Somerset is known for its cider, but there is also a thriving array of pubs serving traditional real ales. Weston and the surrounding areas has plenty of boozers which have been accredited by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Weston Mercury: Team at The Criterion. Picture: Tim NickollsTeam at The Criterion. Picture: Tim Nickolls (Image: Archant)

The Criterion, in Upper Church Road.

The pub - believed to be one of Weston's oldest - is included in the CAMRA 2019 Good Beer Guide and is just off the seafront. Games feature strongly, with darts and table skittles, plus a quiz on a Tuesday, with several guest beers sold.

Weston Mercury: The Regency. Picture: Henry WoodsfordThe Regency. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

The Regency, in Lower Church Road.

This comfortable, friendly town centre watering hole attracts a mixed clientele including Weston College students at lunchtime. The pub has pool and skittles teams, but also offers a quiet refuge for conversation. Keenly priced home-cooked food is served, plus Wednesday curry and Thursday grill evenings are available.

Weston Mercury: The Brit Bar. Picture: Henry WoodsfordThe Brit Bar. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

The Brit Bar, in High Street.

Formerly known as The Britannia, this long-standing town centre pub was bought at auction after a period of closure. The Brit Bar is known for its regularly changing ale selections and hosts a beer festival in May. CAMRA discount is available, as is a loyalty card system for regulars.

Weston Mercury: Andy Bidmead getting the kegs ready at The Black Cat. Picture: MARK ATHERTONAndy Bidmead getting the kegs ready at The Black Cat. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The Black Cat, in High Street.

Tucked just yards away from The Brit Bar is Weston's first micropub, which opened in 2018. It serves up to eight cask ales from nearby breweries, with additional keg beers also offered. Food is not served but snacks are available.

Weston Mercury: Chris Knights will run The Cat and Badger Ale House. Picture: Henry WoodsfordChris Knights will run The Cat and Badger Ale House. Picture: Henry Woodsford (Image: Archant)

The Cat and Badger Ale House, in Boulevard,

Weston's latest pub started pulling pints in April and only opens from Thursday to Sunday, serving beers straight from the barrel. West Country breweries such as Quantock and Cheddar while cider are stocked, and gin and wine from the South West are also offered.

Weston Mercury: The Bear Inn. Picture: Mark AthertonThe Bear Inn. Picture: Mark Atherton (Image: Archant)

The Bear Inn, in Walliscote Road.

Formerly The Balmoral, the watering hole reopened in 2012. It is only a few minutes' walk from the seafront and the Tropicana. Beers can be unusual for the area, with a variety of styles usually on sale and a skittle alley and function room at the back.

Weston Mercury: Off The Rails. Picture: GoogleOff The Rails. Picture: Google (Image: Archant)

Off The Rails, in Station Road.

Located in Weston Railway Station, and another boozer which made the CAMRA 2019 Good Beer Guide, Off The Rails is popular with Westonians and visitors. It can get lively on evenings and weekends, with three TVs showing sporting events and karaoke sometimes taking place.

Weston Mercury: The Butcher's Arms was included in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide for 2019. Picture: MARK ATHERTONThe Butcher's Arms was included in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide for 2019. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The Butchers Arms, in Yatton.

One of only two drinking establishments in the Mercury patch, alongside The Brit Bar, to earn LocAle accreditation - a CAMRA scheme which promotes pubs which sell locally-brewed real ale, reducing the number of beer miles and supporting nearby breweries. The village boozer, in High Street, has enjoyed a real turnaround in recent years and deservedly made this year's Good Beer Guide.

Weston Mercury: Josh Walton and Chloe Parrott who have taken over running the Queen's Arms pub in Bleadon. Picture: Mark AthertonJosh Walton and Chloe Parrott who have taken over running the Queen's Arms pub in Bleadon. Picture: Mark Atherton (Image: Archant)

Queen's Arms, in Bleadon.

The 16th century building in the centre of the village, in Celtic Way, was taken over by Josh Walton and Chloe Parrott in March 2018. The couple serve up traditional grub and also have space for live music performances.

Weston Mercury: The team at the Old Manor Inn. Picture: Fran StothardThe team at the Old Manor Inn. Picture: Fran Stothard (Image: Archant)

Old Manor Inn, in Kewstoke.

A Sizzling Pub Co-themed restaurant has a large car park and garden. It underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2016 and serves three changing ales.

Weston Mercury: Licensees of The Nut Tree Terry Reynolds and Stuart Mottram. Picture: Jeremy LongLicensees of The Nut Tree Terry Reynolds and Stuart Mottram. Picture: Jeremy Long (Image: Jeremy Long / JCL PHOTOGRAPHY)

The Nut Tree, in Worle.

This attractive old public house, not far from the High Street, has a big with garden and car park. Known for its tantalising menu but also its four ale offerings, this is one of the prime establishments in Worle.