A charming, family-run traditional pub offering generous home-cooked British food, friendly service and strong value, but book ahead and expect limited parking and occasional maintenance lapses.
The Bowling Green Inn delivers solid food quality anchored by well-executed traditional dishes like roasts and generous desserts, paired with notably attentive service that stands out as a genuine strength. Consistency across visits and a loyal following underscore reliable execution, though the dated decor and modest setting appeal keep it from reaching the very top tier.
Opposite the church and a little beyond Wells’ busiest stretch, The Bowling Green Inn feels like the real thing: a cosy, old-school pub with rustic character, log-burner warmth and a garden that regulars wish were their own. Guests repeatedly describe a warm welcome and staff who will squeeze in a table when they can, although the dining room fills quickly. As one synthesized diner put it, “It has the comfortable rhythm of the local you hope to find on holiday.” The cooking is hearty, traditional and confidently homemade rather than cheffy or experimental. Sunday roasts, steak-and-ale cobbler, gammon, fish and chips and generous desserts are the natural order of play, with current mains mostly sitting around £13.50-£16.50 and a £21 rump steak at the top end. A historical complaint about a watery, bland prawn curry and another about tough roast beef suggest occasional misses, but the wider pattern is strongly positive and repeat visits are common. Families should find plenty to work with: gammon, sausages, fish and chips, jacket potatoes, ice cream and familiar roasts are all on the current menu, and one birthday visit included thoughtful child-focused service. It is also dog friendly and has handled dietary adjustments well in reviews. Book ahead for Sunday lunch or peak holiday periods, and do not count on easy parking immediately outside.
Area vibe: Picturesque seaside market town with a maritime and tourist-oriented character.
Safety: Generally safe with quiet streets after dark; limited late-night activity and reduced lighting in some lanes.
What's nearby: Close to Wells harbour, beach access, small independent shops, B&Bs, and coastal nature reserves.
The safest bets are hearty pub classics such as Steak in Ale Cobbler, fish and chips, and the Sunday roasts, with generous traditional desserts to follow.
Expect a warm, old-school pub meal, but plan around quick table turnover, limited parking, and a few caveats about the dated setting.
Vegetarians are well covered by curries, Wellington, stroganoff, and nut roast, while clearly identified gluten-free choices are limited.