A warm welcome

Run by Ben and Maddie, who fell in love with the enchanting village of Wambrook when they took over the Cotley Inn in July 2018. Originally a farmhouse, the traditional yet stylish building dates back to 17th Century, and the well-loved rural Somerset pub has evolved over the years.

Having lived and worked in the Canadian Rockies prior to returning to their roots on the Blackdown Hills, Ben and Maddie became inspired by North American hospitality and are delighted to be offering first-class service in this quaint village pub.

A man in a black puffer jacket and a woman in a white dress and jacket standing outside near a vintage green jeep or truck on a cloudy day.

“We want to share our passion for The Great British pub with all our guests. It is our pleasure to serve our immediate locals and wider community and we are always so excited to welcome those from a little further afield”

- Maddie & Ben

We work from the principle that all our visitors are dinner party guests in our own home, and we strive to achieve exemplary service in a relaxed and welcoming setting.We are committed to serving very local, seasonal food and strive to source all our ingredients within 25 miles of the pub.

We have close links with Cotley Farm, which means we get first dibs on the very best meat and we can even see the livestock grazing in the field opposite. Whether it’s the Ruby Red Devon cattle, Nigel the shepherd’s lovely lamb, our very own pigs in the paddock next to the lawns or seasonal greens and herbs from our kitchen garden, we aim to source as much as we can locally and sustainably.

Our ethos even extends to smoking our own meat, fish and dairy in our on-site smoker, and putting Jasper our resident Labrador to good use on the local shoot.

Locally Sourced
Produce

A plate of Irish stew with a large, cooked meat portion, green beans, onions, and carrots, served with brown gravy, on a wooden table. A glass of amber-colored drink is beside the plate.

Our team

Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.

What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process, it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore and create with purpose at every turn.

A man and woman walk a black dog on a grassy field, engaging in conversation on a cloudy day.

Driven by passion

We're not here to follow trends, we're here to build something timeless. With a blend of creativity, strategy, and heart, we help ideas come to life. Every project we take on is an opportunity to learn, grow, and do something meaningful. We treat our clients like partners and our work like craft.

A rustic restaurant table set with wine glasses, a candle, and cutlery, with a stone wall in the background.

The Food

We’re immensely proud of our kitchen team, our commitment to a very local menu and our own produce, not only because it means we support our local suppliers, but also that we can be 100% honest about the origin of our ingredients. 

A burger with fries and coleslaw on a black tray at a restaurant
A slice of chocolate cake with ice cream on a white plate, surrounded by various drinks on a wooden table at a restaurant.
A pastry with a flaky crust and chocolate filling, topped with sesame seeds, placed on parchment paper with 'CANDLELIGHT INN' printed repeatedly, alongside a small metal cup of jam or preserve on a wooden tray.
A person in a black sweater holding a black tray with a burger, fries in a black container, and a small serving of coleslaw in a restaurant.
A savory meat pie served with green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy on a white plate, with a glass of water and a mug of tea or coffee in the background on a wooden table.
A rustic wooden dining table set with wine glasses, water glasses, utensils, and a candle in a brass holder, with a stone wall and shelves in the background.
A dessert plate with a slice of chocolate cake topped with a dollop of cream, a glass of white wine, a pink cocktail with ice, and various small creamers on a wooden table in warm lighting.