Our Story

Doune Mackenzie-Francis and her family swapped a life in London for the tranquil village of Corton Denham in 2007.  Their dream of owning their local pub became a reality in 2020 when the pub came up for sale.  After extensive refurbishment and a few lockdown challenges, the pub reopened in the summer of 2021.

Doune describes the radical transformation of the pub as a true labour of love. From the restaurant’s locally sourced flower wreaths to hand-picked antique furniture in the pub’s bedrooms, The Queen’s Arms has become one of Somerset’s leading places to eat, drink and sleep.

Doune is passionate about sourcing the finest sustainably grown and reared local produce and supporting the local community. The Pub Hub was created in 2020 to provide a base for residents to meet and socialise, strengthening community bonds and ensuring The Queen’s Arms remains firmly at the heart of the village.

With a background in cookery, Doune plans to build a cookery school that is linked to the pub. Watch this space!

Our Cider

The Queen’s Arms has been serving cider since 1851. Victorian landlord Uriah Parsons accepted apples as payment, which he stored in the cellar and used to brew his own cider.

We continue to serve Somerset-brewed ciders; Lawrence’s Cider, brewed right here in Corton Denham, Showerings cider from Shepton Mallet and Sheppy’s Cider from Bradford-on-Tone.