The Hunters Lodge in Mendip

A unique pub. CASH ONLY AND DON'T GET YOUR MOBILE OUT!

A rare gem of a place. I"m not sure if I can add anything that other reviews haven't. Refreshingly un-commercial and no-nonsense pub and great to have the beer straight from cask. The cauliflower cheese was just what we needed for lunch. Well worth a detour for.

Clearly intended for local regulars, who seem to love it. For anyone who has been off Mendip at some point in their lives or doesn't hanker after 1973 and casual abuse of strangers, there are nicer places. Almost anywhere, really.

Good simple food excellent ale .The place has a unique atmosphere very enjoyable visit .Will be going again soon for more of the same

Slow down, sit and talk, drink a beer. An oasis really.

a nice find for anyone proper old-fashioned pub

Great pub, have always considered it my ‘local’ even though I live 9 miles away! Don’t expect to get cappuccino or chips here but you get great, tasty food that won’t break the bank. Great local beers & ciders are served, usually straight from the barrel.

This is how a pub used to be and is unique. Great beer, basic pub food, roaring fire and no TV.

In my humble opinion, this the greatest pub in the land. The beer is kept beautifully, the food menu unchanging through the years and always top value and Roger is still there pulling pints as he has done for God knows how long. No music, no card readers (cash only here), no mobile signal, heating from coal fires and properly stone floors. No gimmicks, just a truly great pub.

Great pub and worrh a visit if in the area.

Totally traditional pub. Not a revamped Into a restaurant type. Food is basic filling and good. Beers from the Barrel. No glitz no fuss. Great place to reset just sit,chat and drink in the history with your Beer.

Love the food, open firs and friendliness off staff

This is an amazing pub. Used to come here in the early seventies as a caver and have been back periodically since then, last time over 10 years ago. Nothing has changed physically Roger still pulling pints where his dad, Ben, used to be and his daughter where his mother (Phyllis but Mrs Dors to everyone.) used to be. His son-in law where Roger used to be. The Ales still as good as ever and its still got a great atmosphere. Didn't eat this time but still same basic menus available, Faggot and Peas with the biggest hunk of bread or Chilli. It really is authentic and long may it continue. Photo shows me in the car park in 1981 having arrived in the field outside unconventionally.

Excellent country pub which feels like it's in the middle of nowhere. Simple country decor inside (it was a dark cold November evening when we visited, so didn't venture outside much, apart from the trip to the toilets). Real ales served on gravity, and a range of proper ciders are available. Food is hearty and wholesome, including some spectacularly strong cheese and onion rolls and warming macaroni cheese. Two rooms, the 'back room' was host to a number of local folk/Irish musicians on our visit, apparently a regular occurrence. Wished we had been able to stay longer.

It's like stepping back in time, wonderful pub!

If you want to visit the perfect Somerset pub... this is it! Ale straight from barrel and the most scrumptious ham/cheese rolls. Set in a time warp and bursting with character. Cash only.

This pub has to be one if my favourite pubs to visit. Tucked away on the hills of Mendip on the Wells Road , the Hunters Lodge Inn is a popular place with locals and visiting cavers. It's one if those places that is stuck in time. There isn't even a card machine and cash is king. The ales and beers available here are locally sourced but there is a limited choice. The food is super tasty and is home cooked. Did I mention how tasty the food was. Lol. In short, this pub is stuck in time and should never change. The landlord Roger is in his 80s and still runs a well oiled bar. I've not been there for over 3 yrs and he still remembered my name. I would definitely recommend a visit here for a fix of nostalgia and a yummy pint to boot. And if all that wasn't enough to tempt a visit, it's even got its own cave attached to the side of the pub and can be visited if you dare. Just ask Roger for the key.

Limited food choices. It is a marmite pub. It is like being transported back to the 1930's. Absolutely packed when we were there. Meeting of the local cavers association.

If you like a proper old fashioned pub you'll struggle to find better one. Flagstoned floor barrels behind the bar (beer on gravity) usually from Butcombe or local breweries the food is basic but tasty, wholesome and very reasonable. Just a thing to note, the pub's on a crossroad and might appear a bit derelict but don't let this put you off, it's a real rare gem for the true lover of proper country pubs.

How country bars used to be, a trip back in time and well worth a visit. The beers good too! Lovely atmosphere

A unique traditional pub. Very reasonable and tasty pub food with fabulous bread! No coffee option. Publicans and staff very pleasant

Love this pub still the way pubs used to be. Just remember to bring cash as they don’t do contactless. I have been going there since I was a young lad and still able to go caving. Roger is such a nice person so friendly and always pleased to see you. The food is great and I can never go without having their old school faggots and peas in gravy with a gert slice of bread. Flipping awsome..! 👊😎👍

Great proper pub near Priddy. Takes cash. Great beers on.

Proper pub. Good food & good value. Friendly service without trying to impress. Loved it.

Love the rustic feel and beer from the barrel. Best of all is the cauliflower cheese or chilli con carne.

A proper pub. Proper landlord, staff , beer, food and customers. I absolutely love it !

Wonderful place. Proper English country pub. Long may it last, there aren't many of these left.

Fantastic, a must go, cheap but good food, excellent beer, proper mendip

Excellent, as per usual. My Mum enjoyed her pasty and half pint of cider and I thoroughly enjoyed my ham roll, cheese and onion roll and pint of Butcombe. Our hosts were as amusing as ever and I promise to be back soon 👍👍👍

Beer straight out of the barrel, good wholesome food, absolutely loved it, all pubs should be like this!!

Fantastic atmosphere! Parking outside. Simple, hearty home made food. Great prices! Local ciders and beers. Loved it!

Wonderful beer, perfect warming and tasty food. Unique setting in traditional Somerset.

Found the Hunters Lodge one dark night returning from a VSCC sprint meeting at Weston back in the 1980s. Looked very dark and forbidding, but we took a chance and entered. Glad we did, been going as often as I can, despite now living in France. Wilkins cider was on top form, a proper real cider, not the fizzy chemical rubbish .... or the latest stupid fad, cider polluted with fruit juice. wake up, people, you are paying over the odds for a diluted drink! The menu is basic, but surely that is just as it should be, here. The food is home made, good value, good portions ... always served too hot, but hey, you can drink your real cider while you wait for it to cool down. The interior is unchanged (as is the landlord) since that first visit, and probably been as it is since an unfortunate makeover presumably in the 1950s. no jukebox, no muzak, and mobile phones are distictly unwelcome .... excellent!

First time I've been pack to The Hunters Lodge, since my pot holing exploits of yesteryear. Still a superb traditional drinkery 👍😎, with many a fine ale, to partially temporarily confuse your central cortex. Alas, I was chauffeur on this occasion though. Glad to see, that the hosts still make up their own ham and mustard rolls and cheese and onion rolls, which are the very best way to soak up whatever you're imbibing ! The cheese 🧀 used in the cheese and onion rolls, is the local award winning Mendip favourite, Barbar's Mature. In my opinion, one of the best cheeses on the planet ! Like Arnie says, "I'll be back !"......❤❤❤👏👏👏

Totally original traditional pub with excellent real ale and good wholesome food. Unique landlord with a dry sense of humour and wonderful direct approach.

Popped in here for a drink this evening to be greeted by the most unfriendly group of men. Barman asked where we came from and told us to go back to where we came from. Disgusting people.

Warm welcome. Lovely garden. Great beer and cider. Simple but hearty food with decent portions and very fair prices.

Still the best traditional pub on Mendip, great food, great beer at a reasonable price. Cash only

Great beers . Good value food a proper pub , No Mobile Phones Cash only Love it will be back again soon.

Popular pub with great value, tasty food!

Excellent pub, superb beer but I don't know how they can justify increasing the price of their basic food by 40% in less than 2 years!

Fantastic, full of character and such a traditional genuine place for a beer, watching the taps being hammered into the barrels is fascinating and makes you feel like you're taken back in time, one thing to note, CASH ONLY! ... We were unaware of this, kindly the owners let us have drink the beers and we popped back with the money, 5/5 from us

Very nice traditional food at friendly prices. Highly recommend.

Such a little gem. Have stopped here a few times in the past and it’s like stepping back in time. Had the pleasure of meeting Roger the landlord on most recent visit and he’s a lovely man with much character who took the time to chat to us and tell us some local history. Will return soon for a try of their interesting menu.

A real time warp. The only thing that gave it away was the modern till, Covid screens and lack of cigarette smoke. Not sure how millenials would cope with the mobile phone ban.The last time the bar area was refitted and decorated was probably 1960's which by todays standards would be retro. I believe the pub has passed down through the same family over the years. Didn't exactly receive the warmest of welcomes from the landlord but I think that's his demeanor. Locals were chatty enough. Cosy open fire. Food and real ale choice were excellent and very cheap indeed. Public Houses like this are a rarity these days so cherish them while you still can. Highly recommended 👌.

Friendly Somerset hostelry, outstanding. A1.

I'm posting this review from my phone, something they would hate here.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to visit a country inn in the 1920s? The Hunters is probably the place for you. Local ale served direct from the casks, low cost, wholesome food served when it’s ready, and a no-frills experience - it’s a really country pub. Don’t worry about the locals, they don’t bite. Highly recommended for the experience alone. There’s also a cave in the car park and it’s a favourite of the local caving clubs.

Second vist to this pub real spit and sawdust pub very rare these days real pub grub most option under a 5over,very good selection off local ales and ciders. Of fashioned opening time 12 to 230 and 7PM to 11 a lit off the sites are advertising the wrong times for this pub. If your looking for a real old English pub down to earth great value this is the place for u

Popped in for the first time today after spotting the road sign at lunchtime and very glad we did. Gorgeous food, lots of choice, and piping hot on arrival. Huge portions too so great value. Staff very professional and friendly. Atmosphere was really quiet and relaxing too which was fab after a busy day. Would definitely come again if in the area. Garden looks lovely but cold and rainy today so would definitely try and pop back in the summer.

Was told this place was quirky so knew I had to vist a real old spit and saw dust pub no hot food but they were serving rolls good selection off ciders I would thk this is a real drinkers pub if you like good old fashioned no frills pub this is for you I visited both pubs in priddy and fell in love with then both will return

Went with my family and I didn't have to keep my kids occupied because of the amazing play ground and amazeing food

There aren’t many pubs like this left now. We first visited 40 years ago, it hasn’t changed at all. It doesn’t need to. Warm fire, good ale straight from the barrel, honest, well priced food and good company. It’s a shame we don’t get down to this part of the country very often. This is not a restaurant it’s a pub with limited but good food. Don’t expect wine, the beer is better.

Did a revisit to the hunters with a very good friend with his lovely pointer dog Brunel Had the best cheese and onion roll in Somerset with real ale What more can you ask for

The Hunters Lodge is not a restaurant - it is a pub, and an excellent one. It does sell tasty pub food (including vegetarian dishes) at good prices, but food is not it's primary business.Try the Wilkins cider, made at Lane End Farm at nearby Mudgeley. (Strongbow drinkers note, Wilkins is served here if you ask for 'cider'. There may be a chemical fizz kept somewhere under the bar but it is rarely seen). Apart from the Tuesday-only village bus (dep Wells Bus Station 12:58) which passes the pub, the nearest bus route (Bristol to Wells and Glastonbury) passes one and a half miles away at Priddy Lane End. The walk is along a straight level road. Take a torch if walking after dark. My wife & I have done it many times. We have also cycled up the hill from Wells but it is a challenging climb (and fantastic descent back).

40 Reviews consists of 37 positive & 3 negative, the negative we’re stupid comments anyway. If you like Cheese 1 inch thick & Onion 1 inch thick in a proper roll then this is the pub for you. If you like real ale in a bullseye mug then this is the place for you. Nice open fire. Friendly customers. The odd couple of tractors in the very large car park. How many pubs do you know where the landlord has been running it for more than 25 + years, none I expect. If you want any of the following...........Martini with an olive. Fruit Machines. Loud Juke Box. Beer that is full of gas bubbles.Overpriced menu. Best trot along into town. Excellent place & great atmosphere.

Felt like we had gone back to about 1960. No mobiles, no payments by card. Sat by coal fire eating fagott & peas with slice of thick white bread & a pint of Cheddar Potholer - wonderful! Selection of cask beers. Small basic menu - nothing fancy but excellent

Just when we thought that all the proper pubs had been turned into fruit machine,music thumping, chip shops selling fizzy Danish pop and to our great relief we find the Hunters Lodge.If you are into caving this is a regular stop and the trophies and photos attest to this.We went into the bar on the left , a good selection of beer from the barrel and ciders,didn't see any lagers but think they do bottles.Limited menu of home cooked food. We had faggots and peas, beef stew and soup.Chunky bread and butter in lieu of potatoes. Including drinks the bill was around £23 for three people.IMPORTANT TIP. Take cash or your cheque book .No cards. Mobile phones not welcome.The lady who looked after us was very friendly and helpful and we were made to feel very welcome.

upon entering you feel "um, seems a bit un modern" but hey that is the character of the place. Its been in the family for decades and although it gets spruced up from time to time its charm is in its originality. BEER, beer comes straight from the barrel, lined up along the back of the bar.3 bars and a beer garden. PUB food is available so don't expect a posh menu with expensive dish's costing a lot. Friendly place, but maybe avoid Friday and Saturday after 9pm .. it is the centre of the universe for the local caving fraternity!

This pub really is a gem, old fashioned service, drinks served in handles, cash only and no fuss but heart warming food. This place is a true gem and a place to chat not be in your phone's. My advice is it should never change its perfect as it is

Stopped at the Hunters Lodge with friends. Excellent old pub, very atmospheric. Great food, great ales and friendly staff

Went here for a family get together one Sunday .Had a lovely time sat in the garden having plain wholesome food.

We were back in Cheddar so we went the short distance to Priddy and to the Hunters about 1.5 miles towards Wells

Truly authentic pub, freshly filled rolls with the thickest slabs of cheese I have ever seen ! Me : " glasses of Sauvignon Blanc '' barman : ''what's that ?'' Me : ''white wine..'' Barman: ''Oh yes, we've got some of that '' Brilliant !!

The Hunters Lodge is so low key you could easily drive straight past. DON'T! Drop in for a pint of farmhouse cider, a sandwich or a bar meal. The landlord has a wicked sense of humour and is very knowledgeable about the area. He gave us details of a terrific dog-walk area only half a mile away.

Interesting place, real spit and sawdust pub that hasn't changed since the 60's I'd imagine. It keeps the old opening hours 11 till 2 then 6 till 11. Would not advise stopping in here if you have kids and be warned the landlord can be pretty abrupt. Worth going into for a couple if you want to see a real old school place but for a top country pub experience head up the road to The Queen Victoria Inn.

Pub with great atmosphere. Welcoming after walks even with muddy boots and dogs. Limited menu, but the food is fresh, tasty and in generous portions. Always some interesting beer - particularly like Butcombe bitter

Another lovely meal of vegetarian pasta. No frills just lovely homemade food with chunky bread. Landlord happy to accommodate 13 of us no booking required. Looking forward to next visit.

Es un pub tradicional que dispone de 3 habitaciones.

Que me ha tomado un tiempo para escribir esta reseña, ya que siempre dan la se beneficiarían de la duda a la gente. Pero el propietario en este pub es más que grosero. Estábamos interesados en visitar este pub como antiguos pubs de moda virgen nos interés. Llegamos y después de caminar con el perro y nuestro hijo de 8 años. (Sí, sé que los niños en un pub no es ideal, pero este no es cualquier lugar en línea o informados en un cartel). Así que entra. Un hombre aparece detrás de un pequeño pestillo deslizante a mirar como wtf ¿quieres! Nos dijo que se abre? Tan sólo responde yeh Era la 1. 45! Así que fuimos a la habitación pequeña a la derecha. Él nos sirve cervezas y coca-cola por 2 mi hijo y algunos dulces que hacen pensar que era parecida a la de los niños? Todo el tiempo este hombre es abrupto en mi otra mitades maliciosos pechugas! Asqueroso! Luego decimos "oh vamos en esa habitación y buscar este es un pub encantador virgen. Y él responde "nah su mejor con un niño y paseos como estamos algo es impregnada de. Así que nos alojamos en esta pequeña sala solos como criminales. Bien entiendo los niños no deben estar en los pubs, pero algunas habilidades personas ideal hubiera sido de agradecer. Una pena, ya que es raro de pub.

Beautiful venue and peaceful atmosphere. Family friendly and helpful staff. Visited on a few occasions now and the food never fails to impress.

Unspoilt, down to earth, good wholesome food and SUPERB beer - everyone's favourite secret pub :).....

My husband used to come here 30 odd years ago as a potholer and not much has changed. The exterior is a bit drab, probably for a good reason. When you've been walking and need a bite this place hits the mark .Good wholesome food...

Este lugar es fantástico, muy pasado de moda, no hay televisión, máquinas de juegos y lo más importante, no se permiten los teléfonos móviles. Tienes que ir y ver para creer. Cerveza y sidra sirve directamente los barriles muy sabroso. Selección de comida es limitado...

Pub conocido por muchos años apareció en su faggots durante unas vacaciones o una estancia de intercambio catiónico. Faggots, guisantes, deliciosa salsa y no estaba mal de recién hecho pan y mantequilla, mmm. Copa de vino, y mi marido tenía su cerveza. No hacer patatas...

Although it has an unassuming exterior, this is one of the most authentic pubs I have ever been to. Full of Cavers and locals alike, the Hunter's Lodge serves well kept real ale (Cheddar Ales' Potholer amongst others) and simple food at a price that won't break the bank. The Chilli is seriously delicious and as other visitors have commented, arrives with thick cut slices of fresh crusty bread. Although I have not been nearly enough, it is probably my favourite pub in the area, where you are always met by a warm welcome from the landlord and his wife (who have a sort of legendary status in these parts). It does feel like nothing has changed at this pub for the last 100 years, and long may this continue. Rating: Excellent.

Looking at the hunters lodge you wouldn't think it was a bar/restaurant, we had a lovely meal, the staff were great and the food was lovely

We have often visited this pub in the evening but recently called in at lunchtime after a walk in Burrington Coombe. The food is the same as in the evening and the same price, £4.80 for chilli con carne, pasta etc and it comes with thick slices of buttered crusty bread. Really good unchanged, genuine country pub with character. Very popular.

I have been here a few times and this is truly one original pub - you know the sort, in the same hands for many years, and able to produce hearty basic meals washed down with proper ale. Cavers like it because it has atmosphere and it is a VERY welcome pub after some tough caving. If it is misty and cold up on the Mendips this is a welcome pub not quite in the middle of nowhere but as near as you can get it. If you want a fancy meal go somewhere else, if you want atmosphere, here you have it!

frequently visit 'the hunters' when on caving trips and staying at upper pitts (the wessex). good range of local ales in barrels. Just the one lager for us drinkers of fizzy stuff (becks). the food is great value, quick, and proper food. A ham roll (one bit of chunky ham in a roll), chilli and big chunky bread and a pint will set you back about a tenner, and is the perfect antidote to a day of caving.Be warned the chilli comes incredibly hot, not spicy, although some may say it has a kick, hot as in it scalds the roof of your mouth if you're too eager. Keep a pint handy and make good use of the bread, and you'll be okay.house rules say no phones, leave them off and in your pocket, or just at home altogether and enjoy conversation with those around you.wouldn't change a thing

Fantastic place for the Real Aler, and visitors alike. Very little has changed in this Pub, Beer still drawn from the barrel, crystal clear and tasty, a varying selection dependant on the time of year. A Basic food Menu, which is homemade and satisfying. Nothing lavish here, and that's what makes it the Bee's knee's of a Pub. I, have over the years taken many visitors, and everyone have said how brilliant the place is. Great to enter a place without Fruit Machines, Juke box blaring. This is what a Pub/social centre should be, you can talk with one and all, in a relaxed and old world atmosphere.

Proper Pub, Proper beer, Proper Chilli Con Carne, Proper Faggots and peas, cheese and pickled onion rolls...Proper Job ...Very basic hearty Dishes, Popular with Cavers, Popular with locals, A great pub, No Mobiles (fear the wrath of Roger the land lord) Love it

I don't think it has canged for the last 60 years! Roger and Jacqueline are alsways welcoming. The beer is great value as is the food - if extremely basic - but sometimes that's all you need.

Not changed since my first visit in 1974. Been in the same family since the 1850s. Don't expect cordon bleu, what you will get is good, honest, basic food at a reasonable price. Please turn mobile phones off or you might get yourself ejected. Popular with walkers and cavers, can be very busy at weekends. They also have a folk music night once or twice a month.

Just how Sunday's used to be....a lovely walk around the Mendips followed by a perfect lunch & pint in this pub that stood still in time. Lovely & clean & great service. I'm a devil for tapping away on my phone, but with strict rules it makes me keep it tucked away and I actually have a good conversation with my husband!!

A pub of character, a landlord of character and customers of character. Good beer ,good cider and down to earth honest food.The bread and cheese IS a proper ploughmans,the beer out of the barrel and farmhouse cider from Wilkins.Warming coal fires tended frequently and no juke boxes ,fruit machine or puddings .Long may it last

Faggots peas and gravy what could be better at £4 80 each,or pasty and beans,lovely grub,this is what pubs used to be like

A pub that has been run by the same family for years and is unchanged. Flagstone floors, open fire, basic tables and chairs, shove halfpenny, local ales, very reasonable food served with chunks of buttered crusty bread, Popular with cavers etc as there is a cave under the pub.

I love the Hunters. It's the ultimate country pub. There aren't many left like this. Great local ales kept in pristine condition. Simple but very good food. Great owners.If I didn't live 6,000 miles away I'd go there all the time.

We have been driving past the Hunters Lodge for years but always in a hurry so today we drove through the Mendip rain specially to find out for ourselves if our friends' advice was right and it was. Delightful owners and people at the bar. We had a delicious supper with perfectly kept local beer. The pictures, photographs etc on the walls are a treat for the amateur historian interested in the mines of Mendip. We really enjoyed being in a proper pub; there aren't many, if any, others left.

A superb old style English public house as it used to be. Really well kept real ales with proper pub food ie faggots and peas, chilly fantastic fresh rolls etcetera

The Hunters is not a restaurant - it is a pub, and an excellent one. It does sell tasty pub food (including vegetarian dishes) at good prices, but food is not it's primary business.Try the Wilkins cider, made at Lane End Farm at nearby Mudgeley. (Strongbow drinkers note, Wilkins is served here if you ask for 'cider'. There may be a chemical fizz kept somewhere under the bar but it is rarely seen). Apart from the Tuesday-only village bus (dep Wells Bus Station 12:58) which passes the pub, the nearest bus route (Bristol to Wells and Glastonbury) passes one and a half miles away at Priddy Lane End. The walk is along a straight level road. Take a torch if walking after dark. My wife & I have done it many times. We have also cycled up the hill from Wells but it is a challenging climb (and fantastic descent back).

The hunters is very old school but the owners are loverly. It's not frills is great the food is basic but really filling barrels are racked behind the bar and it has a charm in it's own way.If you want a gastro pub go some where else! But for charm and a really English old school pub experience this is it.

good food and beer, very warm welcome from the family run pub, draught ales from the wooden bench and pewter pots abound.

Weird place, love the little rooms and the fire but any pub who can serve a southern comfort and lemonaid with no ice and doesnt even ask if youd like ice is a tad odd!!!

This is a timewarp back to the 1970's in terms of styles inside. Serves proper pub food like Bread & Cheese which is just that - not ponced up! I had a cheese and onion roll that was a slab of cheddar, fresh crisp peppery onion in a delicious roll, no frils. Now for the real ale - there are a selection of 6 ales and ciders on offer all hand poured straight from the barrel and superbly kept, they only have Dry Blackthorn and Becks on draft. Not a bub pub for a romantic dinner but great for a session on great ales with pub grub!