The Carpenters Arms

A quaint country pub along a winding country road calls to you with it’s promise of whimsical country folk idly bantering amongst themselves and welcom
ing all newcomers into their bosom like one of their own.
We arrived at the Carpenter’s Arms tired and weary from a days wedding planning. We had long planned on a drink to release us from our sober laden fat free expedition that had seen us bore our friends & family with numerous alcohol free, smug and self-​righteous stories of early weekend mornings gratifyingly head nodding with the middle aged.
This was a little indulgent weekend away that broke the 41 days of healthy eating and no drinking.
The welcome was faultless, warm and polite and the roaring open fire made it feel proper cozy. Three real ales on tap and a good wine list were on offer. The Butcombe ale I decided on was lovingly served in it’s own glass tasting of a beer preserved in gold barrels. My delight granted could have been due to a months worth of abstinence, in fairness I could of sipped some special brew and been transported into a frenzy of delight.
We made our way to our table and searched the nametags for our place. We actually reached the kitchen before someone decided to usher us back whence we had came and show us to our table in Coopers Parlour by the piano. The décor was quaint and added to the sense of country charm. A little music would of lifted the slightly unnecessary formal vibe. But with the smell of the open fire and tasty glass of house wine in hand we were contended.
Expectations of the food were tempered; the menu was littered with traditional pub food classics, prawn cocktail, fishcake and pâté. The main dishes occasionally leaped out with a little more promise pan seared lambs liver and Confit of duck leg on thyme rosti & spinach amongst the highlights.
In reflection it was the starters that delivered, beetroot & goats cheese salad with walnut & parsley pesto was delicious. The pâté however edible was served without garnish leaving it one dimensional in appearance, well executed in flavour all the same.
The steak was cooked well however ‘Stilton glaze’ would have been more fitting of ‘Slab of cheese whacked on top’. The pan roasted pork loin on black pudding & potato cake with braised cabbage; sage & baby onion sauce was disappointing. Sans crackling rather overcooked and served with gravy, that wafted of ahh Bisto. The diamond in the rough was the black pudding potato cake.
Highlight by far though was the desert a chocolate pave with clotted cream and orange marmalade, with chocolate sauce. I wish we hadn’t shared it.
Total meal cost for two with wine — £65
If you are passing by pop in for a bit of lunch, but don’t go out of your way!

They have just started a new set menu to go with there amazing main menu — the new menu is only £15 for 2courses or £18 for three and that includes a large glass of wine! definate value for money! got to there web site

This is a traditional country inn tucked away in the Chew Valley, just 8 miles from Bath & Bristol. Wells, Britain’s smallest city, is just a short drive away. The Carpenters Arms combines the old with the new & has a warm welcoming refinement. Their 12 en-​suite bedrooms provide fabulous accommodation & the dinining room has a fantastic menu of imaginative dishes using local seasonal produce & good wines, local ales, etc. Enjoy the tranquility of their sitting out area. The surroundings are picturesque & absolutely delightful.