‘Outstanding’ Somerset pub loved by locals, tourists and celebrities up for sale
A countryside pub tucked away in a scenic Somerset village that has lured in celebrities and praise for its “outstanding” food is up for sale. The Rock Inn, situated in Waterrow near Wiveliscombe in West Somerset, is surrounded by awe-inspiring countryside views and the River Tone runs through the village.[1] After many years of success under husband-and-wife duo Daren and Ruth Barclay, the pub and hotel have been placed on the market. Property agents Christie & Co has advertised its freehold for sale for GBP465,000 and is described as being in a “picturesque location in a wooded valley”.[2] The premises, which dates back 450 years, include eight guest rooms for holidaymakers, a self-contained owners flat, a restaurant and bar which seats under 50 diners.
The current owners have upgraded and added to the commercial kitchen, redecorated the rooms, created the garden terrace and in 2019 replaced the oil-fired boiler. Most of the windows are replaced with PVC double-glazed windows.
The Rock Inn has a garden terrace to the front which seats around 20 customers and includes a small elevated wooded strip of land across the road in which they house a metal storage container.
The premises also has a car park for approximately 10 cars plus additional parking for approximately 12 cars on a strip of land opposite as well as parking within the village itself. A description of the venue reads: “In the nine years our clients have owned the business, they have invested in the property which has enhanced and grown the local trade to ensure an all-year-round customer base. This is boosted in the summer months by the influx of visitors to the Westcountry.
“The peaceful countryside location is an attraction to weekend visitors and holidaymakers seeking staycations and a base to explore the Exmoor National Park and coast. The Rock Inn is used by many of the local Airbnb’s, lodges as well as the nearby adult-only caravan park, with local shoots starting in the Autumn and will soon be introducing spooky nights!
The Rock Inn in Waterrow is tucked away in West Somerset and has seen the likes of Spencer Matthews and former Oasis front man Liam Gallagher visit for a meal (Image: Michael Taylor/The Rock Inn)
“New owners will inherit a solid customer base and enjoy living in this outstanding countryside setting.” The Rock Inn has regularly featured on The Good Pub Guide and was even awarded a Star for Outstanding Food.
Its growing reputation amongst tourists and fine diners has inadvertently made The Rock Inn a popular spot for celebrities to visit for a meal. Among the most famous diners are actress Jodie Kidd, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, singer Joss Stone, television presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, musician Louis Tomlinson, and TV personality Spencer Matthews. But Daren and Ruth Barclay were unable to explain why celebrities pick The Rock Inn for a quiet meal and drink – but theorised it could be down to word of mouth.
Mrs Barclay said: “It’s luck half of the time. People like Spencer Matthews, that kind of people, they appreciate quality. Even Louis Tomlinson who might be an ordinary boy from Doncaster, is the same.
“He had a burger and we’re dog friendly so he sat with his dog. It’s relaxed dining and people feel comfortable coming here.”
Inside the main pub area at The Rock Inn in Waterrow (Image: Michael Taylor)
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher once popped in on his way to Glastonbury Festival in 2013 and even made a rockstar entrance. Mrs Barclay recalled: “He filmed a video in the area and he was looking for a pub.
He came down the side and I thought ‘I better open up early’. “There was in fact people on social media saying they thought they saw Liam Gallagher.” Beloved by customers and tourists alike, the pub serves a wide range of vegan and meat dishes, with popular meals such as rump steak, salmon with asparagus, Angus beef, and pork and chorizo terrine.
All of their meals are made inside their kitchen and use meat, fish and produce from local suppliers.
More information about the pub can be found through this link or via the brochure.[5][6]
References
- ^ The Rock Inn, situated in Waterrow near Wiveliscombe in West Somerset, is surrounded by awe-inspiring countryside views and the River Tone runs through the village. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Property agents Christie & Co has advertised its freehold for sale for GBP465,000 and is described as being in a “picturesque location in a wooded valley”. (www.christie.com)
- ^ Two banks in Somerset town to close within a day of each other (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Ghost hunters devastated at loss of Shepton Mallet Prison – ‘the UK’s number one haunted spot’ (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ found through this link (www.christie.com)
- ^ via the brochure. (assets-eu-01.kc-usercontent.com)