The Hood Arms in West Somerset

Have eaten here several times in the last few years and find the Hood Arms consistent in the high standard of their food. Recommended.

What a lovely evening. We expected a Thursday night to be quiet and hadn’t pre booked, however they fitted us in kindly and despite being heaving, food arrived quickly and was the usual delicious standard. Well done guys! The waitress was sweet and very attentive too. Thank you.

We had an excellent Sunday lunch sat by the fire with two dogs. Mixed beef and pork roast dinner and Thatchers Zero Cider (due to Dry January). Great service and food including mouth-watering pork and apple scotch egg to start with. Lots of other families and dogs made for a great cosy atmosphere. Well recommended.

On a day-trip to visit a jewellery-maker in the Quantocks we decided that the nearby Hood Arms was good for lunch. Research revealed this pub had a convenient location, was well-recommended, thus promising a good lunch. Having no reservation we were pleased, not only to be able to get a table, but also have a choice. We sat in the bar right in front of a window overlooking the A39 main road. The bright winter sun was streaming-in through the window. We sat backs to the sun, absorbing the radiated heat: most welcome on what was a cold day with a biting breeze. It was a weekday visit and on arrival, early in the lunchtime, there were few customers. This gave us time to exchange pleasantries with the bar-staff. Sarah, the young woman, who appeared to run the bar was particularly personable: engaging with us in respect of the menu and wine on offer. We chatted very amiably, exchanging experiences of French wine and wine regions, and places to visit in France (amongst other things). I had enquired as to wines available by the glass: I was impressed to be told that there were two Sauvignon Blanc wines: French and, the other, South African. Both of these countries produce quality wine that particularly suits our tastes. The French offering was from Languedoc “Rue des Amis”: it was very good with a pleasant, fresh and slightly floral nose, with a particularly tropical fruit palate. Later, during our meal, I had the South African offering: this was amusingly called “Don’t Tell the Kiwis”; it was definitely more robust with a very zesty citrus palate and a nose typical of Western Cape vineyards. At £5 and £6 respectively for 175ml (medium) glasses, this was good value for what was a good quality wine. From the menu we were both initially considering the Fish and Chips: but we were advised that it was Cod today, whereas we definitely prefer the meatier Haddock. Second choice from the standard lunch-menu was the ‘Hood Burger’ with an intriguing promise of a ‘special ingredient’; this helped us decide. The ‘Specials’ featured quite a lot of fresh-fish and I almost chose my main plate from there, to accompany the Scallops starter from the ‘Specials’ that I had already chosen: the latter at £9 per plate appeared good value. So, after a bit of deliberation, it was the Scallops starter for me, with my partner abstaining, in expectation of capacity for a dessert. Mains were the burgers for both of us. My starter was soon placed in front of me. Three perfectly cooked smallish scallops each placed on a round of black pudding that was larger than its accompanying scallop. Two crispy back bacon streaky tails adorned two of the scallops, with a garnish of fresh green leaves and a raw red cabbage. The scallops were very good, but the black pudding over-dominated the taste and texture of the plate. Each round of black pudding should, IMHO, have been reduced by half (if not two-thirds). Black pudding is definitely not my favourite; but other diners, more appreciative of the ‘delicacy’, may disagree. The burgers arrived after a wait that suggested that they were freshly-cooked for us. We had been promised that the burgers would be pink and they were; but they were pink from the ‘special ingredient’, rather from a lighter touch in the griddle. The burgers had a really good taste, but for me they were overcooked, and therefore a tab dry. My partner had no such issues. My burger wasn’t ruined, but the texture was wrong: ideally burgers need to be hot, soft, pink and juicy; I am not fearful of pink steak, so why would I worry about pink beef? The burgers were served with a generous portion of delicious triple-cooked chunky-chips (we had been offered these as an alternative to the skinny fries). The substantial sourdough bun was certainly more filling than my preference: i.e. a brioche bun. I feel that a firm and substantial bun makes it more difficult to take a bite from a burger in the hand, whereas my partner prefers the more substantial bread buns. For me, when eating a burger in a brioche bun, it’s fine to have messy fingers; after all that’s why you have the option of cutlery and paper napkins. The burgers were a substantial plate, ideal if you are ravenous, but I was unable to eat all of the carb elements: the chips were really good, so I hardly ate any of the bun. Nether of us had room for dessert - maybe next-time? We both really appreciate the very pleasant service, thank you.

Wonderful pub food. We popped in for lunch after a long morning walk and were treated to one of the best pub lunches ever. The menu was varied and there were a fine selection of daily specials as well, Service was also top notch and the whole place had a lovely atmosphere as well.

Arranged for a lunch visit and booking was all ready when we arrived. Nice staff and very helpful Selection of food is comprehensive and you will find something to suit you. What we chose was fine, enjoyed our meals, not the best we have had, but above average. Definitely recommend it

stayed just up the road at Pardlestone Farm with horses for the weekend and ea at the pud 2 evenings & sunday lunch . Great food & service .

Good home cooked food that has been locally sourced. Small dining area that is comfortable, with attentive staff, a menu and a daily specials board. Four of us had the Lundy line caught Pollack, Local Somerset steak, suet crust chicken pie and confit duck. It was all delicious and we all ate everything! Good choice of homemade desserts, wine list and coffees. You’ll need to book to guarantee a table.

Good Sunday lunch. Restaurant was full so very popular. decor is appealing. Good place to go to for Sunday lunch.

Fantastic dinner one evening, recommended by Pardlestone Farm owners. Veggie options lovely, all home cooked and tasty. Welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff. So good that my partner and friend went back a week later when in the area.

We had dinner one night and also Sunday lunch and found the food and service to be very good. We will happily return when we are next visiting the area.

This recently refurbished restaurant/pub has been done in a really tastefully. It has a homely relaxing vibe and the the staff are warm and friendly. We haven't been here before but live in the area and were made most welcome which made my birthday celebration very special. The food was of exceptional quality and super tasty. I was quite moved when the entire staff bought me a sparkler in my sweet for my birthday and sang happy birthday to me what great bunch of guys and girls they are.

We haven't been to the Hood for a number of years but hearing that it had recently been refurbished and finding ourselves unusually uncommitted on a Friday evening we decided to give it a try and were not disappointed. The whole place has been done up to a very high standard whilst managing to retain many of the features you would expect in a C17th coaching Inn, the staff, every one of them, were cheery and welcoming and genuinely went all out to make us feel at home. The bar was well stocked with a wide range of real ales and the Tribute was of course up to its usual high standard. We decided to bypass the starters, though they looked exceptionally good, and I for one am glad I did as I would have really struggled to finish my main course if I hadn't. My wife opted for the Fillet, medium rare and I for the rib eye rare. We were brought out steak knives but in all honesty we really didn't need them. The steaks arrived in a timely manner despite it being relatively busy and looked divine with all the trimmings and both were cooked exactly as we'd asked for. The rib eye especially was well marbled and as soft as butter, I probably could have cut it with a spoon if I'd tried! Full marks to the chief, the butcher and indeed the local farmer who'd raised it! Thank you for having us and we look forward to returning again soon.

Booking advised as it gets very busy, very welcoming with excellent service and food. Highly recommended.

The best Sunday roast I've had. Also great friendly service and to top it off our dog was made welcome!

This was our eighth visit to the Hood Arms in six months speaks volumes for the service and food. If you want a meal with friendly, attentive but not intrusive service then I would recommend you pay a visit.

We haven't been to his pub for many years and were delighted by the improvements which have taken place. The decor is utterly charming and the food is stunning. Not pub food but restaurant standard. Pleasant and helpful staff. Well done and good luck.

Packed opening week end, Paul one of the co owners made a table for my wife and as we had not bookedI, had a wonderful steak and chips with peppercorn sauce.

The place looks a real mess & where the windows have been smashed hardboard has been put in place to stop more break ins I imagine. What a shame for a once great local 😢

Good comfy rooms dogs allowed excellent selection on menu, a hearty breakfast included, not far from anywhere

Room 6 above bar area . Ear plugs in drawer. . Christmas lights left on of a night outside left room looking like a night club. Great food though. Nice people. Comfy bed. Just a shame about the downsides.

Went there for lunch really friendly staff fast service ordered within a couple of minutes.The food was wonderfull had sausages and mash and gravey really nice and good portion also lovely veg...Would definitely recommend to eat there great place will not be Disappointed....

Durante mi tiempo visitando el Sur oeste de Inglaterra, mi familia y yo nos hospedamos en un gran número de hoteles, los brazos de Hood siendo, con mucho, el más agradable para alojamiento y en particular la comida; una enorme selección y exquisitamente presentados y muy sabroso. Al haber visto una minoría de opiniones negativas, que me laminas de lo que la queja respecto. Hablando a cada miembro del personal era una delicia y su aproximación a los niños es inigualable, una rara hazaña en servicio al cliente estos días. Una revisión ha demostrado que el propietario tiene 'donde expresaba opiniones". Mi familia entró en contacto con él" sólo una vez, comprar nuestro primeras bebidas y parecían muy agradables, pero que permite una broma de manchar su experiencia parece infantil, teniendo en cuenta lo difícil el personal trabajó para proporcionar alojamiento. Se lo recomendaría a cualquiera que vaya al sur, como el pub, en su conjunto, es un carácter, ambiente calido y acogedor.

Try the hot sin duck salad, or the chicken supreme wi truffle mash, both were excellent food, not what we expected from a quaint pub in the country.

Had Sunday Lunch here before we left after a 4 night stay & was an absolutely perfect end to our break. Roast forerib of beef, served with yorkies, roast pots,roast parsnip & gravy & accompanied by cauli cheese, carrots, sweet red cabbage,mangetout & horseradish sauce was washed down with a pint of cider - good, well kept real ales also available (had sampeled on previous occasions), & followed by sticky toffee pud/creme brulee. Evening meals are also up too scratch - along with lighter options such as a "charcutiere board" with flat breads, olives & oil/balsamic dip to share,& John & staff are keen to please so if asked am sure can rustle up your requirements within reason.

I visited here for one evening meal. The menu did not offer a large choice but the pasta I ate was fine and the pint was excellent. This was as expected since the pub is in the current Camra Good Beer Guide.

We were staying at the nearby Combe House Hotel we decided to eat out. The Hood was recommended to us so we made our way there. It is only 5 minutes drive from the hotel. The menu is large and varied and all food cooked fresh. We had the pork belly which was beautifully cooked with wonderful crackling and the chicken breast wrapped in Parma ham which was enormous and delicious. No room for dessert but again they sounded good. Staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend.

Quality food, good portion sizes and prompt friendly service. will return ! good menu choice and clean cutlery which is a bonus compared with some places!

There was only parking for about 6 cars at the front of the pub, no car park and no pavements either and this is on the busy A39. Food was OK: ham, egg and chips, burger and chips etc. There was definitely better on offer in the local area but we'd pre-booked to meet friends here so it served a purpose.

Stayed at this pub in the rooms available and had the evening meal.Whilst the food was very good and I enjoyed my meal thoroughly, my partner likes simple meals this meant she had a very limited selection.All in all very good though.

We ate lunch here for two consecutive days. We have eaten here many times in the past, but always either in summer or at the weekend, and the menu has been extensive. During the week in the off-season the menu was limited, with a few specials along with sandwiches, omlettes, etc. Having said this, I enjoyed the two panini rolls I had, tuna mayonnaise on day one, BLT day two. My hubbie had the home-made burger on day one (very meaty and delicioius), and the chicken curry on day two, badged as mild to medium, but definitely medium. All sandwich/roll dishes are well presented on large wooden boards. There is a very fine selection of beers - it is a CAMRA pub, and a good wine list.

We have visited the Hood a few times now. Previously the food was excellent but our recent visit for lunch was really disappointing. The pub has a lovely bar area with log fire, but tables out the back can feel a little isolated and the food has now taken a real turn for the worse. Not sure if the chef has changed, the menu looks the same but the quality was poor- many dishes were sold out, all dishes came with chips, and these were insufficient, flabby and cold. Not sure we will be coming back to eat on this experience, sorry!

Liked everything.Disliked nothing.Every dish was served up with a smile and eaten with great enthusiasm. Delicious.

Lovely old inn with plenty of character and a large cosy restaurant. Great for a drink sat by the log fire reading the papers or a lunch or dinner. We have had a couple of family get togethers in the restaurant and can`t fault the standard of food and value.