Eli’s in Huish Episcopi: A Historic Pub of Community & Charm

Posted September 11, 2025

Tucked away in Huish Episcopi near Langport, Eli’s Inn, the Rose & Crown, is a pub like no other. From its centuries-old taproom and legendary cider to classic car meets and community nights, it’s a true Somerset gem worth discovering.

A Pub with Generations of History

Step into Huish Episcopi, just outside Langport, and you’ll find a thatched inn with more than three centuries of stories within its walls. Officially it’s the Rose & Crown, but to locals it’s simply Eli’s, a name that goes back to Samuel Eli Scott in 1920. Still run by the same family five generations on, it remains one of Somerset’s most distinctive pubs, where tradition has been carefully preserved without losing its sense of fun.

Inside the Taproom: No Bar, No Fuss

For all its history, Eli’s is far from stuck in the past. On any given day of the week you might find a street-food truck parked up outside, serving wood-fired pizzas, tacos or fish and chips to enjoy with your pint. On Fridays, the Elderflower Food Co-op sets up shop, selling baskets of local organic produce. And if you time your visit right, you could stumble into a board game night, a live music session, or even an impromptu cricket match in the field.

A Haven for Beer and Cider Lovers

Beer and cider lovers are especially well catered for. The cellar and taproom is stocked with a rotating line-up of real ales, including much-loved guest brews, while the cider list showcases the best of Somerset orchards. It’s a place to sip something new, settle in for the evening and know that your drink has been chosen with care.

Community Spirit, Classic Cars and Somerset Charm

What sets Eli’s apart is its rare ability to bring people together. On warm summer evenings, the Rose & Crown becomes the backdrop for one of the most popular classic car meets in Somerset. The car park fills with everything from vintage MGs and Triumphs to modern performance motors, polished chrome gleaming in the sunset as visitors swap stories over a pint of local cider.

Yet Eli’s isn’t only about engines and nostalgi, it’s about people. Step inside on a quieter evening and you’ll find locals gathered for board game nights, friends catching up in the snug, and newcomers welcomed as if they’ve been part of the community for years. It’s this mix of heritage, hospitality and homegrown events that makes Eli’s more than a pub, it’s a living piece of Somerset life.

Why Eli’s Belongs on Your Somerset Bucket List

If you’re planning a day out in Langport or the Somerset Levels, make sure Eli’s, the Rose & Crown in Huish Episcopi, is on your list. This historic thatched pub offers more than just a pint: it’s a chance to experience one of the most unusual taprooms in the country, taste Somerset’s finest real ales and ciders, and soak up a warm community spirit. Whether you’re raising a glass in the garden, exploring the cosy rooms steeped in history, or joining a summer classic car meet filled with laughter and conversation, Eli’s promises a flavour of Somerset you won’t find anywhere else.

Food Trucks, Local Flavour and Village Life

For all its deep roots in Somerset history, Eli’s is a pub that thrives on fresh ideas and community spirit. Step outside on a weeknight and you might find a street-food truck serving wood-fired pizza, tacos, or traditional fish and chips – the perfect match for a pint of cider in the garden. Fridays bring the Elderflower Food Co-op, where shelves brim with baskets of local, organic produce straight from Somerset’s fields. And beyond the food, Eli’s calendar hums with life: one evening you’ll catch a live music session, another a lively board game night, or even a spontaneous cricket celebration spilling out into the garden. It’s this blend of good food, good drink and genuine community that keeps Eli’s buzzing all year round.

Five Reasons You Need to Visit Eli’s

A Rare Taproom Experience – Eli’s is one of the only pubs in the UK without a bar counter, with drinks served straight from the cellar in its traditional taproom.
Historic Somerset Pub – Dating back to the 17th century and still run by the same family for five generations, Eli’s is steeped in heritage.
Unbeatable Beer and Cider – From rotating guest ales to some of the best local Somerset ciders, there’s always something new to try.
Events for Everyone – Classic car meets, board game nights, cricket celebrations, and live music give Eli’s a buzzing community feel.
Food with a Twist – Forget standard pub grub – enjoy visiting food trucks or shop local produce at the Friday Elderflower Food Co-op.