The Rock Inn
Waterrow, Taunton · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Rock Inn / Google Maps
An 8-room inn at Waterrow near Taunton, known for its kitchen turning out Ceylon lamb curry and beef and ale pie alongside comfortable rooms.
About The Rock Inn
A Ceylon lamb curry on the menu is not what you expect to find at a village pub near Taunton, but it is one of the dishes that has made The Rock Inn's restaurant the main draw for many who stay here. The kitchen also does a hearty beef and ale pie and a Sunday roast, served in a bar with a genuinely warm atmosphere and friendly staff behind the counter.
The inn itself has just 8 rooms, kept comfortable and well presented, making for an intimate rather than corporate stay. Guests get free WiFi, breakfast, and drinks available in the room, with luggage storage and concierge services on hand for practical needs. There are also meeting rooms for those combining business with the trip, free on-site parking, and pets are welcome. It is worth noting that some bookings have gone unacknowledged, so confirming arrangements directly is a sensible precaution.
Waterrow's setting gives easy reach into Somerset, with Exmoor National Park within striking distance for walking and exploring the moorland scenery. Taunton itself is close by for those wanting a wider base. It suits travellers after a proper pub stay with good food at the centre of it, rather than a large hotel experience.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Avoid! This is quite possibly to worst “hotel” I’ve stayed in for 20 years. It’s a beautiful building in a beautiful place, but don’t judge a book by it’s cover. First off they didn’t have the pre-payment through my works travel service provider, so it took an hour to check in. The staff are absolutely useless and were described as “incredibly rude” by our travel service providers when trying to sort the payment (which I eventually had to pay). The booking also stated breakfast was included, but I was swiftly informed on checking in that they don’t do breakfast, so be warned. The whole place is falling apart and scruffy. The TV in my room didn’t work, and had wires hanging all around it. The mirror was held together by sellotape and the decoration left a lot to be desired. I was going to complain on checkout, but the place was deserted at 7:30am when I left. Probably best…for them. With the top standards of service you tend to get these days, I’m not sure how these places survive. The staff can make or break a place, they can make a rough place workable, but because the hotel is shabby and the staff don’t care, I actually hope this one doesn’t survive.
2 months ago · via Google
We popped in with our friends for a cheeky beer on Friday afternoon whilst on a walk and decided to return for Sunday lunch. The Tarka lager was great and the Sunday roast lunch was delicious with veg and roast potatoes reminding me of my nan’s cooking. The whole team were so welcoming and attentive without pestering. We wish them all the luck in running this inn that has bags of character.
3 months ago · via Google
Booked a room which wasn’t available when we arrived. After some time we were offered a small dark musty smelling room. The naked light bulb in the room was the last straw. The carpets were disgusting and the bar area downstairs dirty. Left promptly with no refund offered, no apologies, just a rather arrogant person who wasn’t at all interested. Don’t get drawn in the photos are nothing like the place. Still waiting for a refund which won’t happen as clearly they don’t care.
a month ago · via Google
My partner and I just went for a meal at the Rock Inn. We had fish and chips and the beef and ale pie which was a special. The fish was massive and the pie was so good! If they have it on again if 10/10 recommend. Great meat content.
3 months ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's delicious and fresh food, including the succulent Ceylon lamb curry, hearty beef and ale pie, and tasty Sunday roast. Guests also highlight the lovely rooms, friendly staff, and great atmosphere.
Some reviews mention bookings can be unacknowledged.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Waterrow, Taunton, TA4 2AX Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Waterrow, Taunton
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Taunton