The original footprint of the building dates back to the 15th century. Then, it would have comprised of a single storey “hall”. At a later date, it was converted into three dwellings for farm workers, and then finally designated its current format as a public house around the middle of the 19th century. In 1982, the pub was extensively damaged by fire (the thatch roof caught alight and that was pretty much it), and was shut for restoration. Touch wood, we’ve been lucky so far in our 10 years here, but we have had a couple of near misses…

The nearby village of Coombe Florey is well worth a visit, boasting a church, St Peter and St Paul’s, which is made from red rose stone, with some wonderful stained glass windows.

The novelist Evelyn Waugh lived at Coombe Florey house, as did his son Auberon. Auberon is buried in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul’s, and Evelyn is buried in a private plot just outside. Auberon’s children grew up in the house, and his widow has only just recently sold the property in 2008.

"...Food is amazing, with good service. A beautiful setting, keeping the old values of the country pub alive. A very friendly, clean country pub / restaurant with glorious gardens, not to be missed."
A Yahoo user - dated May 2008