedly ask for it, which shouldn’t be the case at an event of this scale and in such hot weather. The wine that was provided was excellent, however there was not enough ice buckets/wine coolers for every table so many bottles were warm. Again, this is a basic essential that should always be provided especially when catering a large function.
It also became clear that the staff, while polite, lacked the training needed to manage a large function smoothly. We appreciated they were working on a very hot day, not helped by the venues lack of air conditioning or fans. Although there was a dedicated event planner/lead, their ability to lead and direct a team was questionable and led to much confusion. We had to chase things on several occasions and circumvent them by going directly to the owner. The lack of communication with guests around evening food and activities was also disappointing.
Most concerning was a medical emergency involving a guest, during which it became apparent that staff had little to no first aid training or a clear plan for how to handle such things. Fortunately, one of our guests was a qualified A&E nurse and was able to deal with it and the gentleman was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.
To conclude , the food was a definite highlight and something we’re grateful for. The venue also allowed for us to change plans, at the last moment, due to the weather and made allowances for our band to play outside, which made the evening so much better, and went down well with the guests.
But when it comes to hosting large-scale events like weddings, better preparation, more staff training, and improved coordination are essential. We feel with a little extra attention to detail especially regarding service quality and safety, it would be amazing.
Over all we had a great day we were just a little disappointed that things didn't run as smoothly as we had planned and some things that we were promised did not happen.
Firstly, the food was delicious, our guests praised the quality of the meals, fresh, well-prepared & tasty. It’s clear the kitchen staff know what they’re doing, and we were genuinely impressed by the flavours and portion sizes.
However, the service side of things left much to be desired. The pace was slow throughout the day, guests often had to wait quite a while between courses, and there were long stretches where it felt like the staff lacked direction. Basic essentials like water weren’t provided on the tables, and several guests had to repeatedly ask for it, which shouldn’t be the case at an event of this scale and in such hot weather. The wine that was provided was excellent, however there was not enough ice buckets/wine coolers for every table so many bottles were warm. Again, this is a basic essential that should always be provided especially when catering a large function.
It also became clear that the staff, while polite, lacked the training needed to manage a large function smoothly. We appreciated they were working on a very hot day, not helped by the venues lack of air conditioning or fans. Although there was a dedicated event planner/lead, their ability to lead and direct a team was questionable and led to much confusion. We had to chase things on several occasions and circumvent them by going directly to the owner. The lack of communication with guests around evening food and activities was also disappointing.
Most concerning was a medical emergency involving a guest, during which it became apparent that staff had little to no first aid training or a clear plan for how to handle such things. Fortunately, one of our guests was a qualified A&E nurse and was able to deal with it and the gentleman was taken to hospital and made a full recovery.
To conclude , the food was a definite highlight and something we’re grateful for. The venue also allowed for us to change plans, at the last moment, due to the weather and made allowances for our band to play outside, which made the evening so much better, and went down well with the guests.
But when it comes to hosting large-scale events like weddings, better preparation, more staff training, and improved coordination are essential. We feel with a little extra attention to detail especially regarding service quality and safety, it would be amazing.
Over all we had a great day we were just a little disappointed that things didn't run as smoothly as we had planned and some things that we were promised did not happen.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, Jayden K said about The Allerford Inn
Overall brilliant. Food from the carvery was great and the customer service was amazing. Our server, Tinkerbelle, made us feel very welcome, tended to our every need and kept a very friendly atmosphere and this was all while doing the same with other tables. I would say the only downside was that the food looked so good I put too much on my plate and couldn’t finish. Would definitely go back soon for seconds and to try other dishes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, Misha C said about The Allerford Inn
I attended the family fun day with my husband and two children. What a great day!!! So much to do we stayed for 5 hours. The kids even really ejoyed the tractors and the play farm.
Would definitely go back.
BBQ food was to really high quality.
5 stars to The Allerford
Would definitely go back.
BBQ food was to really high quality.
5 stars to The Allerford
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, Jodie W said about The Allerford Inn
Went here for a cavery with my husband and two children.
The best carvery I've ever had. Potato's were really tasty, gravy was delicious, good choice of vegetables.
My only critisim would be to try and manage the queues a bit better... but its obviously a very popupar place as it was soooo busy!!!
We will definitely be returning.
The best carvery I've ever had. Potato's were really tasty, gravy was delicious, good choice of vegetables.
My only critisim would be to try and manage the queues a bit better... but its obviously a very popupar place as it was soooo busy!!!
We will definitely be returning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2025, Caroline A said about The Allerford Inn
We arrived for Sunday carvery to be met with a queue to book in……
Told our table number, only to find another family sat at it
Table next to it empty, but it appeared to be a problem…. Eventually resolved by offering us the empty table….
Queued for the carvery, which I thought was delicious, despite what others have written.
Meat was tender and the gravy flavorsome
The thing that left the lunch down was the lack of service and at the end of the meal having to join a queue to pay
These things are easily fixable and would have made the lunch more enjoyable .
Set up a separate till
Show guests to their tables
Clean down the carvery area when there are spillages to ensure clean and tidy at all times
Bring the bills to the tables and take payment
Told our table number, only to find another family sat at it
Table next to it empty, but it appeared to be a problem…. Eventually resolved by offering us the empty table….
Queued for the carvery, which I thought was delicious, despite what others have written.
Meat was tender and the gravy flavorsome
The thing that left the lunch down was the lack of service and at the end of the meal having to join a queue to pay
These things are easily fixable and would have made the lunch more enjoyable .
Set up a separate till
Show guests to their tables
Clean down the carvery area when there are spillages to ensure clean and tidy at all times
Bring the bills to the tables and take payment
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Darren T said about The Allerford Inn
Stunning pub. Came here wirh my family. Good service, staff were very friendly. Food was very tasty. Would highlt recommend this place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Josie G said about The Allerford Inn
Best pub/restaurant around Taunton tucked away but easily found . We received the best welcome on arrival even with having 4 people,with a dog, turning up with no reservation. We were shown to a table without having to wait and the drink orders taken immediately. After ordering , the food arrived with in 10 mins . What a surprise we had . The presentation of the food has a WOW factor from all of us . My husband and I ordered the lunch time platter including scotch eggs , home made chutney, coleslaw and pickled celery ( delicious) along with warm fresh bread and a LARGE selection of cold meats . The pasta dish my daughter ordered was huge . To say the food was just delicious. Service was outstanding and everyone was so welcoming . We have eaten in many places around Taunton and surrounding areas but this little oasis is just outstanding. If you haven’t visited it yet, put this on your list . I promise you won’t be disappointed. Well done to everyone in the establishment, first class service all round . This is now going to be our regular.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Annie said about The Allerford Inn
Had a lovely meal here, we tried the chicken dish which was delicious. The service was great, the only thing that I could say is that things had run out, there were no homemade scotch eggs and no pie, which was the meal i wanted originally. The puddings were scrummy, we had the chocolate fudge cake and the crumble - portions are good sized too. Fast service as well, no hanging around.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Tim E said about The Allerford Inn
Came to eat here while away for for work. Amazing food, lovely staff. Its a bit out the way but the views you get from the land is incredible, plus its veey peaceful with lots of wildlife. I'll be back when in the area!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2025, Kirsty M said about The Allerford Inn
We attended bottomless Drag night , food was amazing lots of different options to choose from. The bottomless drinks were also really good they just kept coming we were never without a drink. The drag out was also fantastic overall we all had such a great night , the staff were kind and efficient and the service was second to none.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk