This pub had a chubby black labrador. Getting on in years it held court in the middle of the pub. It's tail wagged when regulars walked through the door and when they wern't there it would lie in front of the stone fireplace. Nose twitching with the smells from the kitchen.

And the 'King William' was definitely a neighbourhood pub. A Tudor timbered inn situated at the Stone Cross at the confluence of the High Street and Magdalene Street in Glastonbury. In this village of mystical religions, alternative theraphy's and organic restaurants this was definitely a pub for the local's. The landlady knew everybody's name and even strangers, such as I, got a smile and an enquiry, while the neighbours would sit on stools discussing the issues of the day.

'The Billy' doubled as an inn as well with rooms for not more then £40 a night. But we concentrated on the bar area which is really an entertainment area for the entire street. A stone bar had a good selection of ales, stouts and ciders. Available were Caffreys, Courage, and 'Stonehouse' Cider which is one of the most refreshing and delicious I have ever tasted. Food is available and usually consists of chips, pizzas and lasagne (the usual English pub fayre) I settled on a ham and mustard baguette which did not come to more then £1.75. And I had to fend off the inquisitive labrador whose nose had smelled my food.

I think the pub really comes into it's own in the evening. Blackboards advertised live bands which being Glastonbury are probably folk singers or rural musicians. And there is a TV, jukebox and snooker table to keep people occupied. But the big surprise was in the back room. I had not seen 'skittles' in a pub since I was a child. 'Skittles' is an olde English version of bowling. A wooden alley took up the back room where wooden balls are bowled at 'skittles' lined up at the far end. Scores are kept using an old fashioned blackboard and chalk.

The 'Billy' is about the simple things in life - ale, 'skittles' and spending time with friends. No wonder people come to Glastonbury and never want to leave..