One of Croscombe's best-known pubs has gone on the market for £695,000 as its owners prepare to call time after 26 years.

The George Inn, a 17th-century freehouse on Long Street, is being offered for sale as a going concern, complete with four letting bedrooms, three-bedroom owner's accommodation, village shop, beer garden and skittle alley.

Sitting on the A371 between Wells and Shepton Mallet, the pub has been substantially developed during its current owners' time at the helm.

The property particulars describe the sale as a "genuine retirement sale after 26 years ownership", bringing a significant chapter in the village pub's history towards a close.

Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026 show sales of £534,669 excluding VAT, according to the selling agent. Food accounted for 42 per cent of trade, drinks 40 per cent, the village shop 10 per cent and accommodation eight per cent.

The business is currently run by the owners with five full-time members of staff, including three chefs, and two part-time employees.

Inside, the main bar has space for 44 seated customers as well as standing room, while two dining areas can accommodate another 48 people between them.

There are four en-suite guest bedrooms upstairs, while the private owner's accommodation includes three bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen and dining space, additional kitchen, bathrooms and study area.

Outside, the pub has a beer garden with space for around 50 customers as well as a separate private garden for the owners.

There is also a purpose-built skittle alley and function room capable of seating around 40 people, along with customer and private parking.

The George has become more than simply somewhere for a pint during its owners' 26 years in Croscombe.

It incorporates the village shop, selling convenience items during pub opening hours, and regularly hosts village groups and societies as well as folk nights, quizzes and themed food evenings. Two skittles teams also call it home.

The pub has previously been named CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year and has appeared among the Sunday Times' top pubs in Somerset, according to the sales particulars.

Its character has been retained despite substantial work over the years, with exposed stone walls, beams and open fireplaces remaining alongside additions including a commercial kitchen installed in 2017 and solar panels.

The George occupies a prominent position in Croscombe's Long Street, around two miles from Shepton Mallet and three miles from Wells.

For whoever takes the keys next, the £695,000 asking price buys the freehold property as well as an established pub, accommodation business and village shop — and the task of following owners who have spent more than a quarter of a century behind the bar.

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