The Somerset House

Reviews

• Michael M.

  star star star star star 14 August 2026

  Walking through town after a long day, I was called in by a sign asking if I like gin. The obvious answer being ALL DAY, I had to come in.
  
  Overwhelmed by the gin options. And my liver already on strike because of the amount of cider I've consumed (whole other story), I decided to take the bartenders recommendations.  OPIHR was called an acquired taste and therefore an obvious first choice. Smooth, herbal flavors, and the addition of lemon and pink peppercorn really brought out the notes of juniper. I'm such a snob I know, but what I'm trying to say is that it's pretty legit.
  
  As for the ambiance, the place is full of wood, guns on the wall and smooth jazz and oldies playing on the speakers. It'll keep you hear longer than you should be, but it's absolutely worth the trip.

• Annelot N.

  star star star star star_border 10 August 2026

  Cute little pub we stumbled upon on a Sunday afternoon after running a few errands in Clifton. Not too loud or busy, comfortable seating, and a rustic vibe.

• Thom W.

  star star star star star_border 4 August 2026

  4.5 stars, where are you when I need you!
  
  We had 3 friends down from London for the weekend and wanted to take them somewhere nice in Clifton. I'd heard someone mention Somerset House at a Yelp event (can't remember who, sorry), so thought we'd give it a shot. I'm really glad we did! I'll definitely be going again.
  
  Downstairs is smaller than I'd imagined. I was expecting a large dining area, but there were only around 4 or 5 tables. I imagine that during the week when the bar isn't as busy, the tables in that area will be used for dining as well. But the inside is lovely. It has a really nice warm feel with nice exposed brick work and rustic wooden tables. The bar area was buzzing with people and the atmosphere was great. I really like the mix of a nice pub like restaurant feel with a good Saturday night pub feel just across the other side of the room.
  
  Upstairs they also have a Champagne & Gin dining room. I didn't get to check it out, but it looked really nice from outside the door. As a lover of Gin, I really want to go back and check it out.
  
  We didn't bother with starters and went straight for mains. The 3 lads had the Fillet Steak with king prawns and fries and the 2 girls had the 'Braised pork belly, mashed potato, green beans, toasted pine nuts madeira jus'.
  The steaks were really good and the 3 prawns, which came on a skewer, we huge. While the food that was on the plate was really good, there wasn't much of it. It really needed some green veg - even a few roasted tomatoes would have helped make the plate look more appealing. Unfortunately we weren't asked if we wanted any side dishes when we ordered, so we just went without.
  I tried a little bit of the Pork and it was delicious, and the reports back were good.
  
  We then shared the 'Apple Doughnuts with Mulled Cider & Toffee Sauce' and another chocolate dessert and they were amazing. The doughnuts were incredible. I could have eaten them forever!
  
  Between us we also had 2 bottles of wine and another drink each and the bill came to less than £30, which was great!

• Sophie H.

  star star star star star 1 August 2026

  I'm shocked this has only got 3 stars! What a lovely place for dinner! It was absolutely packed on Saturday so don't expect peace and quiet dining but we wanted it to be lively so it was perfect. It's a cosy feeling Clifton bar and restaurant but without the 'stuffy' feeling you can get in some places.
  
  I had the pork belly with mash potato and kale and it was delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful; problem was, there wasn't many mouthfuls! We had some lovely wine too and the boys had steak that looked good and came from Buxton Butchers in Winterbourne that's highly regarded (and provides meat for restaurants like the Ox). My boyf had quite a lot of fat on his but it was fillet so it's to be expected a bit.
  
  We ordered two deserts to share between five of us and had the chocolate tart with pistachio ice cream and the apple donuts and toffee sauce! They are both making me dribble just thinking about them! They. Were. Amazing!
  
  The bar was small and there wasn't many tables so I think it's essential to book but there was a nice looking gin and champagne bar upstairs that I'd like to go back and sample.
  
  The price was right too (no Brucey pun intended).

• Maddie Y.

  star star star star star_border 30 July 2026

  This pub has a traditional look and  feel, which makes it a favourite among the older gentlemen in the area. Great for a quiet pint, it's small and comfortable, and about as humble as an old British pub can be. Most students would probably breeze past it without even noticing it's there, which can only be a plus if you like your pubs local and not too packed.
  
  That said, this pub does actually boast a live music tradition, with music every Friday night and an open-mic night every Tuesday. It's also quite imaginative where the food is concerned: besides the classics like the Sunday roast and the daily steak and kidney pie, it has an extensive breakfasts menu to rival any good greasy spoon. Also on offer is a surprisingly classy range of snacks and starters such as the chicken and bacon salad and the (ooh, posh!) wild mushroom pate.
  
  So, it's a bit of a dark horse, The Somerset House, perhaps not quite as traditional as it would have us believe at first glance...