The Island
Midsomer Norton
BA3 2HQ
01761 418270
The White Hart is a lovely unspoilt locals pub with a friendly landlord and Draught Bass served straight from the cask. We arrived at opening time at Sunday lunchtime but were joined very quickly by several locals, and before long the public bar was full. As well as Bass, Doom Bar is available (also from the cask) and Stan’s Cider from Thatchers, just 18 miles away.
There are two evenings of live music, one electric and one acoustic, both open mic. The pub’s music group has its own Facebook page.
The pub still has its public bar with original counter (photo 1) and Victorian fireplace. The pot shelf above the bar displaying malt whisky bottles is original as well. The snug bar on the right has old panelling and another cast iron fireplace (photo 4). The lobby has the original off-sales hatch and an old high backed settle (photo 2). At the back is a lounge and a skittle alley. The pub was built in the 1880s in the same local limestone as the town hall next door (photo 3). The River Somer flows along the High Street and past the pub, and there is a patio outside overlooking the river.
It’s hard to believe now but Midsomer Norton was once a coal mining town and the White Hart was a prominent meeting place for local colliers.
