Play at Brewers Fayre Somerset Review
Reviewed by Sarah Hicks
We just enjoyed some lovely family time at the O’Bridge, Brewers Fayre in Taunton. They have recently refurbished the large children’s play area attached to the pub/restaurant and it sports a Dennis the Menace theme, we were even visited by Dennis himself complete with catapult and attitude to rival any tweenager!
The O’Bridge is situated near the M5 junction 25 and for families travelling the busy M5 provides a convenient and very welcome location for the children to let off steam after being cooped up in the car (especially during those busy summer holiday months where the M5 can be a nightmare!).
The play area itself is a 3 story, brightly colour, padded, super safe haven for the children to run wild in – there are twisty tunnel slides, punchbag style hangy things and a multitude of layers, all enclosed with only one entrance and exit, making it as easy as it can be to try and keep an eye on little ones.
We visited as a family of 6, mum, dad, daughter aged 8, number one son aged 6, and twin boys bringing up the rear at the age of 4. They all enjoyed the physical play and were kept occupied, stopping only to catch breath every so often. The room is actually nicely air conditioned, it even had a chill to it (we visited on a warm day in July) it was quite refreshing and the children definitely needed it, they returned to the table flushed and sweaty a couple of times, so the air con is very welcome.
There is also a play den, this area on the day was set aside for colouring activities, but also makes a great children’s birthday party room (they do offer party packages, taking the hassle right out of entertaining children!
The area had been well thought out, and there are a couple of details not everyone would notice – such as the swing doors in and out of the play area have a large finger sized gap between them – avoiding the inevitable crushed finger episodes that tend to usually occur. There is a small counter actually in the play area, making it great for mums or dads who are on their own looking after children – no dashing out of sight to the bar to get a drink or snack and having to leave the children unattended (or worse still having to try and drag them out with you!). There are tables set up to eat or watch in the actual play area – again making the whole thing easy – children can go back to play whilst parents can actually be allowed to savour their food rather than having to leave the table to go and supervise the young ones. Another plus was adults with maybe slightly older children could sit outside the play area, alongside a full length viewing window – enjoying a little more peace and quiet, but still clearly see what was going on. There is also a more dedicated toddler area with large bean bags for chilling and watching them up close if needs be.
The play area is payable per child and is £3 for 90 minutes play, very reasonable compared with some play centres. We also enjoyed a meal whilst visiting and have to say the food was enjoyed by all of us – pudding in particular were a great hit! Brewers Fayre offer a fairly standardised menu nationwide, all the popular pub favourites are there – fish and chips, burgers, smothered chicken, steaks etc… They also offer some fantastic price deals if you visit during a week day – two starters for £2.50, two main meals for £10, that sort of thing. We ate our food out of the play area and the staff were very attentive and helpful. Also whilst on the point of good value, they offer neverending coffee and soft drinks – no waiting around at the bar, you just help yourself.
All in all, I’d highly recommend a visit to Brewers Fayre in Taunton – they do what you’d expect very well – and the play area is such an added bonus – the kids will think you took them on a day out too!
I’d give it 5 out of 5, well done Brewers Fayre – lovely clean play areas = happy kids and parents!
Rating: 5/5
For more information, to view menus or to book a table visit:
www.brewersfayre.co.uk/pub-restaurant/Somerset/OBridge-Taunton.html
Brewers Fayre O’Bridge, Massingham Park, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 7RX | 01823 422 340
