Harden's survey result
Summary
Set in “delectable surroundings” on the Longleat estate – this “traditional pub with rather better food” (from an “interesting menu”) is “an altogether enjoyable and relaxing experience”. It even has a ‘treatment cabin’. Dating from 1736, it’s now part of the Beckford Group and offers 16 bedrooms along with “quality service”.
Summary
In a “lovely setting next to Longleat” and its lions, this “attractive” 1700s boozer “with good rooms” is “part of the Beckford group”, whose SW England mini-empire includes a bottle shop in nearby Bath. The “upmarket” dining room offers a concise but “approachable” menu (game is from the Longleat Estate and fish from the south coast), with a “good standard around the table” and (courtesy of their sibling) some “unusual wines by the glass or carafe”. PS – if you’re in need of R&R, they’ve just launched a new treatment cabin on the grounds.
Summary
In a picturesque location on the Longleat Estate, this old rural pub with rooms is consistently well-rated. Wine is sourced by a sister business – The Beckford Bottle Shop in nearby Bath (about 30 minutes’ drive) – while meat and game from the estate help supply the kitchen. In April 2023, The Telegraph’s William Sitwell pronounced himself a fan, and enjoyed “a faultless lunch of amped-up pub classics”.
For 35 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Bath Arms?
The Longleat Estate, Horningsham, BA12 7LY
Restaurant details
The Bath Arms Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The Beckford Group are certainly on a roll at the moment, can't fault their swathe of restaurants and pubs in the Bath area. We came here for a lunch on a busy day between christmas and new year and couldn't fault it. The pub itself is set in the wooded countryside of the Longleat estate, it's a very beautiful spot and the pub is big, old and atmospheric. The bar was buzzing at lunch time and we ordered a two course lunch, puddings looked and sounded great but we were too full by then. A nice selection of starters and mains with plenty of veggie and fish options. we had the devilled wild mushrooms on toast to start and they were truly delcious, creamy and tasty and packed a punch of heat. Then the hake with bacon jam was very good indeed, perfectly cooked fish in a herby cream sauce and some pickled mushrooms on top to lift the whole dish. The confit duck on lentils was also delicious, all covered in a rich glossy gravy. very good food indeed."
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
The Longleat Estate, Horningsham, BA12 7LY
Opening hours
| Monday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am‑11 pm |
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