Kings Arms Stratton On The Fosse

Picture this: you’re driving through the Somerset countryside, past sheep who look like they’re judging your life choices, and you stumble upon a pub that’s been standing since before your great-great-grandparents were even a twinkle in someone’s eye. That’s The Kings Arms in Stratton-on-the-Fosse. It’s not just a pub—it’s a time machine with a beer tap.

A Pub Older Than Your Granny’s Secrets

This place dates back to the 17th century, which means it was slinging pints while people still thought the Earth was flat. Spoiler alert: it’s round, but the Kings Arms hasn’t changed much since then. The low ceilings and crooked walls will have you ducking and swaying like you’re at a pub disco—without the music.

Legend has it that the building was once a coaching inn for weary travellers. Back then, travelers on horseback weren’t sipping craft IPAs—they were guzzling ale and hoping not to get robbed by highwaymen. Today, your biggest risk is spilling your cider.

The Ghosts (Yes, There Are Ghosts)

Every old pub needs a good ghost story, and the Kings Arms delivers. Staff swear they’ve seen a phantom woman in a grey dress wandering the upstairs rooms. One regular claims she felt a cold hand tap her shoulder—only to turn around and find nobody there. Let’s be honest: that’s just the cat, right? Wrong. There is no cat.

But don’t worry—the ghost is reportedly friendly. She’s apparently just looking for a lost ring, not trying to steal your Sunday roast. If you see her, just offer a gentle nod and order another round. She might even pay her tab one day.

The Kings Arms - Fosseway, Stratton-on-the-Fosse - a photo on Flickriver

The Food: More Than Just Pub Grub

Now, let’s talk about the real reason you’ll visit: the food. This isn’t your basic microwaved scampi and chips. The Kings Arms serves up a Sunday roast that could make a grown vegetarian weep with envy. We’re talking crispy potatoes, beef so tender it surrenders to your fork, and Yorkshire puddings the size of small planets.

Their menu changes with the seasons, which is a fancy way of saying “they use local ingredients because they can’t be bothered to truck them in from London.” And it works. One bite of their slow-cooked lamb and you’ll forget what year it is—just like the ghost.

The Kings Arms - Fosseway, Stratton-on-the-Fosse - a photo on Flickriver

Surprising Fact: It’s a Church Friends Pub

Here’s a corker: the Kings Arms is actually owned by a brewery that’s linked to a church community. Yes, a holy beer distributor. Because nothing says “sanctity” like drinking an ale blessed by a vicar’s cousin. I’m joking, but only a little. They do host local events and charity nights, so you can drink for a good cause. It’s basically guilt-free drinking.

Why You Should Go Right Now

If you’re in Somerset, skip the tourist traps and head to Stratton-on-the-Fosse. Park your car, duck under the low doorframe, and settle into a booth that’s probably older than the British Empire. Order a pint of their house ale, a plate of their legendary steak and ale pie, and keep an eye out for the grey lady.

Just don’t ask for directions to the loo—nobody’s figured out the layout since 1654. Embrace the chaos, and you’ll leave with a full belly, a story about a ghost, and a slight buzz that’s divinely inspired.