THROUGHOUT 2025, multiple pubs and bars opened in the Chard and Ilminster areas, amid a 167 per cent increase in business registrations in Somerset this year.
With factors such as rising business rates, road works, end-of-lease fees, personal reasons, and the cost-of-living crisis, it is safe to say that it has been a challenging year to run a business, and as a result, multiple pubs closed their doors for the last time.
However, despite this, Chard and Ilminster seem to be bucking the trend with multiple pub businesses that shut down, reopening a few months later under new ownership and two brand-new bars opening in Ilminster.
In Iwoca’s Business Hotspots 2025 list, 1,612 new businesses were registered in Somerset between January and June, according to Companies House data.
Somerset therefore saw a 167 per cent increase in business registrations compared with 2024, making it one of three local authorities in the country where registrations increased compared to the year previous.
In no particular order, here are six Ilminster and Chard pubs and bars that opened in 2025:
1. Level Up Bar
Gamesmaster Cafe in Ilminster transformed what was formerly the changing rooms for Punkydory into a "TGI Fridays-style" bar back in October after it was granted its alcohol and entertainment license.
This followed a long-lasting dispute with the Local Authority surrounding Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) funding cuts, as previously reported by the News, which left owner Evelyn Ashford out of pocket and the business struggling.
At the launch event, a crowd of excited visitors gathered in the space to try the new bar menu, which offers a selection of wines, beers, ciders and cocktails, including an espresso martini - the choice drink of the evening.
At the time of the opening, Evelyn said: "It's taken a lot of work, and we are taking a bit of a risk really, diving deeper in. We just hope it all pays off."
She added: "It's exciting. This should be fun."
Read more here: Ilminster: New bar opens its doors in Gamesmaster cafe
Since then, the space has hosted Halloween and Christmas events, both of which have been described as huge successes, and Evelyn has confirmed that the business will be continuing in Ilminster despite the struggles in the past.
2. Ye Olde Poppe Inn
The Ye Olde Poppe Inn, in Chard, reopened under the new management of Christopher Cullen and Jack Stevenson in July.
The reopening took place on Saturday, July 26 and included music, pizza and drinks in the garden, and according to the pair, it was a huge success.
At the time, Chris and Jack said: "We are overwhelmed and exhausted from getting the pub ready; however, we are also excited, and we feel very uplifted by the support on social media/from meeting the community in person."
Read more here: Ye Olde Poppe Inn, Chard, reopening under new management
3. The George
After much anticipation, The George Inn Ilminster opened its doors to the public once more in September under new ownership and with a refreshed look designed to "preserve the character" of the original 450-year-old building whilst bringing in a modern twist.
The space, in North Street, seeks to be a "cosy" pub-style setting where customers can come and listen to music, enjoy food and drink during lunch and dinner time and socialise.
A spokesperson for The George Ilminster said: "We know the town has really needed it for a long time and we want to inject some life back into Ilminster.
"We are an open book. The aim of it is to create a place where anyone can come in and eat and feel comfortable and just have a nice time.
"We encourage people to come along and support."
Read more here: The George in Ilminster officially opens, revealing new look
4. The Apple
2025 was clearly the year for bars in Ilminster with The Apple also opening its doors in Ilminster, Phoenix Studios, aiming to create a "network of local suppliers and contribute to the town's growing nightlife."
Calum Ogilvie, 42, who runs The Apple bar, which officially opened at 5pm on Thursday, November 28, said: “I am very happy to be open just before Christmas, and I am ready for the new year.”
He added: “I think it is a good opportunity to showcase what we can do for the local community and showcase the local suppliers we have.”
Calum also said he wishes to work alongside the other businesses, including The George and the Level Up Bar, to help contribute to the town’s growing nightlife.
He said: “I want to bring an evening vibe to Ilminster, which hopefully other people will follow.”
He added: “Everyone is welcome.”
Read more here: Ilminster's brand-new bar opens in Phoenix Studios
5. The Windwhistle Inn
This month, the Windwhistle Inn reopened with a fresh interior look, following "extensive" renovation works after being closed for a long time.
Following its closure in November 2024 and multiple closures over the last 10 years, the pub has sat empty until Peter Newberry, from Bridport, took over in October 2025.
Lynette O’Reilly, from London, is another key figure in the pub who works closely with Peter to keep everything in order and has helped behind the scenes to get the pub opening day ready.
The grand reopening of the pub officially took place on Friday, December 19, from 5.30pm, marking the first time in more than a year that anyone has stepped inside.
Naturally, many locals flocked to the newest pub in the Chard area to see the newly done-up interior - the result of all Lynette and Peter's hard work since October.
When asked how opening night went overall, both Lynette and Peter said: "It was really good, the community were really supportive, we received some really positive comments, and a few people said they can't wait to come back and try the food.
"We had a steady flow of people, and the bar was really busy."
They added: "It was lovely, a really good opening overall."
Read more here: Chard: Windwhistle Inn officially reopens with updated look
6. 'Vine' at Millhouse
'Vine' at Millhouse, a wine bar, themed with a "vintage European" feel that opened in Ilminster in June, has been met with a positive response from the community since.
Owner and creator, 48-year-old Esther Lawrence from Stoke-sub-Hamdon, said her wish had been granted when she opened her very own wine bar in the area.
According to Esther, the journey started when she discovered her "true love of wine" and wanted to bring something new to the Ilminster area.
She said: "I always wanted to have my own wine bar.
"[It has] been a bit mad, but I always wanted to see if I could do it and create that community.
Read more here: Ilminster: New Vine wine bar seeks to connect the community
"It’s been frightening because I have three children, [but] it’s also been nice because you are your own boss."
She added: "You never know who is going to turn up. That’s what I like.
"I like to meet people, I like to look after people, make sure they’ve got what they need."
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