A TOUCH of Thailand has come to a 16th century coaching inn in a village near Taunton.

The first hint in Bishops Lydeard of things Asian arrived in the form of a Thai tuk tuk outside the Lethbridge Arms in November.

Since then, landlady Sarah Snowden and her team have transformed the historic building in Gore Square into a successful pub/restaurant serving up authentic Thai and gourmet burgers to eat in or takeaway.

And the letting rooms have been refurbished to offer anything from a single ensuite room to one for a family of five with their own private bathroom.

Sarah, who originally hails from Hertfordshire, has lived in the area for more than 15 years and has spent her whole career in the hospitality industry.

She has worked for Whitbread, Brewers Fayre, Beefeater and Premier Inn, running pubs and training new restaurant teams in new builds.

She has also worked more locally at some prestigious wedding venues and, more recently, ran The Chapel in Cotford St Luke for more than seven years.

She said: "Having split from my partner, the decision was made to transfer the Thai business, the team and, most importantly Amy, the fabulous Thai chef from The Chapel to The Lethbridge.

"Then, with backing from my family, I've signed a minimum five-year lease with owners Stonegate, and bought the business. I'm here to stay."

Sarah added: "Service, a great drinks range and fabulous, fresh food is at the heart of what I, Amy and the entire Lethbridge team are focussed on.

"So, whether it’s a drink in the lovely south-facing beer garden, a meal, a takeaway or an overnight stay for a friend or relative, you really should pay us a visit."

Click HERE or follow The Lethbridge Arms on Facebook for more information.