A HISTORIC Somerset pub with over 400 years of history is set to reopen its doors to the public very soon.
The Blue Ball Inn at Triscombe, near Taunton, is one of the few thatched-roof Somerset pubs left in the county - and it's fair to say the pub has had its ups and downs over the years.
Now, in 2025, a grand reopening event for the Blue Ball Inn Quantocks is scheduled for Friday, May 2.
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First opened in 1608, the Quantocks-based pub was known as a safe-haven social spot for those in the area for more than 400 years. The pub has seen generations of shared stories, pints by the fire, and sunlit garden gatherings.
Fast forward to last year, and the Blue Ball's future was up in the air. Despite its long-term history as a public house in Somerset, the past seven landlords have tried and failed to make the pub successful, with all seven having either gone bust, lost money, or left debts behind them during their tenure.
In July 2024, the owner, Grant Fowler, decided to put the pub on the market for sale at £650,000 freehold or to lease for £50,000 a year.
The move follows a planning scandal in 2023, when permission for Mr Fowler to convert the pub into a Sleeps 12 holiday accommodation was quashed in the High Court.
The pub was then marketed by Fleurets Ltd, chartered surveyors working exclusively in the leisure property sector, who claimed that a new owner would need to make a fresh licensing application to Somerset Council.
Now the pub has had a 'stunning refurbishment' and a new team is in place to have a go at bringing the pub back to its glory days.
A spokesperson from the Blue Ball Inn said: "The wait is over - On Friday, May 2, we’re back!
"We’re really excited to announce the Grand Reopening of The Blue Ball Quantocks on the first May Bank Holiday Weekend.
"After a stunning refurbishment, we’re ready to welcome you back with exceptional dining, live music, and unforgettable events in the heart of the Quantocks.
"Join us as we raise a glass to a new chapter of this historic pub, steeped in tradition, reimagined for today. Mark your calendars and be part of the celebration."
You can find the Blue Ball Inn at The Blue Ball Inn, Triscombe, Taunton, TA4 3HE.
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