Thatched Cottage

Thatched Cottage is a beautiful Grade II Listed restaurant and inn at the heart of the Mendips. Refurbished and re-thatched, it now combines the traditional look with the highest modern standards.

With 8 luxury en suite bedrooms, part of the Thatched Cottage is 340 years old. Striking original features can be seen throughout, such as open fireplaces in the restaurant.

Friendly, helpful and enthusiastic staff add an old fashioned style of service to make your stay that little bit more enjoyable.

The Thatched Cottage has a 4-star rating by the English Tourist Council and by the AA. In addition, the AA have awarded the restaurant a Rosette.

A conference/meeting room for 28 to 45 people is available, ideal for wedding receptions, business meetings and private parties.

Rooms: 8

Availability

Hotel Facilities

General

Restaurant – Bar – Garden – Non-Smoking Rooms – Heating – All Public and Private spaces non-smoking

Activities

Golf Course (within 3 km) – Hiking

Services

Meeting/Banquet Facilities – Business Centre – Fax/Photocopying

Internet

Wired internet is available in the entire hotel and costs GBP 10.00 per 24 hours.

Guest Parking

Free public parking is possible on site.

Hotel information

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

Food & beverage

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.

Room information

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

Area information

The towns of the Mendips are: Wells, Glastonbury, Street, Frome, Midsomer Norton and Shepton Mallet: all quite distinct, each with its own character.

Shepton Mallet is at the heart of the Mendip Hills, one of the cradles of Early English civilization. There are many walking trails that allow you to explore this beautiful countryside. Within the town are some fine old buildings tucked away but well worth searching out, including a beautiful church with the finest, most intricately carved barrel ceiling in the West Country.

Few towns gave a rougher reception to John Wesley or the ‘spinning Jenny’. There are also reminders of Judge Jefferies, the wool trade and the silk industries that flourished here. Wives used to be sold in the square and the museum contains finds from Mendip Caves, Roman remains and minerals.

And of course we have Carnival, bigger and better than Rio or Notting Hill. This year it arrives in Shepton on Wednesday 8th November at 7.30pm. This is a really special night. If you have never seen a carnival on our circuit you will be amazed at the effort, ingenuity and enthusiasm that goes into these wonderful creations. You certainly won't have seen anything like it. Truly one of our best kept secrets.

We are 2 miles from the Royal Bath and West Show ground, host to events as varied as Antiques Fairs, Classic Car shows, religious revival events and the premier agricultural show of the West Country. They have also staged the occasional World Boxing Championship and pop concerts.

In addition, the area boasts a wealth of cultural heritage within the cities of Bath and Bristol, both a half hour car journey.

The world famous Glastonbury festival of music regularly takes place at Pilton, about 4 miles from the hotel.

Street is the home of Clarks’ shoes and good quality bargains can be had in the factory shops. Recently, part of the huge Clarks site has been turned into a Shopping Village and many well known brand names are featured there.

Coal was mined in Somerset for centuries. Although the pits closed in the 1950s, Radstock and Midsomer Norton are at the heart of the coal field and still retain much of the close knit characteristics of that community. There is a coal museum.

Frome is another market town set on the steep banks of the river Frome. The church, with its remarkable statues and the surrounding narrow streets and shops, are reminders of how we used to shop.

Explore wild beauty and prehistory above and below ground with the latest technology at Cheddar Caves & Gorge, and Wookey Hole, just 6 and 8 miles away.

The lions of Longleat are 11 miles away and just up the road from us you can take a journey on the East Somerset Steam Railway, a fully functional line.

It all adds up to a stay you’ll never forget.

East Somerset Steam Railway
Costume Museum
Royal Bath and West Show Ground
Roman Baths
Glastonbury Abbey
Radstock Museum
Wookey Hole
Wells Cathedra
Cheddar Caves
Longleat House & Safari Park

Travel information

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.

Important information

All rooms from Monday to Thursday are room only. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday breakfast is included in the price.

Payment Information:
At the time of booking, the Thatched Cottage will charge GBP 20 per room, per night to your credit card as a non-refundable deposit. The balance is payable at the hotel, on departure.

Cancellation Policy:
The cancellation policy shown is based upon a 12:00 (noon) arrival time.

For bookings during the week beginning 25 May 2009 and 22 June 2009, the cancellation period is 4 weeks.

Child Policy:
The Thatched Cottage is essentially an adult experience. It does not offer facilities, family rooms or any price concessions for children on rooms. There is a children’s menu and half-meal portions at half price are usually available.

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