The Ilchester Arms Restaurant in South Somerset

Lovely meal here, excellent service and great atmosphere. Roadworks made the journey a bit difficult but completely worth it. Thank you everyone

It's a little pricey for a gastro pub, but normally, it's well worth money. It is very friendly and a warm invite when you enter. It's always a great selection on the menu. I decided on the soup of the day, which was potato and leak served with croutons and bread with a herby butter. I was looking forward to this as I like the combination of thick potato and the hint of an onion leak coming through the texture. I was slightly disappointed as it was lacking in flavour, and I didn't expect a french baton with the soup. The main made up for this in the sense the lamb was cooked to perfection, but there was a curious yoghurt combination going on at the side that didn't really work, but that aside I did enjoy the main. I didn't have a desert mainly because I was full.

Cute old style establishment. Only stopped for a brief rest for tea. Good service.

A lovely pit stop for lunch. Welcoming and good menu choices; fresh tasty food that we all enjoyed. And reasonably priced. Would certainly stop again on our travels to/from Devon & Cornwall.

Food was OK but some dishes were better than others and our party of 7 had different experiences. Was quite expensive for what we got so we were disappointed in the end.

The customer service was amazing and so helpful, polite and when out of the way to accommodate what I needed and being dog friendly was the bonus, my Dad broke down coming to see me, after trying to find somewhere came on here they where amazing as soon as I explained the problem held the room for me until I sorted everything out, they had an amazing night staff where brilliant, my Dad is going to stay again can’t thank them enough

Had dinner here, didn't stay. Good service, friendly staff, good food and range of beers.

We were celebrating my sister's birthday and had booked a table for five for dinner at 7pm. We arrived and noticed there was another party of about 20. We were settled at a table in the bar, rather draughty, and our order was taken and drinks delivered. 45 mins later, we were still waiting. The large party had been shown into another room, presumably the dining room, and a couple and a single diner in the bar who ordered after us had been served. We reminded the waitress we were still waiting and were told the delay was because of the large party. We then watched meals being delivered to the party and, finally an hour after our booking, we received our meal. The food was average but very highly priced for what was, in effect, a bar meal. The desserts also took a long time to be served. The manager, when she arrived at our table 20 mins after our complaint, was unconvincing in her apology and implied we were being unreasonable by politely raising our disappointment. Ultimately, she delivered our bill with a resentful 'there you are, you've got a 20% staff discount' before stalking off. We would not recommend!

The food was good but the service was the worst I have ever had. It was over an hour to get our food. When we asked to speak to the manager it was only after our meal she had time to speak to us. She spat out an apology with no sincerity and reluctantly gave us a small discount. This did ruin my wife's birthday

Stopped to break up a long drive from southwest Devon to Sussex. A friendly welcome for four plus a dog. Nice menu and sensibly priced. The food was very good, especially the Ploughman’s. The front of house staff were very good and pleasant with it. We drive past often and will definitely stop over again.

Great hotel in a great location. Plenty of parking. The staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms and restaurant were clean and tidy and the food was tasty and reasonably priced. Definitely recommend! The only negative was the fact that the shower had no hot water either morning or evening. The taps ran hot but this did not transfer to the shower.

Interesting historic hotel, in a good location. Resident parking at the rear. Helpful and friendly staff; Rooms spotlessly clean, a bit dated but that is part of the charm and character, prefer this to slick homogeneous interiors. Even had a tiny fireplace in our room. Loved the wallpaper. Kettle coffee/tea supplied in room. Delicious breakfast, did not dine in but the menu looked interesting. Only minus was that the step down out of the bath in room 16 wasn’t easy, would be difficult for people with mobility/balance problems.

Enjoyed a few days in the Ilchester whilst on a business trip.

Parking around the area is a challenge

Called in on route home Met by impatient militant waitress who lacked customer skills- very off putting. However bar man redeemed whole experience by treating us so pleasantly. Coffees were superb

Great place to stop after visiting the fleet air arm museum, lovely room great restaurant, will stopover there again.

Stopped for lunch. Food well presented and of good quality. Staff pleasant and helpful. Reasonable lunchtime menu.

We stayed at this beautiful hotel. Loads of history with the place, which was very interesting. We ate in the restaurant with friends. Everyone enjoyed their meal. It was all Freshly cooked. My fish was cooked to perfection. Very good choice on the menu with daily specials. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Rooms were very clean and comfortable. Breakfast in the morning was just perfect. We'll definitely be back soon.

Good beer, friendly staff and a great place for a chat after a long week at work.

Lovely clean rooms fantastic food pubbings heaven in a dish really great staff all so helpful and friendly nothing is to much trouble and yes a delicious breakfast been there twice so far and will be going back good value so if you need so time away try it out see you soon Susan and Rob

Didn't stay so can't comment on rooms, food was excellent, although a bit pricey @ £26 I had the sea bass. We were crammed onto a table for 7 and barely anybody else in there!!

Good pub meal of calves liver which was cooked to perfection. Wife's pork was nice if only her deuphinoir potatoes were cooked I would have given five stars

Very pleasant stay for a business trip. Warm welcome, friendly and helpful staff. Good breakfast and varied evening menu. Location is good and parking easy. Would certainly choose to stay again.

Always a warm welcome & EXCELLENT SERVICE when we visit & the food is to die for 5*

Went for a celebration for our Granddaughter last night. Lovely staff and very helpful and attentive. They were quite busy but the food was delicious.

Stayed 1 night in the weird pudding cottage. Excellent accommodation. Breakfast was well cooked and delicious. All staff were very well coming and friendly.

Popped in for a cuppa. Hubby used the men's toilet but the rim/bowl was disgusting with dried poo!!

Very nice and tidy rooms; the only downside I can mention is the bed seemed quite firm. Otherwise it was very lovely! A fan is provided and the sash windows work properly, always a bonus when it's warm. Dinner and breakfast are very nice as well with many options. Beer garden at the back is behind the building so away from traffic. Off street parking for guests with some spots available on the main street. Lots of space for various functions too.

Nice place, nice food but rather expensive.

We booked a small wedding reception here for close family and friends and it was just perfect. We came to see the place 15 months ago and decided that place would be ideal for our wedding reception. We booked and they were very efficient and professional with with all correspondence. On the day the room was dressed perfectly, they had gone out of their way in every way. The food was fantastic from the starters of fish cakes, goat cheese salad and leek and potato soup including excellent vegan starters. Main course of steak, cod loin, chicken and vegan udon noodles. Desserts were exquisite, the pavlova a perfect finish to the meal. Sophie was amazing from start to finish with Lauren supporting her after her shift finished. Looking to book a special event do it here.

We we're visiting the area, stopped for a drink. Lovely place, food looked and smelled good. Quite atmospheric, nice village.

Supper for two. Been a while since we’ve eaten here. Starter was tasty and well presented but steak pie was actually a casserole with a pastry disc on top. Nice enough but not a proper pie. The chips left a lot to be desired. Generally food here has got pretty expensive The main course in particular. Probably won’t be back for a while.

I came here as a walk in the other day with friends. I used to come here a lot before lockdown and it’s a shame to see it’s changed. At £23/£24 a main it’s very overpriced. I had the pork belly and it was nice, but the portion was so small!! My friends both had the ‘Ilch burger’ at a more reasonable £15/£16, but it was ridiculously tiny. The burger came in a large bun when it should have been a mini bun as it was so small. It used to be a cosy inn, but the lighting is so bright and stark and there is no atmosphere at all in the restaurant. It’s more like a dining hall to be honest. The pub part looked nice and cosier, I asked to sit there but was directed to the restaurant. I think it’s not quite a pub feel and not quite a restaurant feel either. It’s a shame, but although food was tasty, it was far too overpriced.

Great food and friendly atmosphere.

We booked the Ilchester Arms for a family celebration. The food was cooked really well with good sized portions. I had roast beef which was cooked just right and was really tender so obviously it was sourced from a really good quality butcher. The courses came quickly but we didn’t feel rushed at all Service from the waiting staff was attentive and helpful. Would recommend and it gives us another quality meal option - we will be back

Had better food & service in the past. My fish was overcooked and quite small for the price. The burgers and pork my companions had were much better. So, the high prices nowadays cannot be used as an excuse!

Great service for small business meeting. Staff very helpful.

I love good food, cooked correctly and presented beautifully. I hate a " sqidge" of this and a "drissle "of that. The plate might look good but so many chef's try to be too over the top and, for me have not enough basic food, where I often leave the table hungry having paid a large sum for the pleasure. Not so The ILCHESTER ARMS at Ilchester. My partner and I started with Soup of the day, which was broccoli. It was piping hot with croutons and a little loaf with butter of the correct temperature, which was easy to spread. For the main coarse I had the calves liver and bacon with mash potato and a delicious sauce, and my partner a prawn salad. Both were of exceptional quality and taste. We were both rather full, being of a certain age, but decided to look at the sweet offerings and couldn't resist a cheese board each, which was exceptional. The presentation and quantity was generous, and we both left the restaurant with "tummy touching table!" The staff and service was superb and hats off to the chef, who for me got everything just right.. The Ilchester Arms is on the top of our list when we next are in the area. Thank you for a great meal.

Popped in to use the toilet on our way through and was greeted with nothing but rudeness from the owner who wouldn't let us leave without donating to "charity" - I didn't have any cash so I tapped on their card reader but I doubt that will go to unicef as she said..

I stayed here for two weeks while on a conference. Check in was quick and easy. They asked when I would like breakfast and noted it. They handed me the keys to the room and information about WiFi and the hotel. The room was nice with a desk and a smart TV which allowed me to connect to my Netflix, which was definitely appreciated. The room had radiators which could be turned down/up which gave me control of the temperature of the room. The bed was very comfortable and allowed for brilliant nights sleep. The shower was not the most powerful but got the job done, the en suit was a little small but not terrible and so I do not look at is as a negative. The breakfasts were delicious and flexible, they ask you what you would like and how you would like them cooked and never took long to come out, the portions were decent too. The restaurant dinners in the evenings were excellent! The food was some of the best I've ever had and not too expensive. Overall I had an absolutely fantastic time staying here and would highly recommend it! If you like friendly staff and a comfortable nights sleep then look no further, the Ilchester Arms is the hotel for you!

We used this as a base for a business meeting and had an amazing stay. All the staff were lovely and the food / wine selections incredible The only downside were the rooms which are a little dated but they were spotlessly clean so giving it five stars as the experience and quality of food was second to none.

Very unwelcoming When we arrived after our long journey ,treated very off hand. This was on the 10th. No phone in the room to contact reception, not even a bottle of water in the room. Breakfast was a far better experience with a lovely waitress.

Serving really tasty food this most characterful Inn in the middle of Ilchester is well worth a visit. It has parking to the rear and also has rooms to stop over. The staff were a delight, all friendly and very efficient. We had the fish and chips and the bean burger both main meals were packed with taste, cooked just right and good portion size. Thoroughly enjoyed our evening meal.

We stayed at the Ilchester for 4 days overall our stay was average. Our room was on the outside of the Hotel in a ground floor space in the courtyard. The room itself was spacious with plenty of plug sockets especially good next to the mirror. The bed was very comfortable and we both had a good sleep. However the bathroom not so good, a wet room so good for a disabled person, although probably would struggle to get a wheelchair in, very tiny sink, and no space on sides of sink to put anything, husband struggled when shaving. The shower at best was luke warm for the entire 4 days and there was a bad damp aroma as the days went on. We could of done with net curtains at the 2 windows as the days we were there there were work men in the courtyard, so when we got back from our days out we had to close the curtains to get some privacy to rest. Due to covid our room was not serviced any of the days and if we needed anything we were given one slip of paper with things that we may need, this was given in at breakfast then things were brought to us during the day. Breakfast was ok, cereals, full english and toast, We ate there 2 nights, starters plentiful, so no starter the 2nd time! Food was quite expensive for mediocre food. Service was good for both breakfast and dinner.

Lovely Sunday roast. Friendly and accommodating staff. Reasonable price. Would recommend and will return in the future.

Absolutely perfect for a weekend break, nice spacious rooms, delicous food and very polite staff.

We had fish and chips as a main and the standard was excellent and reasonably priced

Great place, nice spacious rooms, reasonably priced, clean, very friendly staff/owner. Amazing home cooked food very well presented. All round spot on.

My friend just had a Latte and packet of crisps. Good Covid procedure. Coffee was average.

Having enjoyed a very nice meal here recently under the eat out to help out scheme, I had no hesitation in booking again for a special family celebration. What a mistake. The Saturday night dinner menu, only available on arrival, had been further curtailed and offered 2 only types of steak (or a choice of 3 specials) for main meals! Worse still was the fact that the prices had gone up by £5.00 for EXACTLY the same dish. Unfortunately this time the experience was much less impressive, making the price hike even more offensive. My drink arrived in a dirty glass (replaced) and the crispy duck pancakes starter was dry rather than crispy. The steaks were so heavily seasoned I couldn't face finishing mine and only brought it home from the restaurant as I didn't wanted to waste it, especially when I was charged £28 for it. I appreciate this may not seem particularly dear to some but for what we were served it was woefully over - priced. I have been served much better steak for much less expense. The accompaniments were poorly-cooked:the chips were not all cooked through; the tender - stem broccoli was anything but and like the steak, it was choked in salt. The red wine list offered one much more expensive bottle, which was chosen for our celebration on its tasting notes - even this was a let-down and at double the price of almost every other bottle on the menu, this is NOT good enough. To say that I was disappointed is a huge understatement. When the bill came I felt so embarrassed, having recommended it so warmly to my family for our celebrations. £200 for what had been such a mediocre meal and drinks for 4. Oh how I wish we had gone somewhere else..

A very enjoyable roast dinner, everything about it was excellent. Lovely variety of fresh seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkshire puddings and delicious gravy. So good we’re stopping by on the home bound journey to try out the pie!

We have been to the ilchester arms for food numerous times, the quality of the food is always fantastic. However on our last visit the service was very dissapointing. It took about 2 hours for our main meal to arrive, when we complained to management the only response we got was that there was a party of 60 next door and they were struggling to cope. Such a shame as the food was very good when it eventually came out

Very delicious fish in an amazing sauce which my husband loved. I had chicken with a tomato sauce - not sure the tomato sauce was quite up to the usual standard - bit bland. Maybe would have had mushroom sauce or lemon. But as usual, great staff and lovely evening in this favourite of ours. Thanks.

Excellent service, and outstanding food

I always stay at the Ilchester Arms when I am in town for business. Recently had another great stay. Ingrid on reception was ready to go above and beyond the call of duty to help me out. Brilliant customer service. Thank you

I have dined here before when passing through, this time with friends for sunday lunch. Suberb choice of main meals, quality food and excellent service by helpful staff. Will come again!

A lovely place that provided efficient and friendly service, and great quality food. I had phoned prior to check if it was suitable for Ceoliac and was assured it was. The food can be amended to suit but as this was my first visit I stuck with a save chicken and bacon salad. The OH and our uncle took much pleasure is having a 3 course meal and we’re very complimentary of the chef. Would make 1 recommendation too the lovely place and that is too update the wine menu on your website.

Still here! Lovely place. Wonderful.

Stayed here for airday lovely little place

Wonderful food, wonderful service and wonderful atmosphere

Visited on Monday 8th April for lunch. We ordered the burger meal and Catch of the day. Very friendly, attentive service. Not the cheapest but you get what you pay for. The food was amazing, served quickly despite being busy. We will be back again soon as we really enjoyed our visit.

Drive into this lovely village and the center point is this inn. The outside is awful they have managed to fly the Union flag upside down for months all summer long now it is in tatters. Really surprised the unfortunate villagers find this insult to our country ok.

Lovely food and very pleasant room which was very comfy

Home cooked food and tasty. The food is served hot and is delicious. Family owned and super nice people. would recommend to eveyone. There is also an outside garden for the summer. So glad I discovered this and its just off the A303 at Ilchester.

We ate yesterday for Sunday lunch after attending the lovely Armistice Day service at the church. The restaurant was very busy but well organised. Our food was amazing! The Yorkshire puddings are huge. Lots of gravy and the potatoes are perfect. Worth a visit!

Had an amazing afternoon tea party with a group of friends, the table was presented beautifully with a lovely selection of sandwiches and delicious home made cakes. The staff were very attentive and nothing was to much trouble. I would highly recommend a visit to the ilchester arms.

Enjoy our stays here (twice so far) the staff are friendly and very welcoming. The room we stayed was warm comfortable and inviting. Breakfasts are decent and certainly as much as you can eat, setting you up for the day. This is definitely more than a stop off point it’s a decent private hotel, certainly worth a try.

Had a really good Sunday lunch here with my wife and kids. Felt like a real treat. Good portions of meat, huge Yorkshire puds, decent roasties and plenty of veg - with cauliflowers cheese as well all thrown in. There were also some excellent Rye bread rolls that my kids wolfed down. Plus they shared a very high quality pud. Friendly service too. We got there at 1pm and it was a bit quiet, but then it started to fill up and there was lots of happy diners around us. All pretty reasonably priced, I thought. Will definitely go back.

Staying a local B&B; we were recommend this hotel restaurant. The young energetic staff managed to fit us in as the place was fully booked. We agreed to vacate the table by 8:00pm. Thursday is Steak night and the place was busy. We normally don’t like steaks nights as many places don’t know how to cook steak properly but we were pleasantly surprised at the steaks which were cooked as we requested to order and came with chips, peas, tomato, mushrooms & onion rings and tasted good. At £20.00 for two, it’s fantastic value. We were looked after by the young team who seem to enjoy working there and were good at what they did. 8:00pm came and went and we weren’t hassled about vacating our table and were happily served dessert.

We chose chicken with aubergine sauce with potatoes at £15 each, for this we expected more than a small slice of chicken and small portion of crushed potato. No vegetables. We have previously enjoyed meals here but the decline in value and quality means we will no longer eat here. Very pleasant staff, poor food.

Good welcome. Nice beer. Food is ok but not what I expected from other tripadviser reviews. It was very busy but then they do not start serving until 7pm and there was a queue. Breakfast was very good and just what I wanted after a disappointing evening meal. Staff are very good and had a good night sleep with acceptable shower. Yes I would stay here again but probably eat next door at the Italian.

I came across this hotel while looking for somewhere to stay just off the A303 and was given a choice of a couple of rooms to chose from and was recommended 12, a detached room at the back of the hotel.

Fantastic place, great service and friendly staff, plenty off space the best food I have tasted in a long time , pavola to die for

Excellent lunch and lovely staff. We stopped for lunch on our way to Devon. The Ilchester Arms is just off the A303. We have stopped there twice this year.

Good traditional menu with plenty of choice. Slow service and not that attentive. My guests enjoyed their choices , but all agreed the vegetables were under cooked. Will try again and am hoping for an improved experience....

We called in for a drink and finished up having lunch. the atmosphere was nice and relaxed and the service from all three members of staff was excellent,very professional but friendly.

Great place for a meal and a get together.

This was a spur of the moment lunch we had when we drove through the town.

Booked for 6 of us to have Sunday lunch. Prompt service and lovely choice of drinks. Food arrived quickly and was delicious. Beef just a bit too fatty for my taste. Excellent value! Tasty desserts and great ice cream selection.

We have very much enjoyed eating at the Ilchester Arms as a couple and as part of a large group on several occasions in the past few years and were looking forward to Sunday lunch with friends. Well the food was fine when we got it, but we were booked for 13.00 and did not get our roast dinners until 13.50....place was very busy and service very slow, even for getting our drinks (at the table as waitress said this would be better as bar was so crowded). Actual meal included lovely cauliflower cheese, but other veg "on the side" included very firm green beans and broccoli - guess they were having trouble getting the veg out alongside the already cooked meat and potatoes. Loads of gravy on the plate, would have been better on the side, especially as it was rather salty. Still good value for money overall at just £10.95 for a main course roast with all the trimmings. Maybe extra staff on busy Sunday lunches would help...?

Was here for lunch a couple of weeks ago to catch up with a friend that we hadn't seen for a while. Warm and friendly welcome, shown to table, advised on any specials straight away, which is always useful. Order taken in good time and the food was terrific. Will definitely be calling here again.

As a family, we probably eat out here every month & are always made to feel very welcome. The food is excellent value for the standard of what is served up. All in all I challenge anyone to find a better restaurant within the Yeovil area.

We keep findiing ways to call in here, it is so lovely. Lovely pheasant, lovely dauphins, accompanied by other beautifully cooked veg. Good ale. Immaculate facilities as always. It was a busy Friday lunchtime, but we popped in at just the right time. Thanks as always to Lucy and the team, see you soon

Excellent friendly staff, food was well prepared. Many thanks.

First time in this restaurant and ate here twice during my stay. They do a very nice steak and the rump of lamb was excellent. a Comfortable restaurant and well patronised.The bar shuts fairly promptly at 2300.

Popped in on the way to Devon for a bit of lunch. Well it was super yummy. We had a warm greeting at the door by "Michelle D" and she promptly got our drinks, took our food order and everything else. She was juggling all the customers in the same courteous way. The food once it came out was proper pub food, we only had sandwiches but the ham was proper. Very nice, would recommend!

Nice family friendly pub, in a small village which has a large amount of military input as near the local Navy Base which now also has other military influences.

Visited the Ilchester Arms on Thursday with my son, we both had the steak night deal which was cooked perfectly!...

Siempre una noche popular, buena comida, buen servicio, personal atento, agradable zona de bar para tomar algo antes de la cena

Parada de emergencia después del impactante del día. La habitación era decente para excepcional tarifa de habitación en temporada de vacaciones. 1 clase calle bienvenido y un gran servicio de equipo energético joven.

Si quieres una comida especial ocasión entonces los brazos Ilchester le dará eso.

We popped in on our way to a wedding, just to break the journey. What a find! We only had bar snacks, but they were fantastic - as was the local beer. The service was friendly, as were the locals we spoke to. We will definitely call in on our way back. Thank you Lucy and the team.

I stay here twice a year every year and wouldn't go anywhere else in Ilchester

Visited on 2 occasions with 2 friends - food was excellent, service superb. Recommend the lamb - served on spinach with crushed new potatoes and plenty of vegetables.

Went for an evening meal. Could sit in comfy chairs in bar area with more traditional decor. Or, in one of the lovely dining room areas that are lighter and more modern. Either is fine. We chose the bar area. Traditional menu with plenty choices. The food was cooked well and served in a friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend. On a Sunday, the bar is open, but not for food.

We had two nights here whilst visiting various National Trust properties nearby.Our spacious room was on the front and there was a reasonable amount of traffic noise both morning and evening. The room was clean but very warm due to a large hot water tank sited in a cupboard in the room. The bathroom worked well too.The public areas of the pub were varied and not terrible accessible for wheelchairs due to some occasional steps.Small niggles like one of the mugs in our room had a chip on the rim which was sharp reduced our rating from 4 to 3.All the staff were very friendly, and generally efficient, which made our stay more enjoyable.

Very welcoming team, great food and service. Rooms small but ok, unfortunately my bed was not in the greatest condition, on discussion with the team they have assured me that the rooms are all undergoing a refurbishment. Hope this goes well and the rooms meet the standard of the rest of the hotel.

Three of us got here at about 2100 - and not surprisingly for a country eatery, the kitchen was about to close. However the very charming young lady at the bar enquired and we were able to have a delicious light meal. We all chose from the starter/light menu having already eaten that day and were very pleasantly surprised by the excellent quality and presentation. The surroundings are very chic as well, and I would definitely go here again (a bit earlier next time)

We stayed for one night on are way to Cornwall, booked a table in there restaurant on arrival glad we did it got very busy, we had a three course meal food was very good, we will definitely go there again any time we are in the area.

Me and my wife have been here a couple times and have always had a excellent good and service, but last night we went and I have to say I'm not liking the new menu. My wife is vegan and we always phone in advance, we were told that it was no problem. We sat down looked at the menu to find the vegetable wrap gone so chose something else 20 mins later the waitress came out to say the garlic bread can't be done vegan even though in the allergy book says it is so chose again 30 mins later she comes out again only to be told they can't do that vegan either even though we have had it before. So third time lucky after waiting a total of 1 hour 4o mins are food finally shows up. It was busy but we were never told there was a delay in food service plus we have been many times before and had zero problems.Rather disappointed