The Candlelight, nestled in Bishopswood, Chard, is a charming inn that captures the essence of fine dining with a warm pub atmosphere. Patrons rave about the friendly service and inviting décor featuring cozy fires, creating a perfect backdrop for a delightful meal. Customers have praised the starters, such as the Dressed Beetroots and Hand Dived Scallops, setting a high standard before the mains. The standout dish appears to be the succulent Hertfordshire Onglet of Beef, paired expertly with a variety of seasonal vegetables. Guest reviews consistently highlight the incredible Sunday lunch, with mentions of the astonishing sharing platters that offer an abundance of flavor and variety. The attention to detail in each dish, including the homemade Scotch Egg and the wild stone bass, reflects the culinary skill of the head chef, known for his knack demonstrated on Great British Menu. Desserts are equally impressive—often described as 'yummy'—and complemented by a carefully curated selection of dessert wines. The Candlelight is not only a gastronomic delight but also prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all guests. With the promise of dog-friendly service and a commitment to continuous improvement, The Candlelight emerges as a must-visit culinary gem. Dining here is not just a meal; it’s an experience defined by comfort, charm, and exquisite flavors.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Has changing table(s)
High chairs available
Parking
On-site parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For The Candlelight
Sian Lewin
May 26,2025
Lovely Inn, recently refurbished. Great staff, very friendly. My husband grilled plaice, which he loved with cheese & biscuits to follow. His comment was "delicious, couldn't fault it!" I had the veg curry and chocolate/cherry dessert which was yummy.
Paul Warren
May 21,2025
Staying nearby and spotted this place in the caravan site guide. Saw the head chef had been on great British menu and decided to partake in Sunday lunch. Superb starter just the right size and then an absolutely amazing sharing platter for the roasts. 3 meats and as much veg as I’ve even seen in a pub lunch. Definitely coming back before the trip ends.
Kate Osmaston
May 8,2025
This is a great pub. Really lovely interior with three lovely fires. Great food and excellent Primitivo (which makes me assume their wine list is good overall) and both food and wine at a very good price point. The roast beef was excellent and plentiful. The vegetables were delicious. Good roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and cauliflower/broccoli cheese. We had dessert and coffee - all super. All in all, it was an excellent meal. The service was friendly and efficient. Hector dog was made a big fuss of with treats and welcome. Level access from the car park into the main pub and to the bar. It was appreciated that our table had been thoughtfully positioned with a chair removed to make space for my wheelchair. The only downside is currently an inaccessible loo, which all it needs is the door putting on to open the other way and a grab rail. But I was very impressed with the assurance this would be put right. 100% recommend. Thank you to the owners and staff
M G
Apr 26,2025
Amazing Sunday lunch. Our first visit and definitely not our last. Succulent roast chicken, accompanied by delicious vegetables and proper gravy. A really great Sunday roast - thank you! The service was attentive without being fussy amd the venue is delightful.
Gill Power
Apr 25,2025
Fantastic place to eat. Had Sunday lunch, one of the best meals ever. Went again o the Thursday night, fine dining..superb. owners and staff couldn't do enough. Also dog friendly which was the icing on the cake.
Philip Smith
Mar 13,2025
We have been going to the Candlelight for over ten years and have had mixed experience with previous owners. It was with caution that we chose to chance it again for our anniversary. It was an absolutely wonderful meal and a new and exciting menu, a fusion of the new owners roots and experience travelling the world in the military. I wish them all the best, they deserve to succeed, great venue, great food, great hosts, we will be back.
Paul hopkins
Feb 25,2025
Absolutely beautiful place it was the actual customers that got the 4 out of 5 took my partner for a meal, which was a bit pricey but worth it. The chef had walked out on them and left the couple to run the show, which thay did amazing.
Keelan Davies
Feb 19,2025
We visited The Candlelight yesterday evening, and what a wonderful place. Gareth and Miranda are fantastic hosts and are really running the place well. The food was outstanding, I had the burger and my partner had the fish and chips, cooked to perfection. I would highly recommend a visit.
Reviews For The Candlelight