Best Pubs in Frome – Top 10 Places for Drinks, Food and Live Music

Frome is one of Somerset’s most characterful market towns, known for its independent businesses, historic streets, lively arts scene and welcoming traditional pubs.

Whether visitors are searching for a quiet pint of locally brewed ale, a family-friendly pub serving British classics or a lively bar with cocktails and entertainment, there are plenty of excellent pubs in Frome to explore.

The town’s drinking scene combines centuries-old establishments with contemporary cocktail bars, independent craft beer venues and popular neighbourhood locals.

From the historic Three Swans on King Street to The Ship’s hearty pub food and Palmer Street Bottle’s impressive craft beer selection, each venue offers a different experience.

Visitors exploring the best things to do in Frome can easily include a traditional pub visit alongside independent shopping, historic attractions and the town’s regular cultural events.

This guide covers the 10 best pubs and bars in Frome, including their atmosphere, food and drink options, contact details, opening hours and locations.

Why Is Frome a Great Place to Explore Traditional Pubs?

Frome has a strong pub culture that reflects Somerset’s brewing heritage and the town’s long history as a commercial and social centre.

Unlike destinations dominated by large hospitality chains, Frome offers a mixture of independently operated pubs, historic free houses, specialist beer bars and traditional neighbourhood establishments.

The town centre’s narrow streets and historic buildings provide an attractive setting for exploring different venues on foot.

Several pubs occupy buildings dating back centuries, while others have developed contemporary identities through craft drinks, live music and modern food menus.

Traditional establishments such as The Lamb & Fountain retain an old-fashioned atmosphere, while The Three Swans combines historic surroundings with comfortable social spaces.

Modern venues also contribute to the town’s distinctive character. Palmer Street Bottle specialises in craft beer and artisan cheese, while Flow Bar offers a cocktail-focused alternative to a conventional pub.

This variety makes Frome appealing to visitors who enjoy discovering local hospitality rather than visiting the same familiar establishments found in larger towns.

Which Types of Pubs Can Visitors Find in Frome?

Frome offers drinking establishments suited to several different occasions, from informal afternoon visits to weekend celebrations.

Visitors can choose between:

• Traditional pubs: The Three Swans and The Lamb & Fountain offer historic interiors, classic drinks and relaxed surroundings.
• Craft beer venues: Palmer Street Bottle and The Griffin appeal to visitors interested in independent breweries and distinctive beer selections.
• Food-focused pubs: The Ship and The Masons Arms are suitable for visitors wanting a substantial meal alongside drinks.
• Cocktail bars: Flow Bar and Bar Lotte provide alternatives for evening drinks, dates and small celebrations.
• Live entertainment venues: The Blue Boar and The Vine Tree & The Tree House cater to visitors interested in sport, social events and live music.

Those planning an evening centred around dining can also explore the restaurants in Frome before visiting one of the town’s nearby pubs or bars.

Many central venues are within walking distance of one another, making it convenient to explore several different atmospheres during a visit.

However, visitors should check individual opening hours, food service times and event arrangements before travelling, particularly on Sundays and bank holidays.

Top 10 Best Pubs in Frome

Opening hours below reflect the supplied venue information and published business schedules checked in October 2026. They may change on event days, bank holidays or during seasonal periods. Food service hours can differ from bar opening hours.

1. The Three Swans – Best for Traditional Ales and Historic Charm

Located on King Street in the heart of Frome, The Three Swans is a traditional Somerset pub known for its historic character, welcoming atmosphere and carefully maintained selection of real ales.

Occupying a Grade II-listed building with roots dating back to the 17th century, the establishment preserves many architectural features that reflect the town’s long history.

Inside, visitors will discover characterful rooms decorated with paintings, traditional furnishings and unusual ornaments, creating an atmosphere that feels considerably different from a modern chain pub.

The pub’s separate bar areas provide comfortable spaces for conversations, informal gatherings and enjoying a pint away from the busier streets outside.

Its selection of cask ales includes regular favourites and changing guest beers, making it particularly appealing to visitors interested in traditional British brewing.

During colder months, the warming stoves add to the comfortable atmosphere, while a secluded courtyard provides outdoor seating when the weather improves.

The Three Swans also offers homemade snacks and occasionally hosts food events, pub quizzes and social activities, adding variety beyond its regular drinks service.

Its central location makes it convenient for visitors exploring the town’s independent shops, historic buildings and nearby cultural attractions.

For anyone searching for an authentic English pub experience, The Three Swans is one of Frome’s most distinctive options.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 452009
• Website: thethreeswans.com
• Best for: Traditional ales, historic surroundings and relaxed drinks
• Food: Bar snacks and selected food events
• Atmosphere: Historic, cosy and informal 

2. The Griffin Frome – Best for Craft Beer, Thai Food and Social Evenings

Situated on Milk Street, The Griffin is a popular neighbourhood pub that combines a traditional setting with a strong focus on beer, food and local entertainment.

The establishment has developed a reputation as a welcoming drinking destination where regular customers and visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.

Its drinks selection includes craft beers, traditional ales, lagers and other familiar pub favourites, appealing to guests who appreciate quality beer without a formal environment.

One of The Griffin’s distinguishing features is its food offering, with local visitor information highlighting its partnership with Thai Spice.

The partnership brings Thai-inspired dishes into a traditional pub setting, allowing customers to enjoy a different dining experience from conventional British pub menus. As kitchen partnerships can change, visitors should confirm the current arrangement before booking.

The Griffin also provides opportunities to enjoy live music, performances and other community events throughout the year.

These activities contribute to its friendly neighbourhood atmosphere and make it appealing to groups looking for a social evening.

Its location close to other traditional pubs also makes The Griffin a convenient stop when exploring Frome’s drinking scene.

Visitors looking for craft beer, characterful surroundings and something different from standard pub food should consider adding The Griffin to their itinerary.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 466299
• Website: griffinfrome.co
• Best for: Craft beer, Thai food and casual evenings
• Food: Thai-inspired dishes, subject to current kitchen arrangements
• Atmosphere: Friendly, independent and community-focused 

3. Palmer Street Bottle – Best for Craft Beer, Wine and Artisan Cheese

Located in Frome’s lively St Catherine’s Quarter, Palmer Street Bottle offers a contemporary alternative to the town’s traditional pubs.

This independent establishment combines a specialist bottle shop with a relaxed bar, making it particularly attractive to craft beer enthusiasts and visitors interested in exploring different drinks.

Its selection includes changing craft beers, ciders, natural wines, spirits and bottled drinks sourced from independent producers across Britain and internationally.

Customers can enjoy drinks inside the venue or browse its retail selection for bottles and cans to take home.

A particularly appealing feature is its emphasis on artisan cheese, with carefully selected cheese boards designed to complement the available drinks.

Visitors can also explore other light bites and sharing options, creating a relaxed alternative to a full restaurant meal.

The combination of knowledgeable staff, distinctive drinks and informal surroundings makes Palmer Street Bottle suitable for couples, small groups and casual afternoon visits.

Its refill station for selected wine and beer products is another useful feature for customers who prefer reusable containers.

Unlike conventional drinking establishments focused on familiar national brands, Palmer Street Bottle encourages visitors to discover new breweries, producers and flavours.

For anyone seeking an independent craft beer bar in Frome, this is a particularly worthwhile destination.

Bar details

• Contact: 07971 012611
• Website: palmerstbottle.co.uk
• Best for: Craft beer, natural wine and artisan cheese
• Food: Cheese boards, charcuterie and light bites
• Atmosphere: Independent, relaxed and contemporary

4. The Blue Boar – Best for Live Sports and Lively Pub Evenings

Positioned on Market Place, The Blue Boar is a lively traditional pub known for its friendly community atmosphere, entertainment and convenient town-centre location.

The establishment occupies a historic building associated with Frome’s longstanding pub culture, combining traditional surroundings with modern facilities.

It is particularly popular among sports enthusiasts, with television screens showing football, rugby and other major sporting events.

Visitors can watch matches while enjoying a selection of draught beers, lagers, spirits, ciders and familiar pub drinks.

The Blue Boar also offers recreational activities such as darts and pool, making it suitable for groups who enjoy a more interactive pub experience.

Live music, karaoke and other entertainment have been part of the venue’s social offering, although event schedules should be checked before visiting.

Its central location makes it convenient for customers meeting friends after work, spending a weekend evening in town or stopping for a drink while exploring Frome.

The atmosphere is generally more energetic than that of a quiet countryside inn, particularly during important sporting fixtures.

Visitors interested in watching live sports, enjoying affordable drinks or experiencing a traditional community pub will find The Blue Boar a suitable option.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 461530
• Website: craftunionpubs.com
• Best for: Live sports, pool, darts and evening entertainment
• Food: Primarily drinks-focused; check for current food arrangements
• Atmosphere: Lively, traditional and sociable 

5. The Lamb & Fountain – Best for Historic Interiors and Traditional Somerset Cider

Tucked away on Castle Street, The Lamb & Fountain is one of Frome’s most historically significant drinking establishments.

The pub occupies a Grade II-listed building with origins dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, preserving an atmosphere that reflects an earlier era of British pub culture.

Unlike establishments that have undergone extensive modernisation, The Lamb & Fountain retains traditional interior features, including small drinking rooms, an old-fashioned bar area and period architectural details.

These features have attracted recognition from the Campaign for Real Ale, which identifies the pub as an important example of a surviving historic interior.

The pub is particularly associated with traditional cider, alongside a smaller selection of familiar ales and other drinks.

Visitors who appreciate old-style Somerset pubs will enjoy its straightforward character, where conversation and traditional pub games take priority over elaborate dining or entertainment.

Another interesting feature is the view across Frome from parts of the building, offering a different perspective on the town’s historic rooftops.

The Lamb & Fountain is also associated with local stories and longstanding traditions, adding to its appeal for visitors interested in Frome’s heritage.

Its intimate rooms and relaxed surroundings make it particularly suitable for people seeking an authentic pub rather than a contemporary bar.

For those interested in traditional cider, historic architecture and old-fashioned British hospitality, The Lamb & Fountain remains an important destination.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 463414
• Best for: Traditional cider, heritage interiors and quiet drinks
• Food: Primarily a drinks-led establishment
• Atmosphere: Historic, intimate and traditional 

6. Flow Bar – Best for Cocktails, Date Nights and Private Celebrations

Located at 8 The Bridge, Flow Bar brings a contemporary cocktail lounge experience to the centre of Frome.

The venue offers a stylish alternative to traditional pubs, combining an attractive interior with a drinks selection focused on creative cocktails and modern bar favourites.

Its cocktail offering includes established classics alongside house creations using ingredients such as fruit, syrups and seasonal flavour combinations.

Visitors who prefer alcohol-free drinks can also explore mocktails and other non-alcoholic options, allowing mixed groups to enjoy the experience together.

Flow Bar is particularly appealing to couples looking for a relaxed date-night destination or friends meeting for evening drinks.

The venue’s welcoming atmosphere and distinctive décor create comfortable surroundings for conversations, social gatherings and celebrations.

Another notable feature is its private-hire offering, including an upstairs space known as the Gold Bar.

This area can accommodate private functions, making Flow Bar a potential choice for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and other celebrations.

During daytime opening hours, the venue also operates as a café-style space, offering visitors an alternative to conventional evening drinking.

Its position near the river and central shopping streets adds to its appeal for those spending time in Frome.

Flow Bar is especially suitable for customers who value interesting cocktails, stylish surroundings and a social atmosphere without the formality of an exclusive cocktail club.

Bar details

• Contact: 01373 672257
• Website: flowbars.co.uk
• Best for: Cocktails, date nights and private celebrations
• Food: Light bites and café-style refreshments; check current menu
• Atmosphere: Contemporary, stylish and social 

7. The Ship Frome – Best for Burgers, Chicken Wings and Craft Beer

Situated on Christchurch Street West, The Ship is a traditional Frome pub that combines comfortable surroundings with a distinctive modern food offering.

The establishment is particularly well known for its burgers, chicken wings and hearty comfort food, making it an attractive destination for visitors who want more than a quick drink.

Its kitchen offering, associated with Coop Kitchen, brings a contemporary approach to familiar pub favourites.

Popular menu styles include cheeseburgers, fried chicken burgers, loaded fries, Canadian-inspired poutine and different varieties of chicken wings.

These dishes are particularly appealing to customers looking for generous, informal meals that can be enjoyed with friends.

The drinks selection includes craft beers, cask ales, lagers and other traditional pub favourites, allowing visitors to combine their meals with a suitable pint.

The Ship also offers outdoor seating, including a beer garden that provides a pleasant alternative to its indoor bar area during warmer weather.

Inside, visitors can expect a traditional pub atmosphere, with comfortable spaces for conversation and informal dining.

Its location near Frome’s central shopping streets makes it convenient for visitors who want to stop for lunch, dinner or evening refreshments.

The combination of substantial food, independent character and a varied drinks selection makes The Ship particularly suitable for groups of friends and casual dining occasions.

For those searching for pubs in Frome that serve burgers, wings and craft beer, The Ship is one of the strongest options.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 476592
• Website: theshipfrome.co.uk
• Best for: Burgers, chicken wings, poutine and craft beer
• Food: American-inspired pub food and comfort dishes
• Atmosphere: Casual, welcoming and food-focused 

8. The Vine Tree & The Tree House – Best for Live Music, Gigs and Entertainment

Located on Berkley Road, The Vine Tree & The Tree House offers a combination of traditional pub hospitality and live entertainment.

The venue has developed a strong identity within Frome’s local music scene, attracting visitors interested in live performances, social gatherings and informal drinks.

The Vine Tree operates as the main pub, providing a relaxed environment for enjoying beers, ciders, spirits and other familiar drinks.

Its traditional setting appeals to customers who appreciate a community-focused atmosphere where regulars and visitors can gather comfortably.

The Tree House, located upstairs, is a dedicated live music venue with a capacity of approximately 100 people.

Developed in association with the Cheese & Grain, the performance space hosts intimate concerts and events featuring established performers, emerging musicians and local talent.

Its smaller capacity creates a closer connection between performers and audiences than would typically be possible at larger concert venues.

The venue’s combination of pub facilities and live music makes it attractive to customers planning an evening around a specific performance.

Visitors can enjoy drinks before an event and continue socialising afterwards, depending on the venue’s operating schedule.

The Vine Tree also offers opportunities to enjoy traditional pub activities, including sports viewing and games.

Those interested in Frome’s independent music culture will find The Vine Tree & The Tree House particularly appealing, especially when a favourite artist or local band is performing.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 466230
• Best for: Live music, entertainment and drinks with friends
• Food: Check current food availability with the venue
• Atmosphere: Lively, musical and community-oriented 

9. Bar Lotte – Best for French-Inspired Drinks and Intimate Evenings

Situated on Badcox, Bar Lotte provides a welcoming alternative to Frome’s traditional drinking establishments, offering a relaxed bar experience influenced by French hospitality.

The venue is closely associated with Bistro Lotte and combines an intimate neighbourhood atmosphere with a carefully selected range of cocktails, wines and food.

Its comfortable surroundings make it particularly attractive to couples looking for an informal evening together.

Customers can enjoy classic cocktails, wine and other drinks while relaxing in a smaller, more personal setting than many larger pubs.

Food is also an important part of Bar Lotte’s appeal, with French-inspired dishes, sharing boards and lighter meals complementing its drinks selection.

The combination of wine, cocktails and food makes it suitable for customers who want a casual alternative to a full restaurant dinner.

Its friendly neighbourhood character is particularly appealing to visitors who prefer quiet conversation and comfortable surroundings.

Bar Lotte also hosts occasional live music, creating opportunities for visitors to combine drinks with local entertainment.

The atmosphere can vary depending on the evening, from a relaxed meeting place to a more energetic venue during performances.

Its location makes it convenient for visitors exploring the independent businesses and historic streets around Badcox.

For couples, friends and wine enthusiasts searching for an intimate bar in Frome, Bar Lotte offers an appealing combination of character, hospitality and drinks.

Bar details

• Contact: 01373 301068
• Website: bistrolottefrome.co.uk
• Best for: Wine, cocktails, date nights and intimate gatherings
• Food: French-inspired small plates and sharing options
• Atmosphere: Cosy, welcoming and relaxed 

10. The Masons Arms – Best for Family Dining and Traditional Sunday Roasts

Situated on Marston Gate on the outskirts of Frome, The Masons Arms offers a traditional pub dining experience in welcoming surroundings.

The establishment is particularly suitable for families, couples and groups who want to enjoy a substantial meal alongside their favourite drinks.

Its restaurant focuses on British pub classics prepared through a seasonal menu, combining familiar dishes with occasional contemporary additions.

Popular menu choices include beer-battered fish and chips, burgers, chicken dishes, pies and other comforting meals.

Sunday roasts are another important part of the pub’s food offering, with traditional roast meats accompanied by vegetables, roast potatoes and gravy.

Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available, allowing groups with different preferences to find suitable dishes.

The Masons Arms provides a comfortable indoor restaurant and bar alongside outdoor seating, including a garden area that is particularly attractive during warmer months.

Its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it suitable for leisurely lunches, small celebrations and informal dining.

Visitors can also explore its range of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, ensuring the pub caters to customers who want anything from a quick refreshment to a complete meal.

Another advantage is its position away from the busiest town-centre streets, offering an alternative for customers seeking a more spacious pub environment.

The pub also advertises facilities for private functions, making it a potential venue for family gatherings and celebrations.

For visitors looking for traditional British food, comfortable surroundings and a family-friendly pub in Frome, The Masons Arms is an appealing choice.

Pub details

• Contact: 01373 461400
• Website: themasonsarmsfrome.co.uk
• Best for: Sunday roasts, family dining and traditional pub meals
• Food: British classics, burgers, grills and Sunday roasts
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, family-friendly and traditional

Which Pubs in Frome Are Best for Food and Sunday Lunch?

Visitors searching for pubs in Frome that serve food will find several options, although the type of dining experience varies considerably between establishments.

The Masons Arms is particularly suitable for traditional British pub dining, with a menu focused on familiar classics, substantial main courses and Sunday roasts.

Its family-friendly facilities make it attractive to visitors dining with children or arranging relaxed weekend gatherings.

The Ship offers a different approach, focusing on burgers, chicken wings, poutine and other hearty comfort food.

These dishes are particularly appealing to younger groups, casual diners and customers looking for an informal meal alongside craft beer.

The Griffin offers an alternative to conventional pub food, with its Thai kitchen partnership providing options for visitors interested in Asian-inspired flavours.

Those who prefer lighter food can explore Palmer Street Bottle, where artisan cheeses and sharing boards complement the drinks selection.

Bar Lotte is another option for visitors interested in small plates and French-inspired food.

For a traditional Sunday roast, The Masons Arms is the clearest food-focused option among these ten venues, although booking and Sunday kitchen hours should be confirmed beforehand.

Visitors should also distinguish between pubs that operate full kitchens and establishments that primarily serve drinks, as some smaller traditional pubs do not maintain regular restaurant menus.

How Can Visitors Plan the Best Pub Crawl in Frome?

Planning a pub crawl in Frome is relatively straightforward because many of the town’s best-known pubs and bars are located within a compact central area.

Visitors can start around King Street and Market Place, where several traditional pubs provide an introduction to the town’s drinking culture.

The Three Swans makes a suitable starting point for those interested in traditional ales and historic surroundings, while The Blue Boar offers a more energetic environment.

From here, visitors can explore Palmer Street Bottle for specialist craft beer and wine before continuing to nearby establishments.

The Griffin and The Lamb & Fountain provide opportunities to experience more traditional neighbourhood drinking venues.

Those interested in food can include The Ship in their plans, while Flow Bar and Bar Lotte are alternatives for cocktails and evening drinks.

A visit to The Vine Tree & The Tree House is particularly worthwhile when a live performance is scheduled.

However, visitors should consider several practical factors before planning their route:

• Opening hours: Some bars open only during afternoons or evenings, while others close on particular weekdays.
• Food availability: Kitchen service times may be shorter than published bar hours.
• Live entertainment: Popular performances and sporting events can make certain venues particularly busy.
• Walking distances: Most central pubs are reasonably close together, although The Masons Arms is farther from the main shopping streets.
• Transport: Visitors travelling from outside Frome should arrange a safe journey home, particularly after evening visits.

The most enjoyable approach is to choose a few establishments offering different experiences rather than attempting to visit every location in one evening.

Frome’s combination of traditional free houses, independent craft beer bars, modern cocktail venues and food-focused pubs provides plenty of opportunities to discover different sides of Somerset’s hospitality culture.

Whether the priority is historic atmosphere, live music, Sunday lunch or a relaxed drink with friends, the town has a varied selection of welcoming venues worth exploring.

FAQs About Pubs in Frome

What Are the Best Traditional Pubs in Frome?

The Three Swans, The Lamb & Fountain and The Blue Boar are popular traditional pubs in Frome, offering historic surroundings, real ales and a welcoming local atmosphere.

Which Pubs in Frome Have Beer Gardens?

The Ship and The Masons Arms offer outdoor seating areas where visitors can enjoy drinks and food during warmer weather.

Are There Any Dog-Friendly Pubs in Frome?

Several Frome pubs welcome dogs, including The Three Swans and The Ship. Visitors should confirm individual pet policies before arriving.

Where Can Visitors Enjoy Live Music in Frome?

The Vine Tree & The Tree House is a popular destination for live music, hosting intimate performances and events featuring local and visiting artists.

Which Pubs in Frome Are Good for Couples?

Bar Lotte and Flow Bar are suitable for couples seeking cocktails and relaxed evening drinks, while The Three Swans offers a cosy traditional pub atmosphere.

Do Pubs in Frome Serve Local Somerset Cider?

Yes, several traditional pubs in Frome serve Somerset cider, including The Lamb & Fountain, which is particularly associated with traditional cider and historic pub culture.