Business Details
23 Years
experience
Award-Winning Food & Accommodation in Yeovil
We are Jon & Sarah Palmer, proud owners of the Pen Mill Hotel since 2003. Over 21 years, we've transformed this establishment from a music venue into one of Yeovil's most celebrated dining and accommodation destinations. Our family-run business combines three generations of experience, with our son Harry as Head Chef and Co-General Manager, and Tim, a dedicated team member since age 16, jointly managing operations. We prioritise locally sourced ingredients from independent suppliers, ensuring 90% of our menus are homemade using fresh, regional produce. Our kitchen team boasts over 70 years of combined experience, delivering British pub fare with a focus on quality rather than pretension.We've maintained a 5* food hygiene rating and won Taste of the West Gold for food and Silver for accommodation. Sustainability matters - we eliminated plastic straws in 2017 and use biodegradable alternatives. Our dog-friendly policy and warm hospitality reflect our personal values, while our 8 comfortable rooms feature premium British-made beds and modern amenities. With 50+ parking spaces and partnerships like discounted gym access, we strive to make every guest's stay exceptional.
Services
Food
Drinks
Accommodation
Gift Vouchers
Christmas Parties
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 21 years of hospitality experience with three generations working onsite
- 90% homemade menus using locally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers
- Kitchen team with 70+ years combined experience serving British pub fare
- Taste of the West Gold winners for food and Silver winners for accommodation
- Dog-friendly establishment with dedicated amenities for guests' pets
Associations and certifications
- Taste of the West
What people say
Great Food
Beautiful Rooms
Fantastic Service
Wonderful Breakfast
Dog-Friendly
Services
Food
Our British pub fare combines homemade quality with local sourcing. Led by Head Chef Harry (15 years' experience), our kitchen team has 70+ years' collective expertise. Menus feature 90% homemade dishes using ingredients from trusted local suppliers, including a Somerset butcher we've partnered with for 18 years. We offer breakfast until 9:30am, lunch until 5pm, dinner until 9pm, and Sunday carvery with gluten-free options available across 75% of dishes.
Drinks
Premium quality beverages served in appropriate glassware define our drinks offering. We stock fine wines, craft beers, and spirits including local gins and vodkas. Sustainability matters we've used biodegradable straws since 2017. Our drinks menu complements meals perfectly, with staff trained to deliver attentive service from 9am until 11pm daily, serving last drinks 30 minutes before closing times.
Accommodation
Our 8 comfortable rooms feature British-made beds, powerful showers, and modern amenities. Each includes free superfast WiFi, Smart TVs with streaming apps, and inclusive Somerset breakfast served 7am-9:30am. Dog-friendly rooms available with beds/bowls (10 supplement). Free parking for 50+ cars with CCTV security, plus discounted gym access at nearby Nuffield facility.
People
Jon Palmer
Co-Owner & Former Front of House Manager
Co-owner with 21 years' hospitality experience, transitioning from front of house management to mentoring Tim as new co-manager. Prioritises customer service and maintains strong supplier relationships.
Sarah Palmer
Co-Owner & Former Head Chef
Co-owner with 30 years' catering experience, having led kitchen operations for 20 years before passing responsibilities to son Harry while maintaining quality oversight.
Harry Palmer
Head Chef & Co-General Manager
Third-generation hospitality professional with 15 years' kitchen experience at Pen Mill, now leading both culinary operations and management as Co-General Manager.
Tim
Co-General Manager
Started at 16, progressed through ranks to become Co-General Manager, demonstrating exceptional loyalty and professionalism over 10+ years in front-of-house operations.
Auntie Chris
Housekeeper
Maintains exceptional cleanliness standards across the hotel, representing the third generation of the Palmer family working at Pen Mill with dedicated housekeeping expertise.
Questions
How can I book a table or room?
Book online via our website or call 01935 423 081. For last-minute bookings within 48 hours, we recommend calling directly.
What dining options are available?
We serve breakfast until 9:30am, lunch 12pm-5pm, dinner 5pm-9pm, and Sunday carvery 12pm-8pm with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
Yes, we're dog-friendly with dedicated amenities. A £10 supplement applies, and dogs aren't permitted in the restaurant area.
What parking facilities do you offer?
We provide 50+ free parking spaces with CCTV security, located directly adjacent to the hotel entrance for guest convenience.
Do you have special dietary options?
Yes, 75% of our menu offers gluten-free options, with vegetarian and vegan choices available across all menu categories.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We've used biodegradable straws since 2017, prioritise local suppliers, and maintain a 5* food hygiene rating while supporting regional businesses.
