In the Somerset village of Alhampton, just outside Shepton Mallet, The Alhampton Inn is far more than a pub. For over 350 years it has been part of daily life here, a place where news is shared, plans are made and generations overlap. When it closed suddenly in late 2022, the loss was felt immediately. Rather than watch it disappear, the village stepped in.

By August 2023, a community benefit society had secured a long-term lease and reopened the pub as a community-run venture. What followed wasn’t a cosmetic refresh, but a careful restoration of purpose. Within a year, the revived inn had earned the Prince of Wales Award of Honour 2024 and a place in the Good Beer Guide 2026, recognition of both quality and commitment.

Inside, the pub retains its traditional character. To one side of the entrance, a snug bar with an inglenook fireplace offers a quieter corner, while a larger seating area on the other side creates space for friends and families to gather. Upstairs, a dining room provides additional room for busier days and community events. In winter, open fires bring warmth and familiarity. In summer, attention shifts outside to the front patio and a generous rear garden, sheltered by an awning and well suited to long, unhurried afternoons.

The drinks offering keeps things local and reliable. Butcombe serves as the house ale, joined by rotating guest beers and Somerset ciders on handpump. Food is approached in the same spirit. Tuesdays are for pizza nights, Fridays for changing pop-up food events that showcase local producers, and Sundays for traditional roasts served throughout the day.

Family and dog-friendly, with a large car park that makes it easy for locals and visitors alike, The Alhampton Inn feels genuinely rooted in its place. Saved by the people who love it, and run for the benefit of the community, it stands as a reminder of how good a village pub can be when it’s given the chance.