We are extremely spoilt for good pubs both with and without food.
Clearly we recommend the local pub in Galhampton as it is so good and very popular - but there are other places if you wish variety.
In almost all cases it is advised that you book - especially at weekends.
(Please note the views expressed are ours personally and provided in good faith based on our experience - please make up your own mind)
We are delighted to say that the village local pub is brilliant. The ‘Orchard Inn’ reflects the village and the local area’s long association with Cider. The landlords provide a truly friendly welcome, good beer and good pub food.
We go often and we may even see you there for a beer.
-0-
The following are a few of our other favourites; the food is all good, however there are some that could be considered more ‘gastro-pubs’ should you fancy something a little more special.
The Camelot Inn has recently changed hands so an updated review is not appropriate.
-0-
Shepton Montague
Hidden away amongst the Somerset country lanes between Bruton and Wincanton, is the Montague Inn; a traditional 18th century country pub where everyone receives a warm welcome.The cosy bar guarantees a warm and friendly atmosphere for that quiet chat or the simple enjoyment of the local ales and ciders. The restaurant opens onto the terrace and garden with wide reaching rural views.
The hosts frequently visit the ‘Monty’ when a better quality of cuisine is called for!
-0-
Yarlington
The Stags Head in Yarlington is not opening currently
-0-
Just a quick note......... vis the local towns:
Castle Cary
Depending on what you want, Cary has what you might call ‘town pubs’. If you want to have a drink in Cary then probably best to go to the George in the centre - the food there is now reportedly quite good.
There also is small Thai restaurant that is nice - but you will need to book.
Other places seem to be opening regularly and Castle Cary is a lovely place to visit - so you do need to explore.
-0-
Wincanton
Don’t bother there are far better options.
-0-
Babcary
The Red Lion in Baby used to be a fantastic village pub but has become a bit of a gastro-pub and wedding venue with prices and not such a friendly welcome to match - the hosts and many of the locals now don’t use it very often as we feel it has become quite impersonable.
It has a large restaurant but it’s cosier in the bar where the food is the same.
-0-
The Manor Inn in Ditchet used to be one of the host’s favourite places to eat - but it has changed hands a few times - and is up for sale again (Jan 23) and you may need to explore and make up your own mind. You can eat in the Bar or the small restaurant – either is (or was) very good. Be careful on race days as it’s the local for Paul Nichols’ stables and it can get VERY lively if there has been a win - this can also be good fun.
-0-
The Stapleton Arms in Buckhorn Weston is a great pub old fashioned and contemporary at the same time. Really good place to eat in the bar. The restaurant is a bit isolated. The food is very good and they have literally dozens of different beers and ciders from the UK and Europe.
-0-
The Queens Arms in Corton Denham used to be owned by the same people as the Stapleton Arms (above), it’s a really nice place to eat – especially in the bar, or in the summer the court yard at the rear. Really nice place to go for a slightly more ‘upmarket' pub-lunch but watch the prices. Parking is difficult at busy times as it is mainly on the village lane.
-0-
The Chapel is about half-way down the high Street in Bruton. It’s an old Methodist chapel and quite atmospheric. It’s quite expensive but the food can be correspondingly good. They do very good pizzas (including takeaway)
-0-
Charlton Hawthorne
If you fancy a slightly more upmarket/special experience try the Kings Arms in Charlton Hawthorne. With origins dating back to 1813, the Kings Arms was once an inn and has been lovingly renovated and restored by owners Tony and Sarah. You can eat in either the bar where it is less formal, or in the ‘proper’ restaurant - depending on the occasion, either is good.
-0-