THE World Cup is here, and fans will be flocking to pubs across Taunton for a taste of that football atmosphere.

Here are eight County Gazette picks for where you can watch Russia 2018 unfold...

All Stars

If there's one place you can guarantee will be showing every game, it's the All Stars sports bar on East Street.

With two large projected HD screens and two dozen more TVs dotted around the place, you won't miss a goal - even if taking a bathroom break.

And there are plenty of pool and snooker tables to distract you from the mediocrity of Iran 0-0 Morocco.

The Grove

Up from the railway station, on Kingston Road, The Grove describes itself as "Probably Taunton’s Finest Local".

It has a busy events calendar, but their TV screens will have pride of place for the World Cup matches - just not on Mondays, when the pub is closed.

Somerset County Gazette:

PUB SPOTTING: The Grove, in Taunton.

Kings Arms

This traditional pub on Staplegrove Road has cleared out its website's 'What's On' page to make room for every World Cup fixture.

Darts, pool and skittles are the alternative sports on offer, and there are many real ales to accompany the football.

Mambo

If you like your football on a big screen, Mambo could be the place for you.

The Mill Lane venue is showing every game from Russia 2018 live (assuming Love Island doesn't get the large screen treatment instead).

And if England win the tournament*, where better to celebrate than on the Mambo dancefloor into the early hours?

Somerset County Gazette:

BIG SCREEN: Mambo bar and nightclub.

Pitcher & Piano

Pitcher & Piano will also be showing every World Cup match live this summer, on their own big screen.

Located on Corporation Street, the vintage-style bar is perhaps one of the more relaxing places you could watch the tournament.

This may not apply to England games.

Racehorse Inn

Another community pub, on East Reach, which prides itself on its beers and beer garden.

There's skittles and live music on weekends, but you can bet it'll be their TVs getting the most attention during the World Cup.

Somerset County Gazette:

SCENIC SPOT: The Ring of Bells, by Somerset County Cricket Club.

Ring of Bells

The St James Street pub is perhaps more cricket-oriented than most, but that won't stop them joining in the World Cup party.

It could be a bit of a squeeze inside, though, so their beer garden will get plenty of use between games.

Warning: Medium to high risk of bumping into County Gazette staff during the tournament...

Victoria Gate

Just round the corner from our very own footballing heroes, Taunton Town FC, it is also located on East Reach.

With a dedicated sports room (darts and pool) and lots of drinks deals on, their wide screen will be attracting plenty of fans over the summer.

Have we missed out your pub, or your favourite local? Give us a shout on sport@countygazette.co.uk and we'll add in some details.

*Really?!