Watchet's Pebbles Tavern named Somerset's best cider pub for 10th year in a row

Watchet watering hole Pebbles Tavern marks a decade of being the best cider pub in Somerset after winning CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) award for the 10th consecutive time.

Located on Market Street, the hole-in-the-wall pub sits just inland from Watchet’s marina walls and are proud providers of over 40 natural, locally brewed ciders and perries.

The collection has led to them being named Somerset CAMRA’s Cider Pub of the Year 2024 earlier this month, a feat that they have repeated every year for a decade going back to 2014.

Winning the award for the 10th year shows the quality of the ciders on supply. Each one is produced using all natural recipes with no added chemicals, and always locally in Somerset, some from a brewery just 400m down the road and the furthest up to an hour’s drive away from the historical seaside town.

And it’s not just the alcohol that should put Pebbles on the map for all pub goers, the building itself deserves a dynasty of awards.

Pub Manager Dean Manley (left) with barman Gray Banks (Image: Samir Abraham)

Hidden behind a bright red door and windows is feast for the eyes as well as the stomach; an explosion of old maritime equipment for decoration, a ceiling full of fading vintage photos, and a healthy documentation of Guinness advertisement throughout time leads punters down to the small but busy bar that stows the numerous ciders and perries, along with a healthy selection of other pints, wines and spirits.

The tavern has also made a name for itself as hot spot for local music enjoyers, putting on live performances from local acts two or three times a week, with musicians playing genres from bluegrass and jazz to classic maritime sea shanties.

Manager Dean Manley spoke about their recent award and the pub itself.

He said: “We’ve just picked up the Cider Pub of the Year for the 10th year, which is obviously fantastic, [CAMRA] really support us with what we're doing here with our ciders and drinks.

“I personally see [Pebbles] as a community sort of thing you know, where people can come play music, have good conversation and have a good drink as well, just everything really. It’s a magical place you know, all the customers love it, the staff all love it, everyone loves it."

“We have about 35 ciders on now with about seven or eight more perries and they’re all natural and all close by, I mean the furthest one is an hour away and the closest one is 700 yards away.

“But like I say, I feel it's like a community hub where people can come in and enjoy themselves whenever they want.”