The Talbot Inn in Mendip

2 night stay that was faultless from start to finish. Stunning location, amazing room, warm welcome and nothing too much trouble. Lovely relaxed atmosphere, staff work so hard to ensure your stay is made special and your furry friends enjoy it too! Food superb, great service, and little added extras are charming. A little bit of relaxing luxury away from it all in a lively, friendly atmosphere and quiet peaceful location! The Talbot has it all in spadefuls!! A very special find that we shall continue to enjoy over the years!!

It really IS old as are the streets around it. A fascinating glimpse into early Tudor times. We chose it for a brief stay as we are fans of its sister inn, The Lord Poulett Arms. We were not disappointed. A huge bedroom, a silver teapot with top quality tea, fresh milk- the best b&b morning tea I can remember. A most enjoyable supper and breakfast where another silver teapot made its appearance Best of all though was the sheer warmth of our welcome and each encounter with the staff. They even telephoned me to say I had left my charger behind and posted it on to me. Dear Reader, do not think that last has influenced this review, but it does indicate the whole experience. A delightful stay.

We eat/stay regularly in the Beckford Group and The Talbot Inn never disappoints. Brendan was exceptional from the moment we arrived. We had stayed at the Hoxton Hotel and the Marylebone Hotel over the weekend and we felt the hospitality at The Talbot was far superior to both! Matt and Faye were wonderful too and the kind of people you’d want to be friends with. Our fox red Conker was made to feel as looked after as we were. Frankly, if I owned this business I would be very proud of the way your team step up and take pride in their roles and enjoy doing their job well - v rare these days We will be back v soon and the Grey Goose Bloody Mary’s and various hangover cures at breakfast was a well thought out luxury. Well done everyone, Lara, Simon and Conker the Dog

Went as a family of 4 to try a Sunday Roast as we had heard good things. The place remains beautiful and cosy and a lovely spot. Roast was okay... The veg, gratin and gravy were lovely but the roast beef was tough, overcooked and full of fat and gristle that we barely ate any. The potatoes felt like they were crispy roasties that had been warmed up so we're now tough. But overall the meal was lukewarm which didn't help. It was okay so we ate what we could but left hungry. It felt very overpriced for a mediocre meal and for us, it isn't worthy of a return visit.

We stayed overnight at the Talbot Inn with a large group of friends. The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish. Superb stylish and huge room, fantastic food and lovely staff. One of the best Inns/pubs I have ever stayed in...and I've stayed in many! Thanks Charlie and team.

We came here for an evening meal. As veggies the menu choice was a little bit limited - I think roast cauliflower (veggie starters also had cauliflower option) or veggie burger. Staff told us the burger and chips were very good. Sadly this really was not the case. Burger was burnt and chips average at best. The burger was replaced when we complained with staff admitting it was burnt. The replacement was rather underdone. I don’t know if staff had to go on some sort of customer service training but they kept telling us everything was fantastic foodwise and it really wasn’t.

Very nice pub dating to 1480, lots of cobbles, very nice church at the end of the lane, well worth a look around. The pub has a good selection of beers wines and ciders, large interesting pub with seating outside and inside We both had the roast pork, generous portion of meat, the portion of the vegetables was mean, very small portions of vegetables, the potatoes had been overcooked, far to hard, but overall the meal was ok. For desert we had apricot bread and butter pudding with raisin purée, and a affogato. Nice attentive service

First time visiting The Talbot after family had recommended it to us - we were so glad they did! We all had the monkfish scampi, served with curry sauce and mushy peas - it was delicious! The food was piping hot and had lots of flavour - a real winner! We opted for different desserts, I had the chocolate nemesis which was very rich and decadent, perfect for chocolate lovers like me. All our servers were incredibly friendly and really knowledgeable about the food - we will return again soon!

Just a heads up for the kitchen - like a lot of other comments re: the Sunday roast beef, the beef if is like leather. I have had the misfortune to suffer this on many occasions - please sort it out.

Walked into the courtyard at about 14:50 and enquired as to whether the kitchen was still open. We were warmly welcomed and advised to order smartish. The food was fabulous, the staff were friendly, the service was timely.

One of the best meals I I have had this year. The food and the service really first class and in this lovely building. A place we return to time and again.

Well The Talbot was an unexpected find , and shall we say a really pleasant one . The bar staff so friendly & helpful , I highly recommend the Black cow vodka , so smooth . Will certainly be buying some of that 👌🏽 We ate both Friday & Saturday night service was quick & we hadn’t booked but I think it would be best to , especially on a weekend. We had already fallen in love with the location. So the pub was 💯 an added bonus. Would highly recommend And would 100 💯 re-visit Our relaxing time after a dive was well rewarded Thank you The Talbot & staff 5⭐️from us Sorry I broke the bar stool , please forgive me !!

A wonderful experience with delicious food. Great ambience and amazing staff. Especially the two young ladies who accommodated me with finding a battery charger. My mum had been taken ill and my phone had run out. The older couple with me thought the everything was fabulous too. So thank you again.

Delicious food we had burger and steak pie. Friendly staff. Would highly recommend to anyone. Perfect end to a lovely day.

First time here with my family we travelled all the way from America. We were greeted by a young charming man in the name of Sam I believe he showed us to our table and also looked after us all evening couldn’t fault him or his team behind him. They all done a tremendous job, service was absolutely brilliant. The only thing I would change differently is if I was able to bring my dog over so she could get all the love and affection in the world by one particular waitress you have there who managed to not only make guest feel special and loved but also their dogs. What a beautiful soul. 5/5

Busy Sunday, popped in with the dogs for a pint. Stood waiting to be served for fifteen minutes, had eye contact with both bar staff (both aware I had been waiting). "Local" walks in, muscles his way past everyone waiting and gets served straight away. Then stood and had to listen whilst a group of blokes discuss how members of the LBGTQ+ community should all "be burnt at the stake" and one of them repeatedly threatened to "glass the c**ts". Lovely place, well worth a visit if you're in the area 😂!

Excellent restaurant with well considered menu choices. We were four for dinner on a Friday evening and the atmosphere in the entrance bar was boisterous (in a good way!). Korean style Cornish mussels was excellent with a spicy broth and chunks of bread to soak it up. Others had Burrata dish and Mushroom “scallops” which they enjoyed too. Main course was sea bream with a chilli and nduja sauce, linguine and kalettes, also delicious. Others has Jerusalem artichoke risotto and whole plaice which were well received. Apricot bread & butter pudding and honey panna cotta followed as deserts. A few pints of Talbot Ale was enjoyed too! Top marks!

Been twice before and had great food but this time the monkfish was lovely but accompanying lentils and veg were very small considering the price. Likewise the cheeseboard at 12.50 was nice but tiny. Not even any butter with it. Other meals were ok but overall pretty disappointed. Sadly won't rush back.

The meal was delicious. Two of the family had mussels and said the sauce was to die for. The atmosphere was homely and the service first class, professional, friendly and efficient

My wife and I had a 2 night stay at the Talbot having previously stayed at 2 of the other 4 places in the Beckford group. The location is excellent and the inn is very pleasant. Room was comfortable and bathroom was fine. The best aspect of this place is the staff. The staff members are excellent and went out of their way to try and ensure we had a pleasant stay. The downside of the Talbot is the food which we felt was not up to the excellent standards at either the Lord Poulett or the Beckford Arms. The choice for dinner was very limited and the dishes somewhat boring. The only real negative is the price of the wine. I know the hospitality sector is struggling but come on Talbot, provide a selection that has reasonably priced wines. It was noticeable that no other table had ordered wine and the high price is clearly a major factor. We had a bottle on the first night which at £40 was one of the lowest priced bottles and 3 times the retail price. We had beer on the second night!

Absolutely loved this place. Stayed for 2 nights to justify a long drive and weren't dissappointed. This Gastro-pub come glam-B&B offers something more intimate and personal than many of the higher-end hotels we've stayed in while not losing any of the 'something special' feeling. I preferred the restaurant menu to the classic pub cuisine but loved the genuine country pub feel in the bar and could have guzzled the Talbot Ale all night. There are 2 cozy lounges across the courtyard that can offer something more intimate for a family or group gathering but couples weren't made to feel they were imposing either. We stayed in room 8, to the right of the arch as you enter. Both bedroom and bathroom were massive, the bedroom, with 4-poster, was homely yet special and the immaculate bathroom, with rolltop bath was rustic and well appointed. Loved the complimentary priducts. Staff were just great, friendly and attentive to a person, made us feel at home. Looking forward to our return!

What a cosy friendly pub. The weather was terrible for our 2 days but I can’t think of a nicer pub to be in to relax and feel cosy. Our room was superb and nice touches with fresh milk and decanters of water. Breakfast was cooked freshly to order and served with a very friendly smile. Dinner was also excellent and the dining areas are very welcoming and intimate. Nice lounge areas too with a roaring fire to keep warm.

3rd visit: Love the location and staff friendly but roasts a disappointment. Tepid, lacking of any seasoning or elevation through herbs. Pitiful amount of meat which wouldn’t be enough for half a sandwich. Extremely noisy with a large group of locals watching the rugby and getting tanked up in the main bar reverberating throughout. Does need to get over itself a little. It might be relentlessly middle class there and whoopdidoo the staff wear their own clothes not uniforms but the food, service and atmosphere is currently as average as any other chain, just at a 30% higher cost.

This wee Gem of the Beckford Group is not to missed (like the others) The building has bags of character and charm. The welcome and service are personal and excellent....and then there is the food. Shortish restaurant Menu with the additional pub classics, a creative offer which certainly delivered. Add to that an imaginative wine and drinks list. Have long been a fan of the Beckford Arms, and the Talbot might even be better !! Very comfortable well appointed bedroom with lots of considered extras. The welcome letter was also addressed to my dog Bolly, and there was even a doggie bag for her....how spoiling. Highly recommned, and wish i lived a touch nearer.

Have eaten here for many years with family and friends. Always reliably excellent. Never disappoints. Great food with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Fabulous late lunch at the Talbot, our second visit here and the food was again excellent! Tucked away not far from Frome an ideal Chrimassy location, this is an excellent pub in a beautiful village, the pub was beautifully decorated! The menu is small and the food is freshly cocked, there is always a tasty veggie option and I had Leek and potato soup followed by butternut squash both excellent! This is not a cheap eat but does represent good value for money, highly recommended.

Lovely busy pub and restaurant in this pretty village Service was good and the food delicious - we were in the ‘sitting room’ which is very attractive with plenty of space. Dog friendly to Only think that made me mark the experience down was the...

Really lovely dining experience and superb food. My husband is still raving about it today! We will be back. Beautiful venue, wonderful ambience and service was brillIant. Thank you.

Lovely food and fantastic service from Brendan. Would recommend for a nice gastro dinner. Gosh and chips excellent and yummy brownie.

The food had no flavour at all! Overpriced for bland food. Chicken burger dry and refried at least 3 times. Chips tasted like bland old oil. Not one thing had flavour . This was a complete waste of money

We ordered Plaice, requesting that one have the potatoes changed to vegetables. The Plaice was beautifully presented however, this was spoilt by the fish ‚swimming‘ in butter! The only sides available were either chips or salad. (What restaurant has no vegetables in the kitchen?) OK...

Wonderful service from a server called Stacey. Made our night. Food was good with nice size portions. Would visit again.

When I was staying in Nunney I saw that this place was Michelin rated so had to try it as locally to us there is a pub the same so thought I would be in for a treat. It was OK, I don't understand in...

So glad we came back to this restaurant. We first came for Sunday lunch during the pandemic and it was a safe haven during a much needed family break to Somerset. Late night we returned and enjoyed some of the best steaks we have ever...

We booked for Saturday night. Loved the building which is based around a central courtyard. We had a high quality three course meal starting with the mussels and then the Guinea fowl and cod,and finished with the cheese. All very tasty. The staff were all...

Hi. I came here last weekend with my husband, two year old daughter and in laws for a birthday lunch. I ordered mac and cheese as pasta is my daughter's favourite food. What she was served was clearly tinned macaroni - and cost us £8!...

Visited on a Wednesday evening for a drink - went into main bar and bought drinks - tables were full so asked if could sit in restaurant - perfunctory reply that I had to ask for again - to sit in the room across the...

Came to Wells and The Talbot Inn based on a recommendation and so we made a booking. Upon arrival my partner and I were welcomed by a member of staff and shown to our table which situated in a very warm and cosy area. We...

The venue and location are beautiful. We order the Sunday roast and it arrived very quickly. Unfortunately, a lot of the food was cold (other than the potatoes) and the crackling was missing off the plate of roast pork. Mentioned this to the waiting staff...

This place is fairly good. We started with a game terrine which was well put together. Fish and chips featured good fish, good chips but thick semi-raw batter. Chickpea and aubergine masala was a good dish but too much ghee was left on the plate...

Had friends down from Twickenham for the weekend. Always do a walk on Sunday followed by the proverbial Sunday Lunch. Opted for the Talbot as had not been here for well over a couple of years and was pleased with choice. We all went for...

Whist staying in Frome we met friends here for lunch whom we hadn’t seen for eighteen months because of COVID. We ate in the courtyard on a sunny day which was lovely. The food and service was excellent however we felt the drinks prices were...

We were staying at nearby Bath Arms and drove here for the menu which did not disappoint but the service was brilliant! So attentive and accommodating and removed our service charge due to a longer wait for food but we didn’t even mind and would...

Wesite stated Lobster, so booked and because normally restaurants like to know beforehand, asked to reserve two lobsters. Had confirmation so drove one and a half hours to restaurant. Have been before, very quaint/lovely. Menus arrived and I asked about the lobsters was told, no...

We visited the Talbot Inn for the first time today as we were staying nearby. Not knowing the area I booked a table just because it was the first place I rang that I could get a table, and that was after the lady kindly...

Great experience on Xmas Eve, party of 6. Kids happy, adults happy, vegan happy. Great pint of Guinness, lovely staff. It’s going to be my new local. Thanks team.

Absolutely LOVE the Talbot, we arrived to a charming, festive delight. We had the family room with a roll top bath, everything was beautifully designed and the staff could not do enough for us. We have a fireside breakfast and dinner, the food is exceptional....

One of my favourite places to visit, the staff are so warming and professional and make you feel comfortable, such a great atmosphere very relaxing and food is absolutely the best , I would recommend to everyone ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a lovely gem. The food is some of the best I’ve had, always with some lovely vegan options. I’m never disappointed when I come here - beautiful surroundings, and incredible food.

We were recommended this pub by our host, even though she said it was a bit pricey. Surroundings were lovely, our celeriac soup starter was lovely, but then our main course of braised lamb breast with chargrilled cabbage and swede arrived. Sadly the three thin slices of rolled lamb were so fatty there was probably just a level teaspoon of meat on each slice within the rolls of skin and fat, and the cabbage and swede were swilling in butter, so much so that the whole meal was spoilt. We never normally complain but this time we felt we had to. The waitress was very nice and said she would pass on our feedback on the chef but we didn't feel we would like to continue by ordering a dessert and felt that we had wasted our money.

We stopped here for Sunday lunch on our way to Bath. We were greeted straight away, shown to our seats. The service was spot on, quick but not rushed and friendly. The food was lovely. I had a barley risotto and cheese board. The homemade digestive biscuits were a highlight. A really wonderful experience and a lovely Sunday lunch.

Fabulous food, the ploughman’s was something special, would highly Recomend. Busy but good friendly service.

This is a lovely place, nice courtyard for a drink with friends and great food. The staff are friendly. Definitely recommend this place, thank you for a lovely evening . We will return next Friday !

A stunning set of buildings impresses you when you walk into the courtyard. Inside the food and service is excellent and all at very reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

Had thought I had booked online, I hadn't! However, they were able to offer us a table inside. The menu had variety but was not overfacing. The food was delicious and the service friendly and efficient. They were very busy with a large number of tables inside and out. Excellent all round.

Would highly recommend The Talbot Inn. We came with our 3 year old daughter, and had a lovely relaxing time. Thank you to the Staff who were so kind and considerate. The food is amazing, and the rooms are comfortable, spacious and clean. Perfectly located for sight-seeing. Will definitely be back!

Our innocently-enjoyed stay here in February had turned out to be our last holiday pre-lockdown (at times it had felt like it might be the last ever) so it was a real delight to return to The Talbot Inn in August and find that the deep, welcoming pleasure and the happy atmosphere had survived across these difficult months. We were very unsure just how 'holidayish' the 'new normal' might feel but the team here have got things just right. All sensible COVID precautions are in place but it still really felt like a proper break, with a very warm welcome, delicious food and a comfortable, clean and safe stay. The Talbot and it's sister inns are superbly run and represent brilliant value for money with a great mix of comfort, quality and informality. We would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a short break from the routine... whatever your routine now is.

This Inn has offered excellent food & service in the past. Sadly not the case now. Previous visits before the lockdown were already, each one, not as good as the previous time. The food was mediocre & despite the current situation, full to bursting! Few concessions have been made to accommodate the new Covid19 rules. We found this shocking! No hand gel in evidence on entering the bar or the restaurant rooms. We realised afterwards that there was wall mounted gel available in the courtyard near the toilets, but it was not signposted or obvious in any way. None of the staff wore face coveringz & social distancing was virtually zero. The eating areas were crowded & cramped with less than a meter between diners & nearby tables. The only clue for us that indicated that we were in a post lockdown period was that we were asked to keep our menu cards on the table throughout the meal. We had the unsettling impression that the lockdown had never even happened in this small country village. We live fairly locally & will not hesitate to tell people we know about this disappointing experience & lack of concern for both diners & serving staff during this still current pandemic. What a shame.....!

Staff really friendly bar heaving which created a good atmosphere, Food good nicely presented wine very expensive, Rooms very clean and comfortable. Will stay again

I offer the following quick summary stating what we found was good, bad and/or indifferent about our experience at this pub restaurant. For those wanting further information please read on and find detail within the full review.Good: location, ambience, al fresco drinking and eating (weather dependent), serve lunch until 15:00 (Mon-Sat), log fire (weather dependent), warm plates, fresh fish, light crispy batter, mostly hot/warm main course, flavoured ice cream, Affogato, and Service.Bad: inconsistently sized portions of fish, size of portions of vegetables, cold vegetables, dessert menu choices, tasteless and overpriced Bakewell tart, and advice on adding bar expenditure to our bill.Indifferent: grubby décor, pretentious menu with resultant lack of appeal, over complex and claggy tartare sauce, ‘gourmet’ style meals showed lack of attention to detail, and mediocre value for money.On what had been a rare half-day off for me we had both fancied getting out to enjoy some of the winter sunshine that this day offered. Having been impressed when dining here during a recent visit to Mells, it was a quick return for me and another lunch at this eatery, but this time I was not on my own. Mells is a pretty and pleasant small village buried deep into the Somerset countryside and I wanted my partner to join me in exploring Mells. That is to explore a bit more than I can do when on a working visit. Also to share the experience of a good meal here at the Talbot. The pub itself sits on the main road through Mells. The façade of the building is typical of a coaching inn: an archway in the centre of the frontage which once allowed coach and horse teams to access the courtyard and presumably some stables. The courtyard now provides well-sheltered tables for al fresco dining and drinking, but not much of that was happening on what was a cold day, despite the sunshine. The Talbot is a functioning ‘Inn’, by the way, it has 8 guest rooms and, from pictures I have seen, they do look well-appointed and fashioned in an appropriate style.We arrived for a late lunch, having first checked with the pub that this was possible, and it was: lunch on Mondays to Saturdays is served until 15:00. We sat and mulled over the menu for a while in the bar, whilst we waited to be called to our table. I will say, as an aside and being hungry, that I had intended to try a starter, but very little on the starter menu appealed: it was all a bit pretentious. I am not suggesting for a moment that ‘prawn cocktail’ et al should be proffered, but a good tasty coarse pâté, or maybe some seared scallops, or some delicately spiced lamb koftas would provide a better spread of choice. Terrine is another fine alternative but the “Pigs Head Terrine” on the menu, I would suspect, would not appeal to many, and certainly not to us.We were soon called to a table in one of the three dining rooms (we had opted to dine in the restaurant rather than in the bar, as I had on my previous visit). There is one dining room adjacent to the bar area, another situated in the front quarter of the building, left of the coaching portal, and the one that we sat in, that nestles between the two. From what we could see, this dining room was probably the cosiest and warmest of the three rooms; with a big log fire and vintage warm-white lighting. The décor in the dining rooms is a bit tired and grubby but, given that this building has been around for over 500 years, the owners may not be able to do much in the way of refurbishment. Thus, I suspect they may have decided to preserve the existing décor: which is probably the right decision, as a “pimping-up” would destroy history and ambience. It does, however, look as though a good clean was needed.Orders were quickly placed. I had been toying with the idea of ordering the rib-eye steak. My partner however had decided on the fish and chips (having clocked some being served to a nearby table). Having also been told that it was haddock and, being assured by our waitress that, it was “always really fresh”, I was moved to join in and have the fish and chips too. The meal was described as “Beer battered fish, twice cooked chips, crushed peas, tartare”.Our food arrived after a modest wait and it did look good, but the fillets of fish were far smaller than expected on the basis of those seen earlier. We should have been told the fish was in smaller than usual fillets especially at £14.50 each. Our plates were warm, tick. The batter looked really light and was free from oil. I rarely eat batter as I see it as a coating used to protect food during the cooking process: in the same way that aluminium foil can be used when cooking poultry. On this occasion however I ate and really enjoyed all the batter, and yes, the fish was fresh, moist, and flaked well. The fish was really good and, importantly, it was hot. The chips were indeed double cooked, reasonably warm and enjoyed.Now to the peas; which were not so good. If they hadn’t been a really bright contrasting colour they would hardly have been noticed. It was a far too mean portion IMHO: there was a greater volume of tartare sauce than peas! Also, they were almost cold, as I say, “not so good”.The tartare sauce was too fussy for me, it had a distinctively odd (but not unpleasant) taste that didn’t provide that sharp and clean contrasting flavour that goes so well with fried fish. The dollop of tartare comprised of a myriad of finely chopped ingredients and it was extremely viscous. So dense it was difficult to spread onto the delicate batter, and it doggedly stuck to my plate and cutlery, in fact much better than it stuck to my fish. Dipping the fish into the sauce just pulled the fish off my fork! So, I gave-up the unequal struggle after a while and besides I wasn’t particularly enjoying the flavour. This needs a re-think Chef!In all it was a moderately pleasant meal to this point despite the above issues: the main thing was that the fish was good. It wasn’t, however, enough to sate my hunger; particularly as I had built up a bit of an appetite in the 6 hours since breakfast. I was still hungry so, unusually for me, I was moved to order a dessert. I can’t say that the dessert menu did much to whet my appetite, but I decided to try the “Orange & Apricot Bakewell Tart (with) Green Tea ice cream”. I have eaten Bakewell Tart on many occasions, and this was not a Bakewell Tart! There were no sliced almonds (or nuts of any kind) on the top, no layer of tangy preserve between the filling and the pastry casing, and for me it had a standard sponge filling rather than a frangipane. So, quite what justified calling this a ‘Bakewell Tart’, I cannot imagine. There was a hint of orange and maybe a trace of apricot flavour in the sponge, but the only thing that really tasted of apricot was the single small piece of dried apricot studded into the top of the sponge. Without the toasted almonds and the preserve, it did not have much in the way of texture either. So, it was poor, it was also a small serving, and it was just textureless and rather bland. It was, however, lifted by the superbly delicate, but rather mean portion of, green tea ice cream. At £7 this dessert did not represent anything near good value: it was very disappointing and somewhat pointless! I really wish I hadn’t bothered.My partner had an Affogato dessert which was apparently excellent: being made with a good strong coffee.Looking at the menu as a whole it is obvious to me that the chef led by the management (or the management led by the chef) have set out their stall to provide their clientele with a gourmet experience. I say this because the terms used on the menu include ‘charred’, and ‘burnt’, with ingredients like nettles, Romanesco, grelots, beurre blanc, foie gras butter, apricot butter, miso mustard, fermented barley, and candied walnuts. There were unusual ice creams including ‘black ash coconut’, and ‘green tea’ varieties. Cooking techniques such as salt baking, beetroot curing, Maple smoking, and pine roasting are mentioned. The trouble is that gourmet food is difficult and expensive to produce, and it is all a complete waste of time and money if simple things on plates are not right. Like cold crushed peas that should have been hot, and bland textureless tarts that should have wowed my taste buds, not to mention that weird tartare sauce.You may ask who am I to criticise? Well I am the one paying for the food!The service was at all times commendable from the staff behind the bar, and from our waitress. The only thing we thought was a bit off-beam with service was that we were encouraged, at the bar, to put our drinks on our table bill. The trouble is that there was a 10% service charge added to the table bill, and thus to our drinks as well! That is a bit naughty I feel, as the £1.70 each was surreptitiously inflated to £1.87 each, in variance with the published bar price list. Is that legal? For us it was only an extra 34p but a party of 4 spending £5 each (the average cost of a glass of one of the many Gins on their drinks list) would be paying an extra £2 and for what extra service? Well none actually as most patrons will take their own drinks to their dining table. We also noticed that the menu championed ‘Homemade’ ginger beer: we were not offered this, and ours came out of a bottle from “Shhhh you know who!”

Another lovely lunch @ the Talbot,Mells.Place was buzzing with interesting people & lovely dogs.Very good service with the ever reliable Georgy. wonderful three course meal,yet to be disappointed.

My girlfriend and I were looking for a weekend away in Somerset and using the very reliable Mr and Mrs Smith plumped for the Talbot Inn, Mells which proved to be a very good choice.From the time we arrived on Friday afternoon until we left on Sunday morning the staff were fantastic, really friendly and helpful at every level, the room we stayed in the medium room which whilst compact was well equipped with a great shower and lots of nice touches especially the lotions and potions.The bar scene was very lively with a local shoot party providing great entertainment on the Saturday, drinks are well priced but the wines ares quite expensive especially the house prosecco at £30.With regard to food the breakfasts on both days were 10 out of 10,excellent choice of cerials, freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs bennedict cooked to perfection and the full english was spot on top quality bacon and sausages perfectly cooked. We loved hangover corner with medicines and bloody mary available.Our only disappointment was dinner in the pub restaurant, on Friday night we went to Bistro Lotte in Frome [highly recommended] and decided to dine in the grill room on Saturday, when we first booked the website advised that the grill room would be open on Saturday 18th but sadly this was not the case.As a result we dined in the pub restaurant, we are both quite adventurous with food but could find nothing that appealed on the restaurant menu starters or mains [far too fussy] and we both opted for the fish and chips which was fine although the batter was quite heavy, tartare sauce was sublime..Whilst we were in the pub restaurant we noticed that the majority of diners were also avoiding the Chef specials and opting for fish and chips or the Talbot burger, management please take note.

We have been coming to the Talbot for lunch every couple of months for some time. We love the location, atmosphere, and feel of the place, and previously also the food. When we arrived for lunch on 16 January, we saw some interesting new items. I had deer heart schnitzel - interesting idea, though the coating did not stick well to the succulent meat. Then guinea fowl, which consisted of a few strips of breast, a handful of small gnocchi ,and a couple of orange segments - for £22! It was listed as a Main course, but would not have been generous as a starter. My wife had the fish and chips, which were very good. And we both had the treacle pudding, which was excellent, and came as a generous wedge. I suspect a guilty conscience in the kitchen .We were told there is a new head chef. We hope he gets a better sense of how to offer consistent value for money.

Another lunchtime in Mells and the chance to try a new venue for me. I needed a quick lunch between calls, and although the burger I ordered was really a bit more than I really wanted or needed, I just couldn’t resist.The pub is obviously very old and was definitely a coaching inn on the London / Wells road probably built in the 15th Century. It certainly has style and I would say it is a great place to stay.I studied the menus and checked out the ‘Pub’ food section to see what snacks were available. The BLT didn’t turn my head, the cauliflower led veggie offering was just not me, it was too cold for a ploughman’s: besides I’m avoiding too much cheese, the fish and chips would have been good I’m sure, but I fancied the Talbot burger.I didn’t have to wait too long for my order to be served and it did look good on arrival. The plate as warm, tick. The burger bun was opened, and one half was adorned with lettuce and a thinly sliced gherkin pickle, whilst the other half was home to a moderately sized, but thick, burger dressed with a rasher of trimmed bacon and some well-melted cheese. The small but adequate serving of chips were in a separate bowl, and there was also a modest dollop of coleslaw.The burger was hugely enjoyable, of considerable quality, succulent flavour, and appreciably hot. The bun did indeed taste home-made and the chips were good. I don’t care hugely for salad, but I did enjoy the sliced gherkins. It was a very fine example of its genre and I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a burger meal of such qualityThe service was excellent, efficient and friendly.I will be looking to visit here one evening, and sample what promises to be an excellent dinner.

This is about half way meet up for my Daughter and I. Wet day but cosy and warm in the bar and restaurant. Good menu choices and we both went for haddock and chips. Good size portion, tasty batter well cooked. Friendly welcoming staff. Resisted the sweets.

Firstly start with a positive, the Food LOOKS good which is a great start but unfortunately the food was disappointing. Both our meals were served luke warm which makes you eat faster than you would normally. Why o why can you not get a DECENT roast potato these days. The Roast potatoes with my wife's Beef tasted as though they were reheated and cooked hours ago. My sea bass was not seasoned at all with a fairly meagre portion of greans and tiny mushrooms to accompany the fish. Overall feeling it was all poor value and more style over substance. A Shame and will not keen to return.

We had our wedding reception at the Talbot on 24th Oct.. the staff could not have been more helpful, the venue and food was perfect - we could not have asked for more!! Organisation of the evening

The food was somewhat pricey and while reasonably presented was at best average. The Salted Atlantic cod was small and not too tasty. Other dishes were average in quality and amount. The mango sorbet was completely tasteless and had to be returned

I really like this Inn, which I have been visiting for over 20 years. It is exactly what an old Inn should be like really traditional but also in some areas cool and very gastro pub. Staff are always well mannered and friendly. Proper linen napkins for a proper English restaurant. Food is excellent, I usually have a burger but have had several other dishes too. When the weather is warm we sit outside in the courtyard, it has a nice atmosphere with locals and visitors alike. Then we move in to the large garden for drinks. Thoroughly recommend and will be back soon.

Lovely buildings and a relaxed atmosphere in a elegantly rustic restaurant. Friendly staff and good food. Just needs a bit more thought given to the vegetarian options.

We were staying in the village of Mells for 3 nights and had been recommended this gastro pub as a good place to eat. Being just 200yds from our cottage it was ideal and we booked a table for 2 of the nights we stayed. We were not disappointed. Friendly and welcoming staff in the cosy bar where we had a couple of drinks before having our meal in the map room. We had starters and a main course for both nights and felt it was very reasonable priced. We sampled the Talbot burger and the crispy chicken bap both really tasty and well cooked. My husband had the Moules marinière to start which he really enjoyed and they were really meaty and fresh, I had the chicken liver parfait which was very tasty. On the 2nd night we both had the Moules marinière and again really lovely and then we both had steak, not the cheapest thing on the menu but definitely worth paying for, it was extremely well cooked and our knives went through it like butter, both asked for medium and the chef definitely delivered. We had both the white and red house wines over the 2 visits and both really nice. Our waitress was chatty, friendly and attentive in fact all of the staff, who were all fairly young, were really nice which made our visits even more pleasurable. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area and would love to think we’d return. Thank you and well done to the staff at The Talbot Inn!

Only had lite lunch, but good. Great atmosphere, indoors and out. The pub reflects the village in its standing

Sea Trout was lovely, steak was tough despite being the most expensive item on the menu.

The Talbot is a place which consistently comes up in lists of 'the best of …', and for good reason. We had a truly delicious lunch, served by a couple of vivacious young women. I'm not usually tempted by pudding menus, but in this case I just couldn't resist the salted caramel chocolate mousse. Mmmm!

Very expensive, nice ambiance, staff is friendly, can get very crowded. Nice if you can get a place in the garden or inside, court yard a bit wobbly on the cobbles and right outside the toilets. Feels a little pretentious.

Despite us getting our booking date wrong they kindly fit us in to The Grill. Lovely big room with amazing decor. Service was great. We had he meat platter to share which was superb. But of course all this splendidness comes at a cost. £45 for a meat platter. The total bill was £164 for 4 of us. Oh, service charge was put on top without us being asked. Those couple of niggles said I’d gladly go again as it was really good food - just when someone else is paying

Four of us ate in this old coaching inn prior to heading around the corner for a concert in the kirk by locally based singer song writer Jane Taylor.

Visited this lovely old village yesterday The pub is very nice and the dining rooms inside looked nice Most people sat in the courtyard as it was a nice day As we were visiting for lunch we didn’t stay as frankly the menu is very expensive £12 for beef sandwich and similarly ploughman’s !! There was no smaller lunch plates just dinner prices all upward of £20 I would imagine the food is nice but out of my league for a bit of lunch

We visited this month for a family lunch. The food and the service were both very good. Mells is a very pretty little village and the Talbot Inn fits in beautifully.

Charming old inn with lots of atmosphere. Four of us had a tasty dinner with exceptionally friendly and helpful young staff. Ales and lagers were excellent and food was very good bistro fare. Parking a bit tricky on narrow lanes but meant we could wander along the village roads admiring the character of the properties surrounding the Talbot Inn. Lots of cyclists, runners and locals enjoying the outside seating area and of course the food and drink, as we did. Recommend a visit - if we lived nearby, we’d be regulars.

....but this is probably as good as it gets as far as gastropubs go. Decades ago when I ventured into the darker parts of the Somerset hinterland this was just an ordinary rather quiet and dingy country pub. Now, of course, it’s achingly trendy and bursting at the seams of a Sunday lunchtime - just the sort of place I instinctively detest. But we had a great roast lunch here, the beef tender, rare and full of flavour. Everyone else seemed very happy with their choices, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. Their roast potatoes need some work though...

I ordered a double g and t today. I didn’t specify which gin. £13.50. Price of a gin and tonic at the Savoy in London. £12.50.

Old fashioned Georgian pub set in a jewel that is Mells. Excellent Caesar salad and squid to start followed by sirloin steak. Abundant chips. We chose the Croation white. And also a glass of The Nero d’Avola. Both excellent. We shared the sticky toffee pudding with extra butterscotch sauce. Easy going place and excellent value. I liked the fact that the menu was not huge with excellent range of wines.

Excellent boutique hotel/Inn delightful room in courtyard entrance, lovely food and wonderful service from friendly staff.

Been before about a year ago it was ok then so what’s happened. Firstly the kitchen was closed so we had to eat in another part but that should not mean bad food, we were in an area just across the court yard with the entrance having a door and two large windows why has the glass not been changed looks bad when the sealed units are blown and have been for months. Had a crispy chicken burger that was cold and bland, cold chips and a few leaves of green stuff that they call salad. At the end of the evening bill had at the bottom £15.00 service charge added optional but for what, to bring out cold food. Another meal was a bit of cheese to small to see and apple and a few other bits rubbish. Very disappointed high priced rubbish food don’t bother it’s a place that thinks it’s better than it is.

Lovely food, staff and setting. We both had cod & chips for lunch and it was cooked to perfection. Thanks for the lift back to our hotel in the defender! 👍🏼

Four of us had lunch yesterday in The Talbot Inn after a lovely walk around Mell’s.

We stayed the weekend with friends, bed rooms were quaint and interesting , very comfortable . Food in the restaurant and grill room was of a very high standard and the wine list had a good selection of again interesting wines.

We attended a private function here at the end of March, and enjoyed a very happy day in this attractive and atmospheric pub: excellent food and very friendly and helpful staff.

We ate in the snug - a small room btween the bar and the main dining rooms. This is a great place to eat. The food remains as good as ever - whether you go for meat or vegetarian options. The service is friendly and efficient and the whole place has the character of a by-gone age. Going back to the Talbot, having not eaten there for at least two years, made us realise what we had been missing. I would throughly recommend it to anyone who is travelling in East Somerset.

After a few meetings in London, a good friend picked us up, and hosted us for three days in “her England.” For our first night of dining, she had made reservations at The Talbot Inn, in near-by Mells.

Lovely pub, friendly staff. Good selection of beer, cider, gin, etc! Food looked lovely though we didn't eat...maybe next time.

We recently visited the Talbot for a spot of Saturday lunch with our dog. The staff were really friendly and welcoming - they even brought out a bowl of water for our dog.

Sorry to contradict some of the recent reviews but have just returned from a very mediocre experience at what used to be one of our favourite hostelries.

My son and daughter in law had booked this for a pre wedding lunch. It was great, with a private lounge area followed by a lovely meal in a private dining area.

Lovely pub, nice traditional atmosphere with log fires etc. Good menu and the food was delicious. Service was quick and efficient.

Not one to review but this place certainly earned one.

Good food. Menu changes seasonally. Really nice very popular place in a small village.

Enjoyed an early supper with grandson and family. Went for the game pudding, a delight finished in the oven so crisp outside served with mash and kale. It was great food. Others had dessert but the cheese was delicious Royal Bassett blue. Service quick, rooms pleasant small separate rooms to dine in like a house. Well worth a visit.

Just back from lunch at the Talbot which did not live up to our expectations.