Pen Mill Hotel

Business Details

23 Years

experience

Award-Winning Hotel & Restaurant in Yeovil

We are Jon and Sarah Palmer, proud owners of the Pen Mill Hotel since 2003. Over 21 years, we've transformed this historic venue from a music-focused pub into one of Yeovil's most celebrated dining and accommodation destinations. Our family-run business combines three generations of experience with a dedicated team, including our son Harry (Head Chef) and Tim (Co-General Manager), who together bring over 70 years of combined kitchen expertise. We prioritise locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers, maintaining high standards in both food quality and presentation.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us Taste of the West Gold awards for food and Silver for accommodation. The hotel features eight comfortable rooms with premium amenities, dog-friendly policies, and a reputation for exceptional customer service. We operate with a philosophy of continuous improvement, ensuring every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity that define the Pen Mill way.

Services

Accommodation Fine Dining Room Service Event Catering Bar Services

Details

Year established: 2003

Highlights and features

Family-run business with 21 years of local hospitality expertise
Award-winning British cuisine using 90% locally sourced ingredients
Three generations of family involvement ensuring personal service
Over 70 years combined kitchen experience from dedicated chefs
Five-star food hygiene rating with continuous operational excellence

Associations and certifications

Taste of the West

What people say

Great Food Beautiful Rooms Fantastic Service Dog Friendly Award-Winning Cuisine

Website

Update Listing

Services

Accommodation

Our eight comfortable rooms feature British-made beds, powerful showers, and modern amenities including free superfast broadband. Each room includes Nespresso machines, luxury toiletries, and Smart TVs with streaming apps. Dog-friendly options available with dedicated facilities.

Fine Dining

Award-winning British cuisine using 90% locally sourced ingredients, with menus featuring homemade dishes, Sunday roasts, and seasonal specials. The kitchen team has over 70 years combined experience maintaining high presentation and quality standards.

Bar Services

Premium drinks served in appropriate glassware, including wines, whiskies, gins, and craft beers. Biodegradable straws and sustainable practices implemented since 2017, with attention to proper serving temperatures and presentation.

Event Catering

Specialist event menus for parties and celebrations, including Christmas parties and mid-week carvery options. Accommodates large groups with pre-order forms for parties of 12 or more, featuring both traditional and contemporary dishes.

Breakfast Service

Inclusive Somerset breakfast menu served from 7am, featuring full English options, breakfast buns, and smashed avocado. Uses locally roasted coffees and fresh ingredients prepared to order by experienced kitchen staff.

People

Jon Palmer

Co-Owner & Front of House Manager

Co-owner with 21 years' experience in hospitality management. Transitioned from front-of-house operations to mentoring new leadership while maintaining customer service standards. Focuses on creating welcoming atmosphere.

Sarah Palmer

Co-Owner & Former Head of Kitchen

Co-owner with 30 years' catering experience. Built kitchen team from apprentices to award-winning professionals. Transferred kitchen leadership to son Harry while maintaining quality oversight. Passionate about local sourcing.

Harry Palmer

Head Chef & Co-General Manager

Third-generation hospitality professional with 15 years' kitchen experience. Leads team of chefs with over 70 combined years. Combines traditional cooking methods with modern innovations to maintain award-winning standards.

Tim

Co-General Manager

10-year team member who progressed from junior role to leadership position. Oversees front-of-house operations with commitment to customer service excellence. Represents new generation of management under Palmar family guidance.

Chris Palmer

Head Housekeeper

Family member responsible for maintaining hotel cleanliness standards. Manages housekeeping operations with attention to detail across all guest areas and rooms. Ensures consistent presentation quality.

Questions

What makes Pen Mill Hotel unique?

We combine 21 years' local hospitality experience with family-run values, three generations of staff, and 90% locally sourced ingredients. Our award-winning food and personal service create distinctive guest experiences.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

Yes, we're dog-friendly with dedicated facilities including beds, bowls, and treats. Dogs are welcome in bar areas but not in the restaurant. A small £10 charge applies per stay.

How can I book a room or table?

Book online through our website or call 01935 423 081. For last-minute reservations within 48 hours, we recommend direct phone contact to ensure availability.

What dining options are available?

We offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus including à la carte, set menus, and Sunday roasts. Special dietary requirements accommodated with 75% gluten-free options and vegetarian/vegan choices.

What are the check-in/check-out times?

Standard check-in from 3pm, check-out by 11am. Breakfast served from 7am for early risers. Flexible arrangements possible with prior notice during busy periods.

Do you have event facilities?

Yes, we host Christmas parties and special events with dedicated menus. Pre-order forms available for groups of 12+. Mid-week carvery events combine traditional and modern dining options.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Jan Biddle

Dec 13, 2021 Report

Went to The Pen Mill last night with 10 other people and it Was amazing had a lovely meal, the staff were lovely and nothing was too much for them service was great. The atmosphere was amazing beautifully decorated for Christmas. Would I
recommended IT?? Absolutely

Tim Reed

Dec 05, 2021 Report

We've just had our Christmas get together here with family and friends. Absolutely brilliant evening was had by all. Food excellent, every member of staff were fantastic, very attentive. It's extremely well run with the owner always taking a personal interest in his clients, he's very hands on. Personally I've been a client over a number of years now and never had a bad meal. It's just a brilliant place to get together with family and friends. I would highly recommend the Pen Mill Hotel. Well done and congratulations to Team Pen Mill.

Anita Laker

Dec 05, 2021 Report

The food was good and fairly priced (2 of us had the veggie curry and 1had the ribeye steak) but what really made the evening was the staff. From the manager greeting us and taking us to our table to the attentive and friendly waiting staff, each and every member was a credit to Pen Mill. They took the time to talk, were very attentive-without being intrusive-and they were all so friendly.

Gill Hussey

Dec 01, 2021 Report

Ive had the pleasure of two separate evenings out this week for meals at the Pen Mill. The food has been great but a special mention must go to the member of staff called Charlotte. She has dealt with different allergies brilliantly and done everything she could to ensure our evenings have been safe and extremely enjoyable.
Thoroughly recommend the Pen Mill for a wonderful evening out.

Chris Sanders

Nov 18, 2021 Report

This is a superb venue - as somewhere to eat (the menu, food and presentation are Michelin star quality) as somewhere to drink (Cask Marque Accreditation with Certificate - the Ales really are in noble condition) as a convenient place to meet (good car park and easily accessible) and even as a historic place to visit (there's plenty of documentary reference of the place going back to 1828 and even before)
This reviewer had arranged this venue to meet ex publican friends who had very discerning tastes; he regarding beer, and she concerning food. It was with satisfaction that they regaled the place