Besom Inn, Aylburton

Originally called the Travellers Rest, the pub was renamed the Besom in the early 1980's. Located in an isolated position by the Ferneyley brook on the Lower Common above Aylburton it was notoriously hard to find. At the beginning of the 20th century it was owned by the Anglo-Bavarian Brewery of Shepton Mallet. Getting their beers to such an isolated pub some distance from Somerset must have been a logistical challenge. Ownership later passed to the Cheltenham Brewery and, by succession, eventually Whitbread. A 'Best in the West' ceramic plaque from West Country Breweries is still evident on the building. As a free house it relied on the provision of good food and real ales to attract customers. By the end of the 1980's its viability was being questioned. With a dwindling customer base the decision was made to close the Besom for residential use. Loyal customers were disgruntled at the loss of their local. and despite a campaign to save it, 'last orders' were called for the Besom late in July 1989.