Guest Rating: 
4.0 / 5
Traveller's advice circa 1790 'Sleep where the food is good, the wine plentiful and the beds comfortable.' Experience our luxury en suite rooms after enjoying a delicious meal with fine wine in one of Somerset's best "eateries".
The Thatched Cottage is a beautiful Grade 11 restaurant and Inn with eight luxury ensuite bedrooms rooms. It lies at the heart of the Mendips and has been extensively refurbished and re-thatched to bring the buildings and the facilities up to the very highest standards.
We also have a conference/meeting room for 28 - 45, perfect for wedding receptions and private parties.
Overall we have gone for a cleaner, lighter and more open look than you might expect to find in a thatched cottage. I think our designers did well and I like the results. I feel comfortable here and I hope you do to.
This is all complemented by our staff; friendly, helpful and enthusiastic, they add that old fashioned service which makes your stay here that little bit more enjoyable.
The hotel is rated 4-stars by the English Tourist Council and by the AA. In addition the AA have awarded us a Rosette for the quality of the food we offer.
The Thatched Cottage is an old inn and, as you would expect, sits alongside a road, the A361. In fact on the end of the grounds sits Turnpike Cottage, another listed building, which extracted fees from traffic using the road to and from Frome in the 18th century. Today it is staff accommodation. We have double glazed all the rooms and the vast majority of our guests are not disturbed by the muted traffic noise. If you think this might be an issue please request a rear facing room and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Part of the hotel, the area under the thatched roof and done in the traditional way using wheat reed by local craftsman, is over 340 years old and originally consisted of four cottages. The second half was added some 35 years ago when the building’s use changed from restaurant to Inn. Many of the original features have been retained in the rooms. However the limitations imposed by our Grade II listing prohibit provision for wheelchairs.
From the outside the building is deceptive both in size and character. It has been likened to a Tardis. We have eight rooms, all en suite, a two level restaurant, a function conference room that takes 36 and our bar area. The contemporary open plan bar is elegant and light with its oak beams/wall paneling, wooden flooring and luxurious cream walls. Paintings were created for the design by Andrew Hennan, a well known local artist. The striking features continue through to the restaurant, seating 52, with two open fireplaces; an adult dining experience not to be missed. With a selection of 40ish different wines and champagnes to choose from, you will probably find something delicious to complement your meal. Using local produce Fabrice and Madan are creating dishes that are a pleasure to behold and a joy to eat.
The superior rooms have separate double showers.
Key cards are provided to enable use of the rear entrance at your convenience for business or pleasure.
Checkout time is on or before 11.00am
Important! Some policies may vary from these depending on your room, date and rate selection. Please check the room information when booking.
Children cannot be accommodated at the hotel. There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.
If cancelled up to 2 days before date of arrival, 25 percent of all nights will be charged. If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.
To cancel an existing booking please go to the Cancellation page.
VAT is not applicable. Service charge is included. City/tourist tax is not applicable.
Free Public parking is possible on site.
Pets are not allowed.
Wired internet is available in the entire hotel and costs GBP 10.00 per 24 hours.
A fixed amount of GBP 20 per room will be charged on the day of booking and is non-refundable.
Children cannot be accommodated at the hotel. There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.
Please note - We do not accept american express or diner cards at this hotel so please use alternative card details.
The quality of your room is ensured by the Housekeeping staff. We want to make sure you are comfortable. If you would like extra linens, towels, blankets, hotwater bottle or additional heating please contact the Reception. We actively support the SW’s “Save Resources” policy; for stays of two days or more we only change linens and bed sheets every other day and we ask that you do not leave the TV on standby. Board games are also available upon request.
A cold water dispenser is available in the hallway outside your room near the main stairs.
You have in-room tea and coffee facilities
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Iron and ironing board
Trouser press
Hair dryer
Extra blankets
Hot water bottle
Additional heating
The bathroom has a slate floor, bath, separate double shower and double washbasins. We only use Molton Brown products in our bathrooms. The bed room is oak floor and has a large double bed, large tv and armchairs.
Oak floors in the bedrooms, slate floors in the bathrooms, tastefully redecorated and furnished with luxury soft fabrics, bath and shower with Molton brown products. Haven overlooks two fishing lakes set in a beautifully renovated high tech business park.
Oak floors in the bedrooms, slate floors in the bathrooms, tastefully redecorated and furnished with luxury soft fabrics, bath and shower with Molton brown products. Doulting and Forde overlook a river connecting two lakes, frequently used by local fishermen.
The bathroom has a slate floor, bath, separate double shower and double washbasins. We only use Molton Brown products in our bathrooms. The bed room is oak floor and has a large double bed, large tv, armchairs or 3 piece suite and walk in wardrobe.
Enjoy a sandwich and a drink or a light lunch in the two areas of the gastro open plan bar (sofas or table and chairs), with its oak beams/wall paneling, open fire, wooden and tile flooring and luxurious cream walls. For a more intimate adult dining experience, the two level non-smoking oak beamed restaurant with its open fireplaces, wood fire, large candles, wall lights, wooden and tile flooring and paneling, is just perfect. We have three highly qualified chefs who produce a range of meals that reflect their backgrounds, English, French and Indian, all using local, fresh ingredients. Many dishes are cooked using 'Healthy Heart' guidelines, being low in salts and fats. With a choice of 50 wines, ciders and champagnes from around the world, many by the glass, you will be certain to find some old favourites and others which you will want to get to know better. There is no dress code, casual and informal or 'dress up' will feel equally comfortable.
Location: The Thatched Cottage can be found at the junction of Fosse Lane and Charlton Road in the busy agricultural town of Shepton Mallet, in the heart of the Mendips. Directions by road: From the East: A1, M25, M3 and A303, exit Wincanton. At roundabout turn left on the A371 to Castle Carey. Follow the A371 towards Shepton Mallett and at roundabout take the A37. After a mile take the first right into Fosse Lane. Continue to the Charlton Road junction and you will see the Thatched Cottage straight ahead. From the North: M5, exit junction 20. Take the second exit on the roundabout (the Ettlingen Way (B3133). Take the second exit on the roundabout (the Central Way). Take the first exit on the roundabout (the Kenn Road (B3133). After 200 yards, turn right on the Kenn Road (B3133). After 2.6 miles, take the first exit on the roundabout (on the North End (B3133). After 2.1 miles turn right to enter the Bristol Road (A370). After 300 yards, turn left to enter the High Street (B3133). Turn left after 2.6 miles. After 0.4 miles, turn left to enter the Langford Road. After 0.7 miles, turn left to enter A38. After 35yds right to enter the Langford Lane. After 0.8 miles, right to enter the Rushway (A368). After 50 yards, turn left to enter The Combe (B3134). After 6.8 miles, turn left to enter B3135. After 2.5 miles right to enter the A39. After 12 yards, turn left to enter the B3135. Turn right after 2.2 miles. After 0.4 miles, turn left to enter the Old Frome Road. After 1.2 miles right to enter the Old Bristol Road. After 2.1 miles, turn left to enter the Charlton Road (A361). The Thatched Cottage is promptly situated at the Fosse Lane junction. From the South/West: Depart in northerly direction. After 250 yards, take the third exit on the roundabout (the A39). After 1.4 miles turn left to enter the Bath Road (A39). After 9.7 miles, take the second exit on the roundabout (on the Westway (A39). After 1 mile, take the first exit on the roundabout (the Causeway (A39). After 0.3 miles, turn right to enter the Roman Way. After 0.6 miles, bear left to enter the Hill Head. After 0.7 miles, right to enter the Chilkwell Street (A361). After 5.9 miles, turn right on the Whitstone Hill (A361). After 0.8 miles, bear left to enter the B3136. After 1.7 miles, take the first exit on the roundabout (the Old Market Road (A371). After 300 yards, right to enter the Commercial Road (A361) leading into Charlton Road. The Thatched Cottage is prominently situated at the Fosse Lane junction.
*Directions included in email booking confirmation
