We named her ‘Grace’ and occasionally she is known as ‘Disgrace’ when she is being mischievous. From the litter, our beautiful ginger coloured puppy bitch has become another member of the family. Our beloved chocolate coloured working cocker spaniel Molly was 5 ½ when she had a litter of puppies in early, and very icy 2016. With a large sunny garden to sit in during the summer months and a car park that can accommodate over 30 cars, we think The Helyar Arms is well worth a visit. The skittle alley is housed in an old building at the rear of the pub in the car park, which was converted from an old granary and stables in 1934. It was previously known as The New Inn and was owned by and mainly served the Coker Court Estate. The Helyar Arms dates back to the C15, possibly earlier, and its name was adopted after the death of the last of the East Coker Helyar family, Dorothy Heneage, in 1947. Together, the two bar areas can accommodate up to 60 diners.

With the recent addition of soft lighting and comfortable sofas, the Apple Loft has become a delightful, cosy ‘place to be’. The Apple Loft has been transformed and the vaulted ceiling beams have been highlighted in a deep grey with dark straw walls. We have chosen some lovely curtains for the bar and blinds for the Apple Loft, using Drapes Direct in Martock who provided a first class service.

We have installed a large wood-burning stove in the main bar area and a smaller one in the Apple Loft to enhance the warm and friendly atmosphere. We have decorated throughout the interior with a grey and cream colour scheme, that lifts the space whilst retaining that feeling of warmth and comfort that this beautiful building deserves.

Throughout the non-structural refurbishment we have been very sympathetic to the original features that were covered up with the 1977 ‘modernisation’. Patrick ran pubs when he was younger and Claire has been in the hospitality business for many years and when The Helyar Arms became available they jumped at the opportunity to become part of this quintessential village community.

Both of them have roots in the Home Counties, but feel their home is the West Country with both of them having family living nearby in Somerset and Dorset. Patrick and Claire are resident landlords of The Helyar Arms and are welcoming and friendly.

East coker poem