Somerset Arms in Wiltshire

My meal was discusting don't waste your money having food in this pub left me feeling unwell burnt garlic bread greasy pasta ,etc

Such a shame as this place used to be good, albeit several years ago. Alarm bells should have started ringing due to the freezing cold temperature, lack of other diners in the restaurant, then being seated next to a load rubbish sacks and being informed that half the menu was missing due to "a lack of delivery that day" which on a Friday of all days is hard to believe. So, with no steak, stew, fries, new potatoes etc, an already limited menu was even more limited, but this was nothing compared to the dining experience that was about to follow in this place. The service, despite the restaurant being deserted was simply shocking and to describe it as slow is being kind. When the meals did start to finally arrive in stages, the starters consisted of a “tomato soup” that lacked any sort of flavour or seasoning whatsoever with some bread and a dollop of margarine instead of butter by the side. The mains were no better, as they consisted of cold tasteless pasta with a dried-out chicken breast dumped on top through to cold burger and chips, that despite the menu description were certainly not locally sourced but rather a cheap "frozen burger" alternative served in an untoasted breakfast bap (a very odd choice), topped with huge chunks of an un-melted awful tasting cheese, that had failed to melt due to stone cold burger and bacon that it sat on, also no idea why some burgers had salad on whilst others did not either. One of the burgers was so bad that it was returned to the kitchen, and refund requested which was preferable over the prospect of having to eat its replacement. Taking a quick look at this place on social media later, I think it is safe to say that none of the meals bore any sort of resemblance to the photos they have shared on social media platforms, so I would err on the side of caution if you think this is the type of food that will find its way in front of you should you dine here. So one Birthday Meal ruined by being served up one of the worst dining experiences that we have ever had to endure, it is safe to say that we won’t be returning. I would also advise others to think very carefully before booking, unless you enjoy eating in a fridge and terrible food.

Visited on a Saturday evening. They let us me park up in our campervan. So kind of them. Stunning reception for us and our dog. They even plated up some scrap s for him. If our dog is happy then I'm happy. Shall we return? You betcha we will. Dont bother going anywhere else for miles. Our kind of beautiful people. Solid 10 /10 . James and Julie Hill

Me and my parents came here and had a wonderful Sunday carvery, very organised and welcoming. The food was excellent and the staff were so lovely. I would highly recommend anyone to go and try it out. Wonderful village pub with fire places and old beams very inviting. Highly recommended... thank you to the staff and chefs for a lovely meal..

Went for a walk along the canal and saw a sign for the pub so popped in for a drink and some lunch, the service was great and the food was excellent really nice atmosphere would highly recommend.

Attended a simple, formal buffet during the day. The food was OK - nothing special but adequate - but the rooms were FREEZING. The fire had not been lit and there seemed to be no central heating system working - everyone kept their overcoats on!

This is a great village pub, the staff are welcoming and friendly and the pub has a great atmosphere. I went here on Sunday 13.11.22 and they were really busy but delivered a great service our roast beef was amazing and was delivered to our table really quickly and our desert was delicious. I would highly recommend this pub to anyone who likes good food and want an enjoyable time.

We decided to eat out tonight at our local pub which we don't do often . We haven't been to the Somerset arms for some time . We were pleasantly surprised . Food was great , huge portions and both dishes we chose wer really tasted an nicely cooked . I had fish and chips , batter was lovely and light and nice chunky chips . My husband had the pie of the day which was chicken bacon and mushroom which was nice , homemade and far more than he could eat The staff were really friendly and very helpful and the dog was very welcome ( water bowl provided and the staff spoilt her ) We will Definitley be going back

Nice pub , 500 m from the canal. Friendly greeting from nice staff. Fresh and clean. We had snacks(sharers platter). Tasted very good. Cold beer. Clean toilets.

went to the somerset arms several weeks ago with a group of friends and had nothing less than a positive experience. staff were friendly and efficient and the food was great. would highly recommend and look forward to coming back again!

Visited at lunch time today with family and friends from London and Wokingham. Great service and food was delicious. Great value for money, will definitely be back

We were directed to this pub when using a canal boat day hire company in the local area and I'm assuming this is how the pub is still trading, one off visits rather than repeat custom. On arrival they were rushing around despite having no customers so felt a bit in the way but found a table outside and came back in to order and was served quickly,we were served by an older lady who didn't really know what she was doing. She couldn't find the hunters chicken burger on the till and actually asked if it was on the menu, then she overcharged us, when I queried it she said chips were £4 but the menu says add chips for £1.50 which she didn't know they offered! We had 6 meals and they were awful. Cheap ingredients and cooked badly. We had 2 ham egg and chips and the eggs were so brown,solid and crispy that we returned all and requested new ones which were improved but still bad. 2 hunters chicken burgers which probably didn't need to be in a bun as would have been better without, the bacon in these was just fat and undercooked. We had asked for no salad but it came with salad which put one of the kids off the meal when faced with the fatty bacon too. I had a sandwich which was fine, you can't go too wrong with a cheese and pickle sandwich and last one a jacket potato which was just microwaved so basic but edible. I went to order replacement meal for one of the kids to be told the kitchen was closed but the only decent staff member (a blond girl) went and asked if they would just cook a sausage sandwich as it was because of the shocking food that I needed to order something else. The "chef" agreed and it was served as takeaway because we were in a hurry by then. We weren't charged for the sandwich but seeing as we paid £12.50 for the hunters chicken it works out to be the most I've ever paid for a sausage sandwich. We sat outside in the garden were the cat poos and it's not cleared up also cat hangs around while you are eating and takes food off the plates and lucks them all. Hope the plates are washed well. The blond girl did move the cat a few times but obviously it kept returning. We however won't be returning.

Having seen advertising for "great food" we turned up Saturday night to discover that the pub wad a live music evening and this meant there was no food menu, the kitchen was closed. There was a choice of burger, hot dog or plain baked potato all seemingly pre-prepared and served in a polystyrene box. The barman was totally unapologetic, so we called it quits and got a taxi to Melksham were a much more enjoyable experience was had.

Lovely picturesque pub, fantastic welcome nice beer. Unfortunately the food and service was terrible! Some things on menu were unavailable, when we ordered we waited an eternity for food to arrive! Side orders either arrived after meal was finished or didn’t arrive at all! My mates feathered steak couldn’t be cut even with a steak knife. The owners were apologetic and the steak was not charged, but that’s not the point is it?

Lovely pub on the canal/walking trail,very friendly landlord and staff,very helpfull,great atmospere and the food was excellent! Highly recommend! It was so busy on a monday which speaks volumes,😀

Went in for a Sunday roast. Very limited menu - only options were chicken or beef. The meat was very dry as if it had been microwaved to warm it up, vegetables were swimming in water and potatoes were solid. Not a Sunday dinner I...

We visited the Somerset arms today for Sunday lunch however the food wasn’t great. The beef was really dry and tough and the potato’s resembled plastic balls. The pub however is nice and is clean but wouldn’t return for the food

Friendly Staff. Dreadful food. It must be very hard to prepare such awful food. Perhaps the regular chef is on holiday but we won't chance another visit for some time. We always plan and check reviews but this was a spontaneous visit a big mistake.

I was in a group party and I know they wanted to bring out all the lunches at once, however the most difficult meal asked for was fish and chips. We had to wait over an hour for our lunch and I was only having...

Where to start. In this day and age you would think a pub would WANT business. Given more than 2 weeks to prepare for a wake of 20-30 people they never responded to their phone or emails surrounding allergens to start. Then, at the actual...

After and hour plus of waiting for our food, being ignored by the staff and everybody in the place being served before us with two hungry children, we were served lukewarm food. Were left with a basically empty dining room (as everybody had left) the...

Well what can I say cold food rations as Sunday lunches go and I would say pre prepared food with a few hot items added. Look £30 for a less than average lunch is not acceptable these days maybe look at the chef as good...

The best meal out in a long time. Hake was perfectly cooked with buttered potatoes and samphire. Hubby loved his steak meal, every element. Thank you Somerset Arms for a great evening

Had a family meal here and was so glad we did. The food was so good, well cooked, well presented by very pleasant staff , nothing was too much trouble . Would recommend to anyone, We will return and hopefully eat there more often. Thanks...

Had a Groupon deal, was such good value for money and the service was amazing, the girls were brilliant but Donna especially she was running the show and couldn't do enough for us. We will definitely be back.

I am sorry to say that the service was very slow & poor. I feel that some of the waiting staff need to be reminded that customers do not appreciate hearing them being rude & loud mouthed to each other. There also appeared to be...

Called last minute to make a booking, managed to squeeze us in. Service was incredible and the food was delicious. 7 empty plates! Lovely owner who made the experience great. If we’re ever in the area again we will be sure to stop by!

We are in the process of trying all the local eateries having just moved to the area and this was our first disappointment. The Spanish chicken was over cooked and therefore hard. My wife’s belly pork was disappointing with cabbage and beans as ‘seasonal veg’...

The food was delicious - chicken roast dinner. Prices really reasonable. Wheelchair access as they’ve fitted a ramp to the front door. Rustic decor, outside seating.

Worst fish and chips I’ve ever had, made me feel ill for days afterwards. Could have made better from a packet!! Also staff were rude and dismissive when we complained and just moaned that they were too busy.

Whether you're passing by on your travels on the K&A or living locally, this lovely little pub is well worth a drop in. The food was absolutely beautiful, customer service excellent and they're utterly dog friendly, including inside the bar (though I am pretty sure...

Walked to this lovely pub from the canal , quite a walk for us as we were parked a long way off the village . We need not have worried . Fabulous friendly staff couldn’t do enough for us & the food was to die...

We stopped for the night at Semington on our canal barge trip and we had the best meal. The pork belly was very tasty with creamy mash and lashings of gravy. We enjoyed it so much we stopped again on the way back. This time...

We visited the Somerset Arms en route from Bradford on Avon to Devizes along the canal path. Service was so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We sat at an airy table in the garden, which was much needed on such a warm day....

I held my Fathers wake here today. I can’t thank Zippy enough. We had a meeting beforehand. Everything was in place today. The food was great and plentiful. Beautiful cupcakes. Plenty of tea and coffee. Thank you so much to Zippy and the team. As...

Stopped off here for a drink whist visiting the surrounding areas. There is good parking to the rear and seating outdoors to both the front and rear of the property. All food and drink can be ordered online. Good beers on tap and friendly staff....

The Somerset Arms provided a hospitable and friendly welcome to our family and friends following a family funeral at the nearby Crematorium. Covid-19 guidelines meant we had to observe social distancing, but we were able to have a pleasant afternoon in a private space, with...

Had a nice meal here whilst on the canal which is a 10 minute walk. Friendly staff, good beers, nice good that wasn’t expensive. Would happily return

Perfect service, great value, incredible tasting and varied veg. My wife voted her Lamb the best ever - of any meal! Wow. Apple and Cinnamon Crumble with Heavenly Honeycombe icecream followed. Our friend's Sticky Toffee also fab.My only regret is I didn't leave a generous...

Last night we had a fabulous dinner for four here. Friendly staff and food excellent. If we ever do a barge trip again we will definitely come back x

The most accommodating staff I have encountered for quite some time. The food is delicious, tasty and well presented. The best ham ever! The rooms are comfortable with plenty of facilities.

Welcoming and helpful. Busy Monday evening (eat out to help out nights). Good beer and drinks selection. Short menu. Helpfully accommodated our canoe at the back of the pub.

Booked on line but booking not confirmed but no issues. Food good value for money. Staff very pleasant and social distancing well organised.

We stopped off here for a pint mid-afternoon. To be fair, very few pubs seem to stay open through the day around here so beggars can’t be choosers. The bar man surprised us by saying we could remove our masks whilst ordering. Really? The beer...

After a day on the canal, pre-covid times, this was a welcome stop. A pleasant walk from the canal, through nice countryside, brought us to the Somerset Arms, a nice enough looking pub in a quiet little village. Orders were placed and there was a...

First time visit even though only live a 10 min drive away. We will be coming back for sure. Staff were working so hard in horrible heat and yet service was brilliant. Lunch was lovely, fresh and served with a smile. Would highly recommend

Went there for breakfast web site says open at 9am google says 10amAn employee pulled up at 9.45 and we were told they did not open until 12 oclockI will not waste my time and petrol to go there againI thought i would do my bit and help out whats the point?

We were on a canal holiday travelling down the Kennet and Avon canal and decided to stop for lunch at Semington. The pub is an easy walk from the canal and we got a very warm welcome from the landlady. The menu was classic pub fare, and very reasonable indeed (and will be even more reasonable now as the pub is taking part on the Rishi meal deal scheme). Burger was excellent as was the Ham, egg and chips.They have worked hard to make sure all the social distancing measure are in place and there is loads of room in the back garden and car park area to eat and drink.We may well visit again on our return leg. Thank you!

Our second pub outing for lunch. Sensibly we booked as it was Saturday lunch. Well organised. Still finding their feet with the new normal, and I am sure it will get sorted. Tables well spaced, but limited shade in the car park which needs addressing and the marquee was hot inside.We weren't expecting the takeaway style of service, but the food was fantastic - the best ploughman's lunch I have ever had. And when my companions praised the chips, I had to try one. They were brilliant.Food was piping hot, portions generous and very covid safe.

Pros- The food was nice They allowed us to charge multiple devices using their sockets The waitresses were very friendly Cons- The place is a bit grubby When we checked (March 2020) the food hygiene rating was a 1 out of 5

Called in on spec on a cold and wet Friday evening. Mexican night, but opted for normal menu. Could not fault the food in any way, if anything the portions were too big! Atmosphere fantastic and lively with very friendly and happy staff. Will certainly call in again soon as it is only a couple of miles from where we live. Only criticism was that the log fire could be more active on a cold night, but only a minor criticism!

Very nice friendly service and great food at a reasonable price. However, the decor could do with some tlc.

We stayed overnight here and had a lovely cooked breakfast. The room was comfortable, warm and clean, and the staff were most helpful. The room we had was at the back of the pub, so there was no noise from the busy Quiz night that was being held that evening. We joined the rest of our family with their young children for lunch there too and we had a lovely meal of typical good English pub fare. Good portions for hungry families!

We were taken here for a birthday lunch by friends. It was dire. Dirty, scruffy place. Dirty cutlery and glasses. Sticky tables....far worse than Wetherspoons! Three of us had the fish pie. God only knows where the ingredients came from, obviously leftovers. The top of the fish pie was halves of new potatoes and the cheese was curdled. Very little fish. It was best described as a mess. We have only just arrived home and I hope that we're not going to be ill. Absolutely disgusting place and horrible food. And not cheap either. STAY AWAY.

A friendly welcoming large pub, the youngsters in the pub we’re amazing friendly and lovely today 22 December couldn’t do enough

Visited today 12th December, the food was lovely. Brie starter followed by a Nut roast with fresh figs, roast potatoes, parsnips. Sprouts, carrots, green beans and stuffing. Followed by the most gorgeous bread and butter pudding. Well worth a visit, staff were friendly and the pub had a very nice atmosphere.

We booked & pre ordered our meals. Starters: prawn cocktail, roast apple & celeriac soup. Mains: roast turkey, I ordered roast sweet potatoes instead of white roasters. Puds:crumble & custard, choc mousse. Absolutely no complaints about the food, cooked perfectly & generous portions. The pub has a lovely atmosphere & we were made to feel very welcome by the landlady & her staff. We would highly recommend you visit, we will be going back again. Thank you for a lovely evening.

We visit weekly ( permitting ) as the landlords are very amenable for my guitar tutor to practice there, both indoors and outside in the summer in their barn . Service is always friendly and polite, an excellent range is local ciders. Favourite dish is the Venison Casserole, as shown

Decided to try for spur of the moment lunch .Well priced , good portions and great quality . Both had the homemade steak pie and couldn't fault food or staff

The car park at the back was not very well kept and also had what looked like abandoned vehicles.

We received a warm friendly welcome and after seeing a more inviting menu than most other pubs in the area, were shown to a table of our choice. Orders for drinks and food were promptly taken and we were served in a timely way with very tasty meals. Service was excellent throughout the meal and we will happily eat there again.

Firstly, we do not blame the servers.They did eveything they could but were let down by others. Firstly,get your website changed so it shows you are open from 10 not 9. Secondly, at least 45 minutes is too long to wait, particularly when the food was cold, and what was described as a sausage was woefully inadequate. Never again!

I felt so sorry for the family . This place is disgusting . Thin rumpled carpet. Veneer wearing tables .The tea was cold.Sandwiches plonked in the corner , half risen scones and not enough cream to go around . This pub needs a major interiors shakeup , Not at all inviting and yet the crematorium is very close by and it must have lots of trade from grieving families who don’t have time to look elsewhere.

Four of us had a delicious dinner there yesterday. The greetings were warm . The service was excellent with good knowledge of the menu. Beers and wines were also good. Meals were very tasty and the portions generous. The Somerset has a very pleasant atmosphere with the outside tables front and back a significant attraction too

Just been here for a birthday meal with my parents.The food we had fish and chips and scampi and chips first class.The 2 girls who served us were fantastic.Nothing was to much trouble.Its a pity that other pubs dont employ such excellent and brilliant staff as they do here.If anybody is in the area give this place a try you won’t be disappointed.

I took my daughter's out for tea, we were greeted with a lovely warm reception which put both girls at ease and had a lovely tea, highly recommended. Be warned, we will be back 😁

OK maybe it’s 300 yards from the canal but worth a visit. Good food, good beer, friendly atmosphere and good value.

Just a short walk from the Kent & Avon canal. Good service, nice courtyard & lovely food. Recommended

It was listed as being 200yds from the canal, longest 200yds I have ever walked, think it termed "a country 200yds"..more like 600yds.

Cruising the Kennet & Avon, as we passed under the bridge at Semington we saw the sign for Somerset Arms, so stopped for refreshment, so pleased we did. Excellent service staff very friendly, a varied menu and the meals we had were superb I had the home made steak in ale pie definately home made and a very generous portion with truffle mash and seasonal veg my wife had the fish pie again obviously home made with a goodly amount of different types of fish in a tasty sauce. We were so full we couldn't be tempted by the dessert menu unfortunately. The bar also carries a good selection of craft beers and ciders very, lucky the pub was only 200yds from our boat...Recommend.....

Me and my partner went for a bike ride along the canal, saw that this pub was the only one for the next 5 miles so thought we’d stop. The staff couldn’t be more unwelcoming or unfriendly if they tried. My partner went to order and there was no one else queuing but the staff did everything they could to not serve. When the food came out it was just plonked in front of us, no cutlery no enjoy your meal. Once we trekked round the pub we found the cutlery. No one came to ask if the food was okay and when the table was cleared the waitress said nothing. We had 3 different waitresses/waitors who just all seemed un interested to be there, manners cost nothing.

My wife and I booked in here for out half way stop on a return from Cornwall and when we arrived we were greeted by three lovely Golden Retrievers out in the car park and we knew that this was going to be excellent dog friendly accommodation. The staff and locals were all very friendly, rooms clean and well presented, food simple but very enjoyable and the kettle in the room was spotless (A, Alex Pollizzi favourite!).

stopped in for a pint after a walk along to the towpaths near Trowbridge. just as I arrived three people were checking into the rooms, instead of pouring me a pint the lady behind the bar decided to show these people to their rooms thus making me wait for a long time. Had a pint of Plain Innocence bitter in a sticky, dirty glass. Ale was horrible. £3.70 is daylight robbery. Pub is TATTY. uncomfortable seating inside and out and lots of work and attention needed to bring the building up to a good standard. very strange locals and just a werid vibe. I won't be returning.

We arrived on a damp late afternoon in May having walked along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The bar staff were polite but I wouldn't go so far as to say welcoming. The bedroom was comfortable enough but the "shower" was would be better described as a "dribble". We had breakfast on a table that could have been coated in glue - everything (napkins, saucers, teapot and plates) stuck to it and had to be prised off. A tablecloth would have solved this problem. We were quite glad to leave - it was one of the more expensive places we stayed in but definitely the most mediocre.

I visited this place twice for something to eat whilst on a course

If you've not been to the Somerset Arms before and are thinking about going, do it. Friendly staff, great atmosphere, a proper country pub. I had the gourmet burger, and I can officially say it's the best burger I've eaten. Cracking. Pop in, have a look, you'll love the place

Having paid £95.00 for one nights stay with Breakfast, I was expecting a pleasant stay.

We stayed in the car park in our campervans and had lunch and dinner. After a nice lunch of pulled pork brioche bun and ciabatta with amazing chunky chips and homemade garlic mayo we went for a walk along the canal and nearby locks. Dinner was very good. They were happy to make adjustments for our dietary requirements and they have a very good selection of flavoured ciders. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

We saw the breakfast on a tv programme and decided we needed to try it. We were not disappointed. It was the best breakfast we have ever had! We stayed overnight. The evening meal was delicious and accommodation was very comfortable. John was a great and welcoming host.

In short, waited 2 hours for food, had to ask a waitress to take our order after sitting at table for 40 minutes, had to get our own drinks from bar, no apologies from anyone, gave up eventually and went home for dessert. Thought staff unfriendly, rude certainly not welcoming as other reviews. Have come here a lot over past couple of years won’t bother any more.

My neighbour & I stayed here on a canal cycling trip. There was a warm welcome from the Landlord & we were shown to our rooms. These were clean, comfortable & very good value.

Since even before the stagecoaches called, this inn has catered for travellers - though peace and quiet now reign in Semington thanks to a bypass. After a cheesy smokey fish pie, I enjoyed the plum cheesecake, while my wife settled for ice-creams..

Stopped here while out and about in the Motorhome, parked in their car park overnight and had a meal in the pub, good food, nice big servings and the landlord was great, good choice of food and ale.

Uno dei pub preferiti di mio suocero....

Came here for a last minute meal towards the end of last year and was disappointed. Came back on Sunday 3rd Feb 2019 and the Sunday roast was great (again, another last minute booking). Generous portions, hot and tasty. Thanks very much.

Great food, I have alerges and the staff couldn't be more helpful, they were fantastic, definitely go there again.

We visited here for lunch today and had a lovely meal. Service was friendly and efficient, the menu had a good range of options and prices were good. When the food arrived the portions were generous and the meals were well cooked. Overall a really nice meal, good service, decent prices and a nice warm woodburner too.

Snowing hard this morning so where better to visit for a good o' "English" breakfast. Table by the fire in the bar, good food, friendly staff - what more would you want from a village pub. The place to go in inclement weather, well at anytime really.

This was a special event night with a 5 course gourmet menu, with vegetarian alternatives, and a 'guest' chef for the evening. The event was sold out!!

We were a group of 6. The lads wanted the Mixed Grill but they couldn't accommodate them on the night. Bit disappointed, they went on to choose other dishes. I had pork belly it was beautiful. Every one enjoyed there dishes. The only thing was the place where we sat to the right rear of the bar wasn't that warm.

We were made very welcome at The Somerset Arms. A group of 7 of us visited for a meal, we chose The Somerset Arms because 2 of our group were staying in rooms there.

Having booked a table at the last minute for Christmas lunch. Friday 21st December.

We went for a work lunch - the pub was busy so staff were stretched.

We were the 3rd party for a Christmas Lunch arriving for 1.30pm. Twelve of us had a very nice table and 3 members had starters so the rest had to wait quite a while as one lady was very slow and did not know she was holding up everyone else's main course.

The food was delicious. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The restaurant owner came and made sure we were happy. A good atmosphere. Would definitely recommend

Went for lunch on a weekday this week with family.

Tried here for the first Time, although stayed around here many times. Really good meal , excellent service and will happily return .

I had been told by several people that they had never had a poor meal here, so I was disappointed when I ate here recently with a group of friends. We ate in the bar and it was really very chilly (it was a particularly cold day and we were seated under a wide window which did not help). The starters were generous and tasty, but the main courses were not very good at all. The lasagne was burnt black on the top and very dried up (I believe that a reduction was made in the bill for this after the waitress was told that it was not satisfactory) and the batter on the fish in the fish and chip meal was soggy. The pub was very busy so we expected some delay in being served, but it seemed to take a long time to receive our meals and we had to ask for some items that had been requested but were not provided. It's a typical village pub and the type of meals on offer reflect this so it would probably be all right for an occasion when you did not want a high quality meal.

We stopped off at the Somerset Arms for dinner whilst on a canal holiday. The food was excellent, as was the atmosphere, the service and range of ciders and beers. Would I wish the Somerset Arms was my local? Yes!

Decided to stop for a drink, travelling from Bradford on Avon on the canal. Wise decision! Good beer, great food, welcoming bar staff. Had the Sunday roast the next day. Lots of meat, lovely yorkshires.