The Muddled Man in Crewkerne, The George Inn in Norton St Philip and the Rose & Crown in Huish Episcopi Pictures: Google

10 Somerset pubs named in Telegraph’s best 500 pubs in England

Tait ap EllisJuly 22, 20250 Comment0

A GLASS should be raised to Somerset as the county boasts 10 pubs that have been included in the Telegraph’s list of the 500 best pubs in England.

This comes after expert Will Hawkes, who has been reviewing pubs for decades, graded each pub on their charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and, of course, award-winning beer.

Three Bath pubs make this list, alongside pubs in Witham Friary, Wells, Langport, Calpton-in-Gordano, Crewkerne, Norton St Philip and Porlock.

The Old Green Tree – Bath, Green Street

Mr Hawkes described the pub as the best drinking space in Bath.

He said: “Here you’ll find the cheerful wood-panelled, herringbone-floored smoke room, with bench seating on both sides and a fireplace at the far end.

“The last time I was there, I was joined by a couple who were congratulating themselves on having found the pub (‘I’m so glad we decided to stay another night.’)

“There are two other rooms, including the lobby, where you’ll find the bar: the layout hasn’t changed since 1926. In a well-to-do city, this is a down-to-earth pub.”

The Star Inn – Bath, 23 Vineyards

The pub was described as “impressive as Bath itself” by Mr Hawkes.

He said: “The day I visited last was a hot one, and two young men were basking in the sunshine in front of the pub. Due to my translucent celtic skin, this isn’t really an option for me – but the cool interior was more appealing, anyway.

“I sat beneath a shelf of CAMRA beer guides – all containing The Star, no doubt – and drank Bass, for which the pub is renowned, particularly served from a jug. (I restricted myself to a pint.)”

Tuckers Grave – Faulkland

This “legendary cider house” is a rural classic according to Mr Hawkes.

He said: “When I visited recently, it was a warm day and most customers were outside. There were almost as many dogs as humans.

“Inside the historic pub, a long table, which had filled bread rolls and crisps on it and which faced the various barrels and bags of cider and beer (there is no bar), was occupied by a group of regulars.

“I chose Mother Tucker, a delicious semi-sweet cider that tasted like baked Bramley apples. There’s a new bar, created out of an old milking parlour, behind the pub.”

The Seymour Arms – Friary Close, Witham Friary

Mr Hawkes said this historic pub beguiles all who visit.

“Unspoilt is perhaps the most overused adjective in the pub-spotters’ handbook, but in the case of the Seymour Arms – and assuming by ‘unspoilt’ we mean unmodernised – then it is completely appropriate,” he said.

“Consisting of two rooms and a central corridor, the Seymour Arms’ only concession to modernity is an inside loo, but otherwise it remains much as pre-WW1 locals would have known it.

“Flagstoned rooms, a screened servery, simple bench seating, table skittles and bar billiards (actually, the bar billiards is probably post-WW1). Absolutely intoxicating.”

The Hunters’ Lodge Inn – Old Bristol Road, Wells

This “delightful crossroads pub” in the Mendips might not look like much from the outside, Mr Hawkes wrote, but is “marvellous” once you cross the threshold.

He said: “This is the exemplar of that tradition, with a plain exterior that tells you nothing about the simple comfort that lies within.

“Flagstone floors, an inglenook fireplace-turned-cosy seating, a lunch menu featuring faggots and peas (£7.50); for pub lovers, this place is a delight.

“I last visited on a Friday lunchtime and was the second person through the door at 12pm, opening time.

“By 12.15pm the main bar was buzzing, full of chat about that day’s big horse race (‘I had two winners yesterday’ ‘Lucky old you’) and roadworks. Beer is served on gravity; cash only.”

The Rose & Crown – Huish Episcopi, Langport

This pub, known locally as Eli’s is a “truly historic pub”.

Mr Hawkes said: “Pub companies seem to think tradition and modernity can’t coexist, which is obviously nonsense. Take a look at the Rose and Crown, or Eli’s as everyone calls it.

“This is a truly historic pub, with a counterless taproom with four charming little rooms leading off it, but it’s a modern place, home to regular food pop-ups (tacos, pizza, Greek grub, you name it), live music and much else besides.

“The Elderflowers food co-op is held at the pub every Friday, meanwhile, selling organic veg, fresh bread, eggs, honey and more. (The name Eli’s comes from a former landlord, whose family still runs the pub.)”

The Rose & Crown at Huish Episcopi Picture: Google

The Black Horse – Cleveland Lane, Clapton-in-Gordano

This pub on the way to Portishead is an “authentic slice of Somerset”.

Mr Hawkes said: “The last time I visited The Black Horse (The Kicker), a regular walked in the door, having clearly been absent for a few weeks.

“‘How was France?’ ‘Bloody marvellous.’ ‘You burnt your head a bit, should have worn an ‘at.’

“The pub’s interior is similarly straightforward, with a central alleyway leading to the pub’s outdoor seating, and rooms on left and right.

“On the left is the main bar, a two-room arrangement with flagstone floors, inglenook fireplace with horse brasses above it and pews around the edge of the room, from where wisdom is unceasingly dispensed. Beer is served on gravity and food is served at lunchtime.”

The Muddled Man – Lower Street, Crewkerne

Described as a “classic Somerset pub run by nonagenarian landlord”.

Mr Hawkes said: “The Muddled Man seems a little close to the bone for a pub name, although in this case inaccurate might be a better description.

“There can surely be no better advert for the value of pubs than the Muddled Man’s clearheaded landlord, Mick Medcalf, now in his nineties and still serving behind the bar and cooking roasts on a Sunday.

“The pub is fairly traditional in approach, with West Country ales, cider and a skittles alley that is pressed into service as extra dining space at Christmas.”

The Muddled Man in Crewkerne Picture: Google

The George Inn – High Street, Norton St Philip

This pub is a “smart contender” for England’s oldest pub.

“From the outside, the George is a gorgeous building in a truly lovely Somerset village,” Mr Hawkes said.

“Recent research by historian James Wright suggests this may be England’s oldest pub, and it looks it, even if the overall experience isn’t quite what it could be.

“The bar is now situated down the central cobbled alleyway in a barn at the back, through which the outdoor area, overlooking the village cricket pitch, can be accessed.

“There’s plenty of medieval decoration on the walls, and the beams look pretty kosher, but it would be nice to have a few more nooks and crannies.”