When we moved to Wiltshire over a decade ago, we were handed a handwritten note with the essentials: a trusted carpenter, the nearest walkable pub, the best local fish and chips, a reliable sparky, where to buy wine, and the best supper spot in town. This little note became our guide to exploring our new home.
One of our early discoveries was The Beckford Arms, a charming country inn. Behind its ivy-clad exterior, we found an oak-stool-lined bar, a restaurant serving unpretentious, seasonal food, and a cozy sitting room with roaring fires— the epitome of country living.
A firm favourite, the Beckford Group venues soon became our go-to spots for enjoying classic conviviality paired with delicious food & drink, all while exploring the many areas of outstanding natural beauty that surround us.
Here’s how to eat (and drink) your way around the South West with the Beckford Group.
The Beckford Arms, Tisbury
Described by The Telegraph as “one of the country’s most sought-after and appealing inns,” The Beckford Arms is the Group’s flagship pub.
Here, the menu changes as frequently as the surrounding landscape. With a love for local ingredients and a respect for the classics, the Head Chef Adam Bristow keeps the menu fresh and full of beloved dishes. Think shell-on prawns in a pint glass, the Beckford’s house burger, fish & chips, and seasonal mains featuring local meat and game.
A tipple: The Beckford Craft, a locally brewed British Lager
A nibble: One of Adam’s hearty mains with a few irresistible sides
The Bath Arms, Longleat
Established in 1736, The Bath Arms was named South West Hotel of the Year by The Times and for good reason.
This traditional yet stylish inn, located on the Longleat Estate, offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families, couples, and friends.
Head Chef Jack Chapman crafts a menu of classic British pub fare with a modern twist, from Dartmoor venison to roasted monkfish and indulgent Sunday lunches. Behind the bar, you’ll find traditional ales, including their Horning Ale and a bespoke Bath Arms Gin.
A tipple: A Bath Arms G&T
A nibble: One of the Head Chef’s incredible burgers, often featuring lamb, lentils, or venison
The Talbot Inn, Mells
In the picturesque village of Mells in Somerset, The Talbot Inn is a historic coaching inn dating back to the 15th century.
It is all about relaxed dining among the locals – think succulent lamb shanks, cider-battered haddock, and comforting homemade pies – coupled with genuine hospitality.
Behind the bar there are local beers and a bespoke Talbot Ale on tap. Wine comes from their own wine merchant, The Beckford Bottle Shop, just up the road in Bath.
Perfect for a countryside stop, The Talbot Inn is loved by walkers and cyclists exploring the Mendip Hills.
A tipple: A Watermelon Margarita in summer or a Talbot Ale in winter
A nibble: One of Head Chef Dave’s famous sandwiches, with The Reuben being a firm favorite
The Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George
In the heart of Hinton St George, The Lord Poulett Arms is a Grade II listed thatched pub with a cozy interior.
The head chef and his team focus on seasonal produce, blending British classics with global influences. Somerset is championed at the Lord Poulett, with plenty of local ciders and ales, including Perry’s cider from Dowlish Wake, produced by family cider makers only 2.8 miles away from the pub.
Whether you’re dining by the fire, enjoying a pint in the garden, or playing petanque, The Lord Poulett Arms offers a quintessentially English experience.
A tipple: Somerset Cider Brandy
A nibble: One of the chef’s quirky and delicious bar snacks
The Beckford Bottle Shop, Bath
A food and wine lover’s dream, The Beckford Bottle Shop in Bath is both a bistro and a wine merchant. Their small plates have retained a Michelin Bib-Gourmand award for nearly five years. Head Chef James Harris designs his menu to complement the wine selection, featuring homegrown produce and British cheese and charcuterie boards. Wine lovers can rely on in-house experts Travis and James to help choose the perfect bottle.
A tipple: The Beckford Bottle Shop’s own Chianti
A nibble: Bath chaps with Bramley apple
The Beckford Canteen, Bath
Set in a restored Georgian greenhouse, The Beckford Canteen blends modern British dining with proper techniques. The wine list focuses on old-world selections, complemented by rotating specials available by the glass or bottle. The menu draws from European and Mediterranean influences, using local, seasonal produce.
Guests can dine in the restaurant, the secret garden, or at window countertops overlooking the street.
A tipple: The Greenhouse – Plymouth Gin, Cucumber, Mint, Lime
A nibble: The Canteen’s famous confit potatoes, especially during Sunday Lunch
The Beckford Group venues offer a celebration of great food, drink, and hospitality, surrounded by some of the best countryside in the South West. They hope to become your new local favourites.