Steeped in history, The Lion dates back about 500 years, and was built when King Charles I was on the British throne and even before the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Originally constructed as a house, for centuries the quirky building has been welcoming visitors as a traditional British pub. With its low ceilings, exposed beams and homely inglenook fireplaces, it has all the charm of what you expect from a historic pub and restaurant. Listed as one of the Britain’s most important buildings, this is a slice of history set right in the heart of the Somerset countryside in a popular English village. The characterful and homely rooms offer a comfortable stay for those wanting to holiday or spend a night or two in this stunning part of the UK. We’re also dog lovers, so your well behaved pooches will get a warm welcome.If you are looking to make a booking for more than 6 people, please contact us directly on 01458 832941
AA Accredited - COVID-19 ConfidentWe are not a ‘fancy pants’ establishment. Not in the least. We offer good quality, home-cooked, locally sourced (where possible) food. 90% of our menu is made on the premises. Certainly not ‘Pub Grub’ but not ‘Gastro Pub’ either. It’s good value for money. However, our standards are high, very high. Not only in the quality of the food that comes into and leaves the kitchen but also in the presentation, the delivery to the table and overall customer service. We’re definitely not ‘Silver Service’ either but all of our staff are attentive, smartly dressed and will always go that extra mile wherever they can. These are just some of the reasons we were awarded the Taste of the West GOLD award in 2019. We are a dog friendly establishment, very dog friendly. However, please tell us at the time of booking so that we can place you in our Bar area , as opposed to our Restaurant.
Family-friendly restaurant, lounge and bar offering a wide range of food from burgers and steaks to salads and fish dishes. The Loft turns into a late lounge on Saturday evenings with background music and Guest DJ every first Saturday of the month Party Night.The perfect destination to celebrate birthdays, hen nights, anniversaries or quite simply "a good night out"!The Loft also specialises in Wedding receptions, prom nights, corporate entertaining and all kinds of celebration in a fun lively environment. Also available for Funeral Wakes / receptions during the day. Available for private hire 7 days a week, entire venue or part venue hire available. Upstairs, Marion’s Lounge is a private exclusive balcony Lounge decorated lavishly with comfortable soft chairs, sofas and moody low lighting. It is available for private hire within the Loft a perfect location for that special gathering or celebration. Advisable to call in advance and check availability before travelling.
Quality ingredients put to good effect.At the more formal Charlton House Restaurant our talented chefs invite you to sit down and taste the very best Somerset has to offer. Salmon fresh out the Severn and lamb reared amongst the Mendip Hills is certain to impress. We leave it to good quality, locally sourced ingredients to elevate the flavour profile of our bistro menu.
"The Sherborne is a reborn wonder. Once a grand house with a staircase mural by Sir James Thornhill, whose other works include the paintings on the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, Sherborne House became so dilapidated that it was placed on the Heritage at Risk register. Now sensitively refurbished, it’s the town’s premier arts venue, with extensive galleries, an impressive events space and shop. The Sherborne also welcomes visitors to the popular Macready’s Restaurant and Bar, serving everything from light bites (from £12) to substantial main courses such as smoked ham hock with confit garlic and leek and pearl barley risotto (£22) and pan-fried gnocchi (£19.50), in an atmospheric and glamorous setting with attentive, unfussy service." As noted by Jon Woolcott in The 50 best museum cafes in the UK, The Guardian (15 April 2025)
