The owners of the excellent Beckford Arms and The Bath Arms at Longleat, Dan Brod and Charlie Luxton, and their third partner, Matt Greenlees, scored an immediate hit with this second atmospheric inn, in Mells, with its lovely old stone houses. Enter through the historic carriage arch, which leads to a cobbled courtyard backed by a succession of cosy dining areas – one a map room, another with a roaring fire and yet another with a bar. There’s a separate sitting room, fashioned from a 500-year-old barn. There’s excellent pub grub, from dayboat-landed fish and chips to well-aged steaks. As for the eight bedrooms, they’re stylish and amazing value, with the extra touches you’d expect from The Beckford Arms, such as superb beds, rain showers and hot water bottles. Explore the village and its exceptional church, go horse-riding, antique-hunting or explore local gardens like Longleat and Hauser & Wirth. You’ll sleep in utter peace after all that. A gem.
Doubles from £95
+44 (0)1373 812254; talbotinn.com
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