The Wiltshire-based pub group is expanding into Somerset for their seventh pub with rooms and tenth site overall.
The Chickpea Group is set to launch its first pub with rooms in Somerset next month.
The Manor House Inn in the village of Ditcheat near Bruton will also mark the group’s seventh pub with rooms and tenth site overall once it opens on 1 February.
The Wiltshire-based group acquired the pub, which dates back to the 1600s, six months ago and led an extensive refurbishment of the site.
It now features four bedrooms above the pub and a further five in the courtyard, as well as space for 80 covers inside the pub in addition to 100 covers in the outdoor pub garden.
The main bar has been restored with flagstone floors, exposed beams, an open fire and banquette seating, while the old skittle alley is now dedicated to a Nole pizza kitchen and walkway onto the terrace.
Each of the rooms have a king-size bed, Moroccan rugs, and ensuite bathrooms with Land & Water products, while two of them have roll top tubs.
Bell & Crown in Zeals head chef Jamie McDougall, who joined the Chickpea Group in 2022, leads the kitchen, while general manager Ed Boylan, formerly of the Old Pharmacy in Bruton and the Chickpea’s very own King’s Arm in Dorset, oversees the rooms and front of house.
Dishes at the Manor House include the likes of Westcombe rarebit croquettes, pickled walnut; pig’s head scrumpet, piccalilli, shallot; beer battered haddock, chips, smashed peas, tartare, curry sauce and Somerset cider brandy syllabub, shortbread.
Ethan Davids, co-founder of the Chickpea Group, said: “We are so excited to head west and get stuck into the Somerset food and drink scene. The Manor House Inn is a truly beautiful pub with cosy nooks and plenty of outside space. It offers everything we look for in a Chickpea country boozer.
“The pub has always been incredibly well-supported by the local area, so we hope people are as excited about opening as we are. We’re buzzing to meet our new locals at the bar – the first one’s on us!”
Overnight stays for two at the Manor House Inn are priced from £100 per night B&B based.
Chickpea Group is owned and operated by brother and sister Ethan and Jordan Davids, along with their friend, Tommy Tullis.
Photography: Dave Watts