The Phelips Arms, Montacute

Good Beer Guide 2022 Entry - something to be celebrated in these parts, after my night in Yeovil :-) The village is stunning and the pub fits in perfectly in the same honey hamstone. Inside, its mainly setup for dining but there is a nice little sofa setup in an L shape around a log burner. Its also a Palmers House - and the beer - which I find exceptional - was in perfect condition. If only it was available in more places that Dorset/Somerset.

A hamstone former coaching inn which still offers B&B. There is a walled garden, but there is no dedicated car park. The pub has a skittle alley and separate function room. The main bar is an L-shape, formed from conjoining rooms, the different floor levels showing where the walls used to be, while a large original hamstone fireplace adds a touch of grandeur to the pub. The interior has been substantially, yet sympathetically renovated, retaining much of the character. There is a dartboard near the bar counter. Furniture is quirky, much of it appears custom made. The staff were pleasant and helpful, the customers, including family groups, were well behaved. There were 4 handpumps on the bar one dry. The others served Palmer's Gold and IPA plus First Press cider. The beer was in excellent condition, served at the right temperature and most enjoyable. Food was freshly cooked, and they were happy to go off-menu to cater for special requests. I'd be very happy to come back anytime.

After they got rid of the bikers who used to hang out here it improved greatly and became well above average. Nowadays, after several changes of landlord it appears to have slipped back to be merely average - they'll have to buck their ideas up now that the Kings Arms has re-opened.

Official site of The Phelips Arms - thephelipsarms.co.uk

Official site of The Phelips Arms - thephelipsarms.co.uk

Ok ish village pub serving Palmers, allbeit in good condition. Tried a Guinness and wished I hadn't. Since when has it had cidery flavours? As a result lower marks than perhaps it merits, being the only pub open in this village now.