Cotley Inn in South Somerset

Simply the best dining experience ever. Beautifully run by the wonderfully professional hosts, Ben and Maddie, and their lovely staff. They have created a diamond of an establishment which uniquely melds fine dining with a true country pub experience. An absolute must 😃

This restaurant was booked by our friends who we were staying with for the weekend. The table was booked for 7pm. What a buzz. It was busy and you could see the staff were working hard and providing a very happy atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious. Beautifully presented and a very good selection of different things to try. We would thoroughly recommend visiting the Cotley Inn. You will not be disappointed. Just one thing though, we would have liked a little breather in between the courses please.

We stayed for two nights at the Cotley Inn and had dinner there on both evenings. The food was wonderful and imaginative and the wine list also very good. We found the service by all the staff, bar none, was extremely efficient and friendly. We will definitely be going again.

We stayed overnight on our way back to London from Cornwall. The rooms were lovely and the food at the restaurant was delicious. They even found out we couldn't make the breakfast in the morning because we had to leave at 7am, and were kind enough to make us bacon sandwiches and leave them outside our door in the morning! So kind and thoughtful of them, we will definitly be back to stay.

Starting with the positive very friendly staff and really good service. Sadly we were disappointed with our Sunday lunch the beef was very chewy, roast potatoes and vegetables very bland. The desserts were lovely. Will definitely visit again for the lovely setting and service but will avoid Sunday lunch.

Recently stayed for our 4th time at the Cotley Inn for a weekend away from the kids. We love it so much we have already booked again for early next year for our 5th escape to the most perfect of inns serving truly devine food/wine and fantastic draft ales and cider, whilst nestled in beautiful secluded rolling hills, perfect for anyone who loves a muddy country walk off the beaten track and appreciates a proper friendly country pub where time stops still and the stresses of the modern world are left behind at the turning off from the A30. The Cotley Inn is simply fantastic in every respect and the complete package.

Had a fab overnight stay here this weekend. Everything was absolutely on point. Customer service was super friendly and intuitive, food was fantastic and there was a good drinks list. The room we stayed in was gorgeous and very well done and there were lots of nice little touches such as the guest’s pantry. Will definitely be going back

Wonderful food in a delightful and beautifully furnished old pub in very tranquil surrounds. They are very friendly and hospitable, well priced and an interesting and varied menu extremely well cooked. We will be back!

Excellent food and excellent service. The location was beautiful and the venue was amazing. The staff were all really friendly and helpful and the food was delicious. I highly recommend the Cotley Inn.

I made a booking for a table this evening for my partner and I for dinner as we were on a course nearby as part of our NHS suicide intervention training. The evening started well and the menu was tantalising tasty and my partner ordered the fish main from the menu. When it arrived there was no mention of the fish dish being non-filleted or was any warning given regarding bones or even fish knives or forks being provided. Yet, though the dish looked inviting, it was completly indelible due to the sheer amount of fish bones present. It was unfortunate, but the basis of our disdain was the curtness of the staff, the contemptuous manner in which they treated my partner after being offered an alternative dish the establishment went on to charge for three main courses instead of two. In this respect, I felt the most offended as genuinely there may have been a misunderstanding, but the arrogance of the establishment was outstanding in its core. I will never go to this place again as they caused so much offence to my partner…

Superb friendly service from everyone. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. Impressive fluffy towels! We stayed at the start of the week, when pizzas and tacos are served in the idyllic garden setting with a campfire going. Highly recommend!

We had such a wonderful stay, the room was very comfortable and the food at the dinner was outstanding.

We enjoyed a beautiful supper at The Cotley Inn. The short rib was marvellous. Very warm welcome and excellent service overall. Will revisit when next in the area.

Beautiful country pub with upmarket feel. Food is great and service is exceptional. Love the effort that’s been made for design here.

My husband booked us a room at the inn for the night for my birthday (and our first night away since becoming parents!) and our stay was just the best treat! Our room was absolutely charming - gorgeous outdoor area and we loved the suite set up - having the beautiful lounge area and then separate mezzanine sleeping area. Everything from how the room was styled with gorgeous coffee table books to the luxurious bed etc was on point. The staff were warm and super helpful, our evening meal was excellent and the breakfast in the morning was amazing - high quality and gorgeous setting. We honestly can’t wait to stay again!

We were two couples. We had dinner and bed an breakfast. It's so refreshing to see a place like this so full in the middle of the week and in the summer holidays. Obviously the Cotley Inn is doing something right. The staff were very friendly and able. The food was a good standard, and good value. Service was excellent. The building is lovely and creates a great ambiance. I'm guessing it's 17th Centuary, and it's full of charm. Our room was well presented, and comfortable. The breakfast was a simple buffet affair, but with great fresh ingredients - a top class continental breakfast with fruit, grains, toast, cheese, fresh bread and pastries, and a boiled egg if you fancied it. It felt like we were back in Venice! We've lived within 30 minutes of 'this hidden gem' for 20 years, and I can't understand why we've not been there before. It certainly won't be another 20 years before we go back.

Didn't sleep here. Just delicious food. Highly recommended. Nice location and good service.

Excellent food and service. Highly recommended

Beautiful spot to stay… stayed here whilst visiting my mum, everything was perfect from the setting, the room, the pub, the food. Everything has been thought about carefully and lovingly. Will definitely return

We stayed in the Cotley Inn for a night on the way to Cornwall & so pleased we did. Fabulous pub with a very warm welcome. Just a few mins off the A303, the pub sits amongst the glorious rolling countryside of the Blackdown Hills. A wonderfully peaceful setting. Locals started to arrive before the doors to the pub opened at 18:00, a sure sign of a popular place which was fully booked on a Wednesday evening! We chose one of the smaller rooms & it was nicely presented, very comfy & had everything needed for a relaxing restful stay (inc toiletries & wonderful home made cookies upon arrival). Food was fabulous with a choice of pub classics and more interesting dishes showcasing wonderfully fresh local produce (confit of duck encrusted in fennel & almonds was delicious!). Great choice of drinks & wines by the glass. All in all, a lovely night away with a very warm welcome & fabulous food. Can’t wait to stay again.

Absolutely fantastic, perfect service, fantastic food . Our anniversary spot x

Fantastic food, fantastic service in a lovely spot in Somerset. Both our starters were outstanding, the burgers we so tasty and I would say the best burger I’ve ever had. My lemon and lime poset was so good. I highly recommend this pub.

We went to the Cotley Inn to eat. It is difficult to find, buried in the Somerset countryside, but we had eaten there before, so knew what to expect. We had a wonderful welcome from the staff, and as it was a sunny evening, we ate our meal on the patio in the sunshine. The food was very good, but we did feel the waiting staff had forgotten us after the main course had been served. We haven’t stayed at the Inn, so cannot comment on the rooms, but we imagine there are some challenging walks in this area, given the countryside that surrounds the Inn.

We had a wonderful stay at the Cotley Inn. It is a special place, prepared with love and run with love. We will be back definitely.

Beautiful pub in the Devon countryside. We turned up on spec on a Friday lunch time and it was really busy. It was lovely weather so we sat outside with the dogs on the terrace to enjoy the sunshine and the view. Great service from very friendly staff. We’ve booked for an evening meal later in the week - with the dogs!

Excellent country pub in a fantastic location. Well worth the journey.

An interesting drive down narrow lanes leads to a gem. Farm reared sirloin steak was superb, service was efficient, friendly and responsive and the star for me was the basil oil, wild garlic and leek dipping bowl for the pre-dinner bread a week in the refining - attention to detail, taste and vibrant green colour exemplifies the skills behind every aspect of the experience

Fantastic food, beautiful location and great staff. Can’t believe I haven’t been before! Will be back for sure, pizzas were fantastic. Thank you to all the team at The Cotley Inn.

Excellent food and service in a delightful rural location.

Amazing food and great service, if we didn’t live 300 miles away we’d be regulars!

Fantastic, locally sourced Sunday lunch.

Amazing food and service would highly recommend

Excellent service and delicious food. We shared a starter of salt and pepper squid with a radish and grapefruit salad which was delightful. For mains I had venison loin with a faggot , cumin hasselback potatoes with a harissa jus which was fantastic. My wife had a chicken thigh burger which was similarly good. Great deserts too. One small and I mean small criticism the portion sizes were on the small side. But this did not detract from the overall enjoyment. Definitely worth a visit.

The Cotley Inn, hidden in the hills just outside Chard.. Like all best kept secrets it won’t stay that way long.. It started with a warm welcome( book in advance) .. The Sunday Lunch menu was excellent, the Staff were , friendly and attentive, and the food.. my 90 year old Father, said it was the best Sunday lunch he had for a long time.. In short, thoroughly recommended.. we will definitely be back..

A destination Pub and beautiful accommodation. It's in the countryside, great get away. The food was delicious. A very friendly reception and nothing was too much trouble.

We stayed overnight and had a fantastic meal, with an excellent story to the food, we had a lovely room. The welcome was great and it continued throughout the stay. One of the most enjoyable overnight stays that either of us can remember

We visited this wonderful place for my wife's 40th and were blown away with the place. The staff were amazing, friendly and very professional. Our table was lovely, set next to the log burner, it's also nice to go somewhere were the tables are actually big enough for two people! The food was incredible, not cheap, but worth every penny. Wonderful.

We stayed as a family with our three young children for a weekend and it was fantastic! Warm welcome and incredibly friendly team. We ate dinner with them on one evening and it was as great as all reviews told us it would be. Breakfast in the morning was a relaxed continental which was perfect for us!

This is a lovely pub located on the outskirts of Chard, Somerset. We ate 'pub classics' i.e. fish & chips & ham, egg & chips which were really good but the other dishes also looked nice. The prices are fair and the service is good with a lot of local produce. I would happily recommend you go here.

This was our second visit and it didn't disappoint the service is 1st rate and the food is perfect, the perfect place for a special occasion.

We stopped overnight at The Cotley Inn for the first time on our way to the West Country. The room was quiet, cosy and well appointed. We had a drink before dinner in the buzzy bar and then had a delicious meal including, the best venison haunch we have had in many years, which we were able to complement with a nice wine from the thoughtful wine list. The highlight of the complimentary breakfast was fresh eggs from their own chickens. The Cotley Inn is a real gem and we look forward to our next visit when the weather might also permit us to enjoy the gardens.

What a little gem tucked away in the Somerset countryside. Very romantic and beautifully designed. We were made to feel very welcome by our hosts and enjoyed a snack and drink before being shown to our accommodation. We stayed in the Holt with our 2 dogs. The accommodation was beautiful and we had everything we needed. Absolutely loved the use of the pantry, the ice cream was delicious, what wonderful touch! Also appreciated the outdoor hot water dog shower, with the most delicious smelling pooch shampoo! We enjoyed some lovely dog walks and this proved Very handy after a couple of VERY muddy walks! Dinner was delicious and the atmosphere in the pub was lovely as was the log fire. After a great nights sleep we enjoyed the most amazing breakfast! Nothings too much trouble. Thank you guys, just what we needed!

Wonderful atmosphere, great food and very friendly staff. Highly recommended. Will come again when next visiting the area.

Our third weekend stay at the Cotley Inn in 18 months. Before finding the Cotley Inn I didn't understand why some people tend to go to the same place on holiday year after year. Now I understand. When you find a gem where nothing disappoints you would be mad not to return and risk spending similar money somewhere else. Ben and Maddie are such welcoming hosts to their amazing rural hideaway. We are already throwing around dates to return later in the year. The only downside to having found the Cotley Inn is that now every pub/restaurant/hotel is benchmarked to the Cotley Inn and in our 20 odd years of experience of weekends away (particularly in the west country) nothing is as good.

Superb in every way. Staff, service and food second to none. We went for Sunday lunch, which was delicious. Ice cream was fabulous too. Staff couldn’t do enough for you and they were a delight. Highly recommended.

Absolutely amazing food! From start to finish. Presentation was excellent, service was fantastic, food tasted amazing and could not fault this at all. Would definitely go back and would definitely go again!!

This is a very special place. Everything is understated and brilliant. It is a rare find to have a busy establishment with both locals and visitors alike. On a Thursday. The accommodation is fab, the food divine and the beer excellent. Thank you Ben and the team; I will be returning.

We didn't just eat here, we were fortunate enough to stay for two nights with a Mr & Mrs Smith voucher from our family. On our arrival here, we met Ben the owner who kindly brought us a nice cup of coffee each and gave us a nice welcome. We stayed in the Nest, to which was extremely comfortable, clean and very snuggly. The bed, pillows and linen was all glorious. A lovely complimentary tray, tea, coffee and homemade truffles. Ben also brought us some lovely fresh milk. The grounds are so lovely with beautiful views and plenty of areas to eat and drink at. You can park outside the accommodation. The breakfast is amazing and Ben makes you feel so comfortable. Ben will always look after you and nothing is too much trouble. He is really a very chilled and calm chap and takes everything in his stride. The produce used is amazing, the muesli is wonderful and you can add as many dates, hazelnuts etc as you wish. Very tasty. Fresh eggs from the hens who live at Cotley Inn. The best part of the breakfast for my wife was the smoked salmon, which was the best ever. Good strong coffee. We ate in the restaurant and the food was excellent as was the service, everyone is so friendly. It was nice meeting the Dogs too. Ben you should be so proud of Cotley Inn it was Perfect. We are talking of a return and perhaps we will find the Donkeys next time. Thank you Jacqui & Ron Hayden.

Had a birthday lunch here- wow it did not disappoint! The service was friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was great, the pub is beautifully decorated and the food was absolutely delicious. Will be returning as much as possible 👌🏼

We would highly recommend spending a night or two at The Cotley Inn. The room was fantastic, the food at the restaurant was delicious (we would recommend the Scallops starter), and all the staff were helpful and friendly.

Lovely atmosphere and delicious food. Will definitely be returning

Sunday lunch very good ! Couldn't fault service,,drinks and ambience, food excellent and everything Sunday lunch should be !

Bit of a trek to get to down some lanes that those not used to them might find a little daunting, but at the end of the journey is a gem of a pub. Lovely service and a good menu.

We stayed at the Cotley Inn for two nights in The Holt and can thoroughly recommend it. We stayed in the The Holt, a wonderful two-storey bolt hole, which is beautifully furnished - I particularly loved the roll top bath. The food was excellent and there was a good selection of options on the menu. We will definitely be coming bcck and staying the extra night to enjoy the Sunday roast. Thanks to Ben and his team for a really wonderful weekend.

We are willing to drive over 50 miles to eat here! The food never fails to impress, the service is impeccable and you are welcomed like old friends! There is so much choice, even for those with dietary needs like me. You must try this place, you will need to book in advance!

Went for Sunday lunch today. I can safely say that you won't find any better in the local area so save yourself hours on Google or following other people's recommendations as it doesn't get better than this. We had the Pork and the Beef followed by the most amazing Brownie, washed down with a glass of wine. Portions are great, with the offer of more of everything from the very friendly staff. I would recommend either an early or late table as it does get busy and parking is limited. Can't wait to go back.

We booked The Drey which is compact but has everything you need for an overnight stay. We spent an afternoon relaxing with a few drinks, fabulous bar snacks and Six Nations. This pub is friendly, staff are warm and inviting and they really have the whole experience off to a fine art. Well done to your team. This is our second visit and we will definitely be back for a third. Thank you.

Just returned from a mini-break at The Cotley Inn. What a find! The team were brilliant and very committed to making our stay memorable. Couldn’t fault anything. Nothing was too much trouble. Great job, well done Ben and your team! Your awards are well deserved.

We stayed for two nights in The Den at The Cotley Inn. Simply faultless, this is the best place we’ve ever stayed. Well done, great job!

A really good meal. Our first visit and we were impressed in every way. A warm welcome, food was amazing and the wine list was reasonably priced. Service second to none and a really cosy and warm atmosphere. We are already talking about coming back. We also stayed in one of their rooms, The Den. Clean and very comfortable with an extremely comfortable bed.

Delightful pub and rooms. So cosy, in a beautiful setting and yummy food too. What’s not to like? Perfect for us two, our baby and dog. Nothing was too much for Maddie, we were so well looked after and appreciated the hospitality very much. Would...

The most amazing dinner and nights stay. To add to that, the breakfast in the morning was just perfect. All the team are so helpful and positive. Love this place

What fabulous Inn. Truly wonderful vibe, fantastic staff, locally sourced food (divine), topped by Ben and Maddie’s perfectly relaxed helmsmanship!

We have always known that there is something a little special about this quaint inn . The food , locally sourced is a foodies paradise which is served to perfection by the cotley team . An extensive drinks menu from local ales , top cocktails...

What a great spot we found in The Cotley Inn. Nestled in a valley, peaceful and beautiful. We had a warm welcome and send off from Ben and Maddie and the staff were all friendly. Our room was very comfortable and supper was absolutely fantastic....

An excellent gastro pub. The steak was one of the best I’ve had for a long time. Enthusiastic service, good menu, interesting wine list .

The Cotley Inn was provided as an alternative venue/stay by our booking provider when our original booking cancelled less than 23 hrs before check in ( Thank you Lord Poulett). As myself and my Hubbie walked into the pub we were greeted by the lovely...

What a great find off the beaten track! Held a family 90th Birthday celebration here, where members met up from far and wide and what a great choice. Lovely staff who were very accommodating, quintessential English pub venue and what fantastic food, well worthy of...

We stayed here overnight and had dinner in the pub. The food was fantastic and the room was lovely, comfortable and quiet. The pub has a great atmosphere and is in a very picturesque location perfect for walks or just admiring the view.

First visit today and was very impressed. Simple menu but every dish a winner. Welcoming staff, warm interior with log fire and casual atmosphere. Worth finding as off the beaten track.

From the moment you enter the bar entrance, Maddie is there to greet you and welcome you in. We were there for our anniversary and enjoyed a delicious dinner, served in the most friendly yet professional manner. Food is locally sourced and imaginatively cooked by...

An amazing place to stay and incredible food. The attention to detail was brilliant, and made the whole stay feel like a real treat. The rooms had everything needed and lots of little luxuries, and were quiet and cosy. We also loved the pub's ethos...

Such a lovely place and the food was amazing! Also stayed over in the perfect accommodation. Breakfast was fabulous and the added touches to make your stay so comfortable were spot on.

Wonderful evening meal and comfortable room with a tasty breakfast. Lovely staff, lovely location. Delicious food.

The Cotley is such a special place - the location alone is picture perfect. But the pub itself has a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in through the front door. Maddie and Ben and their team provide exceptional service -...

We had an absolutely perfect stay for my friend's 60th birthday. The room was super comfortable with everything you could need. The dinner was faultless and the breakfast lovely too. It's a great place to stay, eat and explore beautiful Dorset.

Nice pub, friendly staff. Sunday lunch was OK well cooked veg, overcooked meat.

Lovely birthday lunch. 5 of us. All dishes enjoyed. Will return.

Present atmosphere food was excellent service was good.

Cracking country pub in a beautiful setting. Great food and lovely rooms. Perfect for a little overnight stay

Two of us had our best ever bubbly beer battered haddock and chips for lunch here - absolutely amazing. Friendly service and fair prices. Thank you!

Great pub! Beautiful rooms set in a lovely courtyard setting. Excellent food and a great choice of wines. Really good service with very friendly staff. Just a lovely place to visit. Highly recommend.

Absolute nightmare to get to, miles of bendy single-track road with grass growing up the middle. Very limited menu, Mediocre overpriced food. No indication of what drinks were available at the bar. The most unsuitable location for a restaurant. Full of barking dogs. Complete crap!...

My girlfriend and I had a beautiful night here staying in “The Drey”. It was a lovely cosy room made up very nicely with a guest pantry just outside which was a marvellous touch. We had dinner and the food was exquisite while the service...

We don't live all that far away from here, but far enough that when we decided to go for a birthday dinner, on a recommendation, we figured we might as well book a room too so that we could both enjoy a drink. Well. I'm...

Our second visit back in six months - staying for four nights at the most heavenly village Inn tucked away in deepest Somerset. Just travelling down the narrow lanes to reach this treasure trove removes all trace of our mad sad rush through life. Maddie,...

I booked this place through mr&mrs smith. I was not disappointed. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Ben, Maddie and their team are amazing. We had some champagne waiting in our room when we arrived. The room was beautiful. We booked in...

Warm and friendly with excellent food and drinks. The accommodation has been beautifully decorated and the attention to detail really made our stay. Highly recommended, we will definitely return !

A really lovely evening at The Cotley Inn. A warm welcome as we walked in, great service and delicious food. Thank you to you all.

We stayed for 2 nights. Our room was small, but exactly as described on their website and is ideal for a short stay. In the pub and accommodation they seem to have thought of everything to make your stay enjoyable. Evening meal was fantastic. Breakfast...

Almost don't want other people to know about this absolute gem of a restaurant but its so good I have to write. Tucked away on the outskirts of Chard is the fabulous Cotley Inn. The beautiful setting is merely the first 'bite with the eye',...

I had a lovely stay 3-night stay at The Cotley Inn. Maddie and the team took great care of me during my stay. The room was beautifully decorated, had comfortable beds, good quality sheets, and luxury toiletries - everything had been well thought out for...

Excellent lunch menu with good varied choice, very professional staff with great cooking. Highly recommended, advise booking. Will be back!!

I have been to Cotley many times before and it has always been good. Lovely atmosphere, great service and nice food. Last night was exceptional. Everything was really delicious and as usual, the service and atmosphere was great. We will definitely be back next time...

Everything about the Cotley Inn is perfect. The location is magical and you feel a million miles from the rush of life. The staff (and locals) are so friendly, welcoming and helpful - they make you feel like you totally belong there and are one...

We stayed at The Cotley Inn for two nights, and had our wedding reception in the restaurant, and all I can say is WOW! Dina and team went out of their way to make sure everything went flawlessly. There were so many extra little touches...

We were looking for a puppy and teenager friendly stay on the way down to Cornwall and stumbled across The Cotley Inn. It was exceptional in every aspect. Friendly welcome, spotless boutique accommodation in The Holt and incredible food for us parents and kids. Nothing was too much trouble and kids even found the jelly babies in the larder. Lovely touches for puppy including warm water shower for washing off any mud after walks across fields. Will be staying again for sure!

A lovely weekend stay with friends. The location is wonderful , staff helpful and happy and the food was wonderful!!

Spent three nights at The Cotley Inn - and had a great stay. Loved the room, which was well appointed, with lovely furniture and great amenities (coffee machine, kettle, Bramley toiletries, umbrella etc), plus there was a guest pantry where you could help yourself to...

A very friendly welcome from Maddy and Ben and both work very hard to be as helpful as possible.The room rate for the size was we thought a little on the high side and we compared this to our previous night in a Cotswolds Hotel...