The Dusthole


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The Dusthole descritpion


This unique 15th-century inn is less than a mile from the center of Shepton Mallet. It offers an extensive menu and cozy log fires just a 15 minute drive from Glastonbury.
All of the relaxing, warmly furnished rooms at The Dusthole are spacious and airy, and some of the bathrooms have 400-year-old stone floors. All bedrooms feature TVs and DVD players.
The restaurant at The Dusthole features an wide-ranging menu from traditional English dishes to far Eastern specialties. All food is freshly made from locally sourced ingredients, including delicious home-baked bread and homemade sausages. Guests can also enjoy the traditional Sunday carvery.
Guests can relax on the grounds and patio area, and there is a traditional log fire inside the building. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and free private parking is available on site.
Located just off route A37, the inn is 15 miles from Cheddar Gorge. Longleat Safari Park is a 25-minute drive away.

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Facilities of The Dusthole

Outdoors :Grounds

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Hot Tub

Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar

Internet :Free!Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking :Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Services :Express Check-in/Check-out | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Fax/Photocopying

General :Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private) | Designated Smoking Area

Reviews for The Dusthole

Review 1:Excellent place in an excellent location as I was there for the antiques market and this place was only 8mins away. Oh and the breakfast was great too.

Review 2:Radiators didn't work so reliant on a fan heater. Also remember to ask for milk when you arrive as they don't have the little uht pots with the tea/coffee tray.

Review 3:Family room is ideal for us with 2 children. Nice to have a secure adjoining room. Comfy beds and huge bath.

Review 4:The only tiny problem was that the milk went off overnight.

Review 5:Friendly welcome; nothing too much trouble. Excellent evening meal and breakfast. Bed really comfy. The resident dog was great fun.

Review 6:We were told that breakfast finished later than it actually did, when we arrived (before the time we were told) most food had gone and we were left to have the last bits of what was there. Young girl working behind the bar was a little clueless, didn't say anything at the time as I assumed she knew. We ordered food at the bar in the evening and it wasn't very nice so I only ate half of my meal. Limited parking, wasn't very happy with leaving my brand new car out on the street parking up on the curb outside someone else's house.

Review 7:Nice modern cabins. Ideal for a one night stay.

Review 8:The toilet facilities could do with some attention but very manageable. The bed was comfortable but the pillows were a bit to firm for my liking

Review 9:The staff were very accomadating and helpful. The food and drink was good and very well priced. Plus they have a lovely dog called Tyson who was very welcoming to us both..

Review 10:The building is very old and in places dilapidated, and needs a large capital injection to bring it up to modern standards. It appears the landlord does his own DIY repairs - very slowly and rather badly. Reminds one of Faulty Towers! Bedroom cold despite 'central heating' (fan fire provided), new tap on wash basin fitted by landlord incorrectly provided only hot water (he said he will fix), poorly executed decoration and even worse carpentry! OK for a night if not too fussy, but not for longer unless you have a strong sense of humour !

Review 11:Great welcome by the landlord who is a real character. (Do not be put off by sign on gate "Beware of the Dog" with a picture of an Alsatian!. That is designed to discourage criminals and druggies). He has spent his life in pub management and as a chef, and the evening meal was very good. Even fresh milk to make tea in bedroom - not (as he put it) that awful UHT stuff ! Bed linen and towels clean. Breakfast good and plentiful

Review 12:Although the cabin are an awesome idea unfortunately the one I stayed in was finished , loads of snagging jobs to finish , ceiling panels hanging down , walls not finished being built , faulty shower that you could adjust properly and had no real water pressure , heat towel rail that never got warm. When finished it will be a great place to stay

Review 13:The staff where super nice and super friendly (bar staff was stunning) nice warm creating with loads of information to hand. The concept of the cabins is a great idea and great use of space

Review 14:The accommodation is getting a little tired and needed a good clean but the good points outweighed the bad ones.

Review 15:The service that we received upon arrival was great and the food, especially the chicken pie was first class, great breakfast too!!

Review 16:It wasn't a problem for us, but I think it should be mentioned that they have two German Shepherds. The pub floor was pretty hairy...... Room 2 has a manky bathroom, there's a re-occurring leak every time the toilet is flushed. When we arrived there was a large puddle of water around the toilet basin as well as lots of tiny dead flies. I forgot to mention this to the staff. I suspect this is something they've known about for a long time as well. I got through two toilet rolls in one night just from mopping up the water.

Review 17:Friendly staff and the food was lovely. Their breakfast is really decent too with lots of choice.

Review 18:The ambjence of the building and the pleasant good natured staff. The wood burning fire and stove added comfort and character. We had a deal on the rooms which helped.

Review 19:The overall state and cleanliness of this hotel is in desperate need of addressing - from the dust to the musty smells in the rooms, to broken blinds and cobwebs to the lack of general security and locking doors, I would certainly not consider this hotel as value for money or a recommended experience of a quaint english village for any visitors. The presentation of the external elements on the site was very poor, from the sludge in the central pond to the unwell dog that was the first greeting on arrival, I am afraid the stay at this hotel was certainly not one I want to repeat in the future.

Review 20:Unfortunately myself or my colleagues could not provide a positive comment for this hotel

Review 21:Depressing location between a prison and a brewery. Signs on gate warning of fierce guard dogs. Very bleak atmosphere in the bar/restaurant. Heating in room not working.

Review 22:Large bed with clean sheets, nice breakfast

Review 23:Inadequately maintained accommodation; had to sleep in an unlocked room for the first night as the previous occupants had taken the key and the hotel didn't have a spare. Lack of fire precautions in the room - no smoke detector and no evacuation instructions. General feeling of a poorly managed hotel, which was hugely disappointing and cast a shadow over what should have been a wonderful weekend.

Review 24:Our rooms although adequate were tired , but is up for a refurbishment this winter apparently.

Review 25:Location was close to an important venue for us - kilver court was our main attraction for the weekend . However the Dusthole is a remarkable , quirky building and we appreciated its' history.

Review 26:Was a shame the place needs a good clean too many cob webs in the cabin we slept in & some of the blinds & drapes were damaged or stained,outside looks abit like the owner has been on a woodwork course with lots of off cuts lying about where the cabins are situated.shame shame !

Review 27:The character & history was interesting to hear,the staff were friendly & chatty while the food we had there hit the spot.hope you love dogs both very loveable especially Tyson the big softy.

Review 28:Room In poor decorative order,floor tiles brocken ,too many cobwebs ,breakfast all luke warm instead of being freshly cooked.Some of the wiring did not look very professional .

Review 29:Friendly staff

Review 30:Great friendly welcome, just what I needed after a long Journey. Arrived late but bar was still open and served cask ale which was a blessing. leaving time is up to 11:00am which means you don't feel like you are being pushed out of the door the following day.

Review 31:It was completely unacceptable to have an aggressive dog roaming free growling at visitors. The owner seemed to completely disregard the safety and comfort of his guests

Review 32:Character and friendliness

Review 33:The breakfast wasn't that hot and I don't really like dogs

Review 34:It was a nice cabin but it did need some work for example door didn't shut, panels missing, lightbulb missing but staff and food was nice and it was a nice atmosphere

Review 35:Uneven floors could prove tricky for some.

Review 36:This a very eclectic Hotel a little off the beaten track. Based around a courtyard and two or three different properties. The beer and wine is good and the food, particularly breakfast, more than adequate. Some refurbishment is definitely needed but for me everything worked and the place is very peaceful at night

Review 37:parking is difficult , in room 7 if you are taller than 5'9" you will have to stoop to use the shower. due to a unique bath set-up.

Review 38:quiet location , comfortable bed, good breakfast

Review 39:Shown to room and found the bathroom floor awash. Shown to the only alternative room which was filthy and with no hot water (which I didn't discover until trying to shower in the morning) the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. When told at breakfast the owner said it was the plumber who had left the water turned off. Did not offer a discount for the inconvenience of me having to use the room kettle to heat water for a strip wash. Room was damp and musty.

Review 40:Log fire in the bar

Review 41:Some tiles were broken when stepping into the cottage. It was not possible to get the bedside lamp to work within our stay of 3 nights. It would be good to say,that there are two dogs living, because of allergy problems.

Review 42:The Food and the pub were good. The bathroom was big. If you shut at least one of your eyes when you arrive and enjoy the rooms as a mixture of the 50s and Out of Africa then it's fine.

Review 43:Not a complaint but it's slightly of the beaten track if you are looking for town centre accommodation which some people may prefer.

Review 44:Extremely friendly staff. Helpfull

Review 45:Staff where unfriendly . The cabin we stayed in leaked and the shower tray did not drain after a shower . The place and bedding was damp . The garden area outside was very untidy and the lawn was plastered in dog muck from to large dogs !

Review 46:The place was a bit of a mess in certain areas with tools and general rubbish lying around in various places. Putting this away would make a massive difference to the place. I know the dogs need somewhere to go but lots of Dog mess on the grass outside cabin wasn't nice. This should be cleared regularly during the day.

Review 47:Staff very pleasant and cabin lovely to stay in. Breakfast a great start to the day. Food from the bar was excellent.

Review 48:N/A

Review 49:The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. It was a nice place to stay for a few days and they did everything they could to make sure your stay is nice and comfortable. The food being served was particularly excellent in the evenings, next to a lovely fireplace.

Review 50:No milk in the room to make any tea or coffee. In need of decoration throughout. Lots of damp patches on walls and ceilings. Chaos when I arrived as rooms had been double booked. No one serving at the bar as the barmaid was left to see me in and try sort out problem of double booking! Landlord didn't speak at breakfast until I spoke to him...

Review 51:Nice supper!

Review 52:Food very disappointing. Limited choice. What the menu said & what we got did not match. No continental breakfasts. You would expect specials to change from day today.

Review 53:It was dust, lots of cobwebs and spiders. We were in a cabin and the blinds were broken or did not fit the windows well especially in the shower room. Anyone in the garden could have watched us shower. The cups were also unwashed.

Review 54:It was a very central location. And close to the wedding we were attending

Review 55:It was a bit dusty, but the things that were important to me such as sheets and the bathroom were clean.

Review 56:Fascinating place with so much history. The bedding was clean, beds were comfortable. I found the staff very pleasant. So many fascinating things to look at, every room is different. Great breakfast!

Review 57:Staff were very nice,helpful and accommodating. Stayed in room 7 which was a good size room with all that was required included. Food was brilliant and the dogs were lovely.

Review 58:Tucked away from the main drag, rambling old building with loads of character and history, nooks and crannies everywhere to sit and chill. Fabulously comfy bed and a huge tv. Homely and genuine feel to the place... and the people working there. Excellent breakfast. Being greeted by two big hairy hounds on arrival was a treat. If spiders and wildlife are not to your liking, maybe try somewhere else; The Dusthole is an authentic country establishment with everything that goes with it

Review 59:The dogs wandering around might make people nervous although they were very friendly once you were through the gate! Dog hairs covered the cushions and carpets though.

Review 60:Outside lodges very pretty but a little tired looking and sink and toilet were leaking

Review 61:Cold floor in bathroom. Bright pink liquid washing soap. Headboard on bed was dirty and there were spiders above the bed on the wall and in corners. The carpet at the entrance to hotel was thick with dog hair.

Review 62:The bowl of fresh fruit in the room with chocolate treat.Thick white towels in bathroom. Good sized bed and room with own front door. Breakfast had good quality thick bacon, good sausages, freshly cooked egg.

Review 63:Owner has big dogs, I am a dog person so was not a problem but not the place if you don't like dogs. Very dodgy loose electric sockets. Door was very difficult to open. A lot of dust in the room.

Review 64:nice breakfast and comfy beds.

Review 65:The dogs - one is aggressive and they bring up issues about hygiene. Generally the place needs a bit of TLC.

Review 66:Food was excellent and the younger staff were really attentive, in particular Lucy, who was excellent.

Review 67:We arrived in time for lunch, only to find that the bar/restaurant facilities don't open unil 5.00pm. It was disappointing, as the patio area in the front of the building looked really lovely and we'd hoped to sit out there with a drink.

Review 68:Lovely quirky building, fascinating history and could have spent hours looking around

Review 69:Dusty room. Very cold and dark (room 10). The Dusthole is in need of an update....

Review 70:Delightful bar maid (Lucy) Owner tried to make things better (cleaning, extra blanket, mat, removed dust and spiders etc) which was good. ...but didn't really help overall.

Review 71:Breakfast already all cooked and kept on a hot plate. Left to ask another guest what was the procedure was...

Review 72:A room with lots of space. Tastefully furnished. Oldy worldy style and a very comfy bed. Friendly and sympathetic staff.

Review 73:There weren't parking spaces available when I needed them in the evening, so had to park on the street away from the property.

Review 74:The location was great for my needs, 10 mins drive from the bath and West showground. It was a very quiet location too, and walking distance to the designer outlet shops.

Review 75:It worried me , the two large akita/alsations roaming the public areas, barking at people. Issues with the room.

Review 76:Bed was really comfortable, staff were lovely, idilic location. Building was full of character.

Review 77:'Superior' room- in great need of spring cleaning and repair. Light fitting hanging off, shower door wouldn't shut, bathroom door wouldn't shut, hole in the floor! Bathroom fittings falling apart, lamps not working.... Scary dogs, barking, ashtrays overflowing outside..

Review 78:Clean bedding, towels etc

Review 79:Our room didn't have a bath, but that didn't ruin our stay or anything. We sufficed with just a shower.

Review 80:I liked the friendliness of the staff. The food was amazing (I had the lamb). The decoration was also nice, so many things to look at. I liked that people would dissappear in one direction and then reappear in a totally different direction the place is big like a maze. We had room 9 and that was a good size.

Review 81:Despite food being nice, evening meal and breakfast could both have done with being hotter

Review 82:Friendly staff, clean and comfortable rooms. Food nice. Nice dogs!

Review 83:It would have been fab to have milk in the room, even if just the small pots that do not need refrigerating. It's a bit of a pain to go to the restaurant for it. TV aerial is terrible so no decent picture at all.

Review 84:When we arrived the owner was very friendly and welcoming. Showed us to our cabin, number 3 and explained what time the gate locked at night, when breakfast was etc. I've never slept in such a comfy bed!!! The cabins are fantastic, look like a Swedish sauna inside but very stylish. Didn't get to eat here so can't comment on good but the Sunday car very looked to die for.

Review 85:It is difficult to find (local council will not allow signs to be erected) very little parking and gated court yard with dogs was at first a little off putting but we were greeted by a very friendly owner which put us at our ease immediately with the dogs.

Review 86:Very old with lots of history. Staff and other guests were very friendly which made our stay enjoyable. We enjoyed the dogs but not everyone would I expect. Quality of towels and bed linen excellent even though our room was a bit dusty.

Review 87:If you like modern hotels with clean lines this is not for you. However, the building does have a lot of character. Although we did not have our evening meals in the hotel as we were meeting friends. The breakfast was very good and the breakfast room was nice and bright. Room at £89 was overpriced in our opinion.

Review 88:We stayed in Room 7 which had a queen sized bed which was very comfortable. The building is over 350 years old so you do get a few cobwebs around. Bathroom has the original stone floor and even in the height of summer the rooms were lovely and cool. Staff were very helpful. Dogs were not a problem as one dog now has problems which its legs so lies around all day. The other dog is a black Japanese Akita and barks when you arrive but is a lovely dog and only barks to say hello!!

Review 89:While the room was clean, the shower had a layer of dust in the tray and there was no milk with the tea & coffee. Not that this is the end of the world, but as I used to work in hotels I think it is a little disappointing.

Review 90:The buffet breakfast was generous and well cooked. Every breakfast option was available, and in a relaxed environment. Altogether a very laid-back atmosphere.

Review 91:The whole appearance was very off putting. Although the owner Tony? & staff Were helpful. It wasn't what I'd expected. There was a lot of steps to negotiate which my dad struggled with. I mentioned my dad was 91 when I booked & said he had mobility problems. Never mentioned there were several big steps to climb. I wasn't happy bout that.

Review 92:Breakfast

Review 93:pub had a nice patio at front, but smelt of dog pee. owners dog peeing all the time in front of us as we sat.noisey drinking went on until just after midnight on the patio just outside our room causing the security lighting to flood our room. black out blinds needed here.The owners dog was also barking alot at this time. Barking also woke us up at 7am. no consideration for tired travellers. found quite a few wood lice in bedroom and the bathroom. hotel inside very dark. take a torch. not worth what we paid.

Review 94:food was ok, but nothing you couldnt knock up yourself in 15 mins at home. basic. very large comfortable bed. full english breakfast very good, help yourself to it.

Review 95:We were trapped in our room for two days having to jump over a wall to escape as their giant black dog guarded the gate all weekend snarling and barking aggressively. I have dogs myself but this dog was not trained, barely responded to the landlord when he finally called him away after I begged him to the day we were leaving. We were woken up the first morning by the two dogs in the yard barking relentlessly at what I can only imagine was the rain. The second morning the landlady burst into the room without knocking claiming she had thought we had left?! Honestly the worst experience I've had anywhere and would seriously discourage anyone from visiting.

Review 96:The young girl at the bar was extremely friendly and helpful

Review 97:Bathroom in need of updating. A little tired and dirty looking in places but still a good place to stay overnight.

Review 98:Perfect location for our stay and attending a Kilver court wedding. Good size room, very comfortable bed. Good shower. Great unlimited breakfast.

Review 99:Bathroom door would not close Couldn't stand in shower Bathroom facilities were dated Glass in corridor was broken Lack of friendliness from staff

Review 100:Bed was comfortable

Review 101:room very dusty. old sock under wardrobe. litter behind chair cushion. 240 volt socket and main power switchbox in bathroom. no proper separation between toilet and bedroom. whole site untidy. all building work and decor unfinished.

Review 102:Nice people.

Review 103:You can see the DIY woodwork. Toilet roll holder fell off wall. Blinds broken in numerous places. Various leaks. Mattress overhanging bed. Bed is 2 single mattresses together, with a gap! Leak stains in roof. Still has character and a nice place though!

Review 104:Owner is nice. Stayed in the cabins so review is based on that stay. Cute attempts at making a wooden cabin. Good breakfast.

Review 105:Awful hotel, poor hospitality, dirty, limited facilities, two big dogs, hideous decor, no reception area - the list goes on. Overall not a good stay and definitely not good value for money.

Review 106:Leaving to go home

Review 107:Unfortunately the cabin wasn't an ideal choice for a quiet night away. The couple next door had a blazing row which we heard very clearly. The language was awful and if we d had our children with us it would have ruined the stay.

Review 108:The cabin was very comfortable The food was good value for money very good breakfast selection

Review 109:The character of the old building The open fire Splendid ale at the bar The charming old dogs Fabulous bedroom and comfortable bed The evening meal (very good steak) Well done Tony

Review 110:The bedroom we had was tired, low quality, low standard of cleanliness (dust, sticky carpets, dirty bathroom and poorly maintained (broken window catches, poor plumbing). We woke to a dreadful stench from the drains.

Review 111:The building was a beautiful old pub with a great bar and great breakfast room.

Review 112:The owners dogs have taken over the place with a dog turd in the corridor, stains on the carpet and my colleague being growled at. Dirty, run down and lacking any care and attention. Breakfast was marginal with the sausages resembling what I had encountered in the corridor.

Review 113:Leaving.

Review 114:Nothing really, room could perhaps have been a bit cleaner, but nothing to complain about.

Review 115:Friendly reception by the owner, enjoyed our stay in the cabin, everything in the bathroom worked fine. Loved the evening meals, good quality meals in a nice bar atmosphere.

Review 116:The cabin we stayed in was lovely. The location was quiet no busy roads or street noise to worry about. Very good value for money for evening meals. Nice large portions. The Cajun chicken was amazing.

Review 117:We arrived in the afternoon and needed to eat before we went out, the restaurant was closed so we had to resort to a take away, no places to eat out.

Review 118:Breakfast, the dogs and the owner Tony

Review 119:After having spent many hours on the road to get to the Dusthole we have never felt so disappointed and let down. Had we arrived during daylight hours we would not have stayed. The Dusthole is very aptly named. Room 7 was probably one of the worst rooms I have ever stayed in. It was classified as being a 'Superior Double', granted the bed was large but having noticed the network of cobwebs and dust behind the headboard a good night's sleep was not guaranteed! In fact the whole room was extremely unclean with cobwebs everywhere. The ensuite was terrible. The toilet was not attached to the wall properly and every time it was sat on the whole thing tipped forwards. To get cold water out of the tap we had to navigate the turning distance and then it only ran at a minimum. Again, it was unclean and very tired indeed. Breakfast was awful, a self service style with cold plates and unappetizing pre- cooked food. I thought I would be safe with a coffee but when the milk was added white flecks floated on the top. One of the very large dogs kept entering the room, something that should never happen in a dining room. When my husband went to pay the bill and lodge his complaints Tony finally did have the good grace to apologise about the state of the room. Would we ever stay at the Dusthole again? Never!

Review 120:Clean sheets and soft loo roll!

Review 121:The owner had two very big dogs, they didn't upset any one, but they had run of the buildings. They should not have been allowed in the dining rooms where there was food!!

Review 122:The cabin very good . Food Excellent Very old worldy - plenty of atmosphere. A rare treat!

Review 123:I personally didn't like the gaps around the window or the door to our room also the letterbox stuffed with paper looks a bit iffy ...however this added to the overall charm of the place & i have recommended it & would stay again ...

Review 124:The olde worlde & quaintness of the hotel, lots of little things to look at. Good food cooked by the owner as chefs night off ..would happily stop again.

Review 125:We are a young couple who stayed in the Dusthole for one night after visiting Longleat safari park. When we arrive we were welcomed by the landlord who was very friendly and made as feel right at home straight away. The room was clean and equipped with everything you would need for 1 night (tv, toilet, shower etc). The highlight of our stay was the outstanding food cooked by the landlord. I had the salmon supreme and my partner the steak; portions were huge and great value for money. The breakfast in the morning was also amazing we had the choice of everything you could want for a full English breakfast! I am surprised at the not so good reviews below as I couldn’t fault the place, but I guess there are no pleasing some people in this world.

Review 126:1. As per booking.com 'Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).' But in reality there is no Private parking and you have to use the off-street parking, doesn't this amount to misrepresentation of the fact. 2. There were quite a lot of 'ladybirds' and we had to change the room at 10 in the night. Lucky that there was a spare room available.

Review 127:Very poor breakfast menu, however, the manager was happy to accommodate our request to customise it a bit.

Review 128:Loved the style of the style of the hotel - very old and cosy. The staff wer very helpful and polite . Lovely dog called jake who was very friendly .food delicious!!!!

Review 129:Everything! Told staff about room but still had to pay £79 - if the traffic hadn't been so bad and we had arrived in time we would not have stayed there it was truly disgusting!!

Review 130:Absolutely nothing the room was damp with mould on the ceiling; filthy dirty layer of dust; cheap nasty coffee tea; kettle had to be cleaned; nasty cups; electricity dangerous!!!!

Review 131:Dust in room, bathroom really poor including loose toilet rubbish shower and cold tap on basin barely working. Kettle only worked if you held it down. BBC1 only watchable channel on TV. Decor circa 1970 DIY (and poor DIY at that!) Dodgy furniture.

Review 132:Good breakfast. Bed linen and towels clean and fresh.

Review 133:Staff really friendly, comfy big beds and adjoining children's room was ideal. The en-suite bathroom had been upgraded since we were last here. Also there is a new breakfast room which is very comfortable.

Review 134:food awful, didn't pay for any of it, chicken pie for someone that doesn't eat red meat was more like a ham pie, meat pie I wouldn't feed to my dog and green chicked curry somehow didn't have any chicken in it, bathroom was shocking shower dreadful need I saw more.

Review 135:girl behind bar needs to be head hunted, she was fantastic

Review 136:Wonderful 15th century inn, with an authentic feel. Menu and food excellent and really good value. Roaring log fire and an informative and friendly owner. We'll be back.