The Langford Inn, Somerset

Overview

When Butcombe, the brewer and hotelier, decided to build a quality rooms offering within their estate in 2020, this 17th-century pub in sleepy Lower Langford, just a few minutes' drive from the Brewery in Wrington, was high on the list for a complete revamp.

They have transformed the old coaching inn from a tired and dated boozer to a contemporary dining pub with rooms, reopening the doors in May 2021 following a period of closure and setting the standard for future renovations. Locals love the new look and the stylishly refurbished rooms have found favour with visitors to the area - not only is the inn close to the Brewery (tours & tastings), it's located on the edge of the Mendip Hills for walking, and an easy drive from Bristol (and Airport), Wells, and Weston-super-Mare.

Expect a modern, relaxed vibe throughout the rambling bar and informal dining rooms - think, wood and tiled floors, soothing pastel hues, eclectic artwork, upholstered tub and wing chairs, leather banquettes, and an open-to-view kitchen. There's also colourful lounge area and a Mediterranean-style, plant-filled courtyard with teak tables and cosy seating under two heated stone archways.

Rooms from:

5 doubles: £100 & 2 suites: £140

Good to know

Major credit cards accepted (not Amex)

Disabled access

Alfresco dining terrace

Private dining room

Parking available

Dog stay: £20

Bristol Airport Stopover

Flying in or out of Bristol Airport and need a decent night's rest, then the Langford Inn is a very convenient and comfortable choice - just 12 minutes drive away.

Butcombe Brewery Tours

Explore behind the scenes of Butcombe Brewery at nearby Wrington, see how they work their brewing magic, and taste some of our finest brews with the people who craft them - open for Tours on first Tuesday of the month (info@butcombe.com); shop open Wednesday to Friday 10am-5pm.

Rooms

The seven newly refurbished rooms are located in the converted stables - the biggest and best being the beamed Langford Suite and Blagdon Suite with its mezzanine sitting area.

Although a few are on the small side and there are no baths, all have a fresh, contemporary feel as a great deal of thought has been given to the decor and the detail touches to ensure rooms are cosy and guests are comfortable.

Expect to find big beds with colourful headboards, crisp Egyptian cotton linen, feather duvets and pillows, and bright throws, along with relaxing upholstered armchairs, quirky lamps and artwork, and soothing pastel hues. Welcome detail touches, like fresh coffee and home-made biscuits, Roberts radios, Smart TVs, and a fully-stocked mini-bar with complimentary bottle of Stateside Session IPA and a small bottle of Prosecco. Modern, white brick-tiled bathrooms come with huge walk-in rain showers, fluffy bathrobes and organic Bramley toiletries.

All rooms are dog-friendly (treats, towels, beds & bowls) and cots/extra beds are also available for children.

Restaurant & bar

Using quality ingredients sourced from top-notch producers and suppliers across the South West, good seasonal menus successfully combine pub classics with more innovative dishes.

Tuck into a pub favourite, perhaps Butcombe Gold beer-battered fish with thick-cut chips and tartare sauce, or Cameron Naughton pork belly, sage gnocchi, pancetta, apple and Calvados jus, or one of the interesting gluten-free dishes - salt-baked carrot risotto with crispy kale, vegan Gouda, pines nuts and sage. Starters might include winter squash, cider and chestnut veloute with St Martin sourdough, and ox cheek doughnut with plum jam. There are gluten-free menus, decent Sunday roasts (Stokes Farm rump of beef), and classic desserts like sticky date and toffee pudding.

Behind the bar, you'll find well-chosen wines (13 by the glass), classic cocktails, and a cracking range of craft beer and cask ale brewed at the Butcombe Brewery just up the road in Wrington.

The imaginative breakfast menu - baked eggs, spiced tomatoes, harissa, peppers, feta and Yeo Valley yoghurt on grilled sourdough - will certainly set you up a day's walking in the Mendip Hills.

Private dining

The Whitmore Room (seats 12) is perfect for all kinds of occasions and private hire events, from supper clubs to birthday parties and meetings.

Things to do

25 miles long by 5 miles wide and rising to just over 1,000ft above sea level, the Mendip Hills draws the real walking enthusiast. For something really rewarding, try the 50-mile Mendip Way, which runs through the heart of the Mendips between Weston-super-Mare and Frome.

The jewel in the city of Wells's crown is its historic cathedral - a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Look out, too, for the moated, 13th-century Bishop's Palace and many other splendid buildings and fascinating landmarks around the city.

Home to otters, water voles, bitterns and kingfishers, Ham Wall Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, is a newly created wetland providing a safe environment for many rare species.

When in Rome! Head on over to Roger Wilkins Cider Farm and get to the bottom of why cider is such a big deal in this part of the country. Don't go expecting a fancy farm shop, simply pop into the barn and get cider straight from the barrel. You can also stock up on fresh veg, eggs, pickles, local cheese and such like.