THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West and environmental health officers from Somerset Council are working together to investigate reports of an “outbreak” at a Somerset restaurant.
A number of individuals who dined at Hornsbury Mill Hotel on Sunday, October 12 in Chard, Somerset have reported diarrhoea and vomiting.
One such couple who were affected are Timothy, 65, and Hilary Lloyd, 64, who went out for an early carvery dinner with friends at The Wheel Room Restaurant on the Sunday and ended up “suffering really badly”.
Timothy said: “When we came home, we all suffered really badly with what we are all sure is food poisoning.
“There were apparently loads of people there that were taken ill that day. We went quite early in the day and obviously lots of people would have come in after us.
“We were very, very poorly. It was quite a violent kind of illness. I was so ill and ended up off work for three days and my friend’s wife was off for five days. That’s how bad it was.”
He added: “She was worse off than any of us. I imagine lots of people could have ended up really poorly with it.”
Timothy has also said that he is still waiting for a refund which was promised to him and his wife after their visit to Hornsbury Mill.
He said: "I am a bit disappointed in the fact that their reaction was ‘oh we will give you your money back’ and a week later nothing. You would think after you have been violently ill they would at least make up for it by giving you your money back."
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A spokesperson Hornsbury Mill said: “I can confirm that there was an outbreak at Hornsbury Mill on 12th October 2025.
“Once we were made aware of a small amount of our guest's becoming poorly after eating from our Carvery. We immediately, proactively contacted the Environmental Health Officer, and an investigation was carried out. The health and safety of our guests and staff is and always will be our highest priority.
“The root cause of this isolated incident was identified, and immediate robust corrective actions have been implemented to ensure it cannot happen again.
“We are extremely confident that the extreme measures we now have in place following on from this isolated incident will ensure the safety of our guests.
“We have sincerely apologised to all those affected and are grateful to the Environmental Health Officer for his professional guidance throughout this process. We are entirely confident in the safety and quality of our food and look forward to welcoming our valued customers back.
“With regards to refunds we have refunded the small number of guests who contacted us, by phone, email or by visiting us directly, within a four-day period, of which we were advised as the "period" of ill health can take place."
UKHSA is asking diners to complete a quick questionnaire to establish any common links between those affected. This can then help identify why the people affected became ill.
Lucy McCann consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West said: “Those affected have reported mild-to-moderate illness including diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps.
“It is important to stress that the cause of the illness has not yet been confirmed, but the following advice applies, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stay away from nursery, school, university and work and avoid handling food for others until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. If symptoms continue or worse, please contact your GP or NHS 111.
“Everyone should always practice good hand hygiene and was their hands thoroughly and regularly, but particularly after using the toilet and before eating.
“We are asking diners to complete a quick questionnaire in order to establish any common links between those affected. This can help identify why the people affected became ill.
"UKHSA is working with Environmental Health Officers to investigate this incident to ensure that appropriate precautions and procedures are in place to minimise risks and prevent similar incidents in the future.”
A Somerset Council spokesperson added: “Somerset Council’s Food & Safety Team is working with UKHSA to investigate reported cases of illness linked to Hornsbury Mill in Chard.
“The Food & Safety Team has conducted multiple visits to the business, and the business is co-operating fully with the investigation which remains ongoing.
“The source of the illness has yet to be confirmed, and we understand there have been no reports of hospitalisation or serious illness, and those affected are understood to now be symptom-free.”
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