The Carpenters Arms

A dazzling array of hanging baskets bedecks this friendly pub-with-rooms, occupying three former miners’ cottages in a Chew valley hamlet. ‘It is well placed between the very no-frills and very frilly sections of the market,’ write discerning readers. Part of the small Buccaneer group, it has been run by Simon Pledge for more than 20 years, with ‘a good team of welcoming, smiling and well-trained staff’. There are picnic tables to the fore and a furnished patio at the side for summer drinking and dining, while a log-burner warms a bar with beams, bare-stone walls and abundant comfy seating. Bedrooms have a walk-in shower or a power shower over a bath. ‘We had an airy, spacious room overlooking the rear car park. Decor was modern with some fun modern prints’ and a profusion of cushions. You can eat in dining rooms, bar or alfresco. Christian Wragg’s menus range from pub classics to dishes such as orange-glazed confit duck, prawn-crusted Brixham cod with mussels and wild mushroom pasta, and vegan curry. ‘Breakfast was excellent’ and radio blether was silenced on request. (Sue and John Jenkinson)