Taverns in two directions (4)
I believe the answer is:
inns
'taverns' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in two directions' is the wordplay.
'two directions' can mean two replacements for 'direction'.
'direction' becomes 'n' (N is an example).
'direction' becomes 's' (S is an example).
'in'+'n'+'s'='INNS'
(Other definitions for inns that I've seen before include "Roadhouses or courthouses" , "Bars" , "Old hostelries or pubs" , "Old-time hostelries" , "Drinking places (frequented by barristers?)" .)