The historic pubs of Somerset take center stage in the new comedy film Mother’s Pride, starring Martin Clunes and James Buckley. Released today in cinemas, the film shines a spotlight on the challenges facing Britain’s traditional village pubs amid rising competition from trendy gastropubs and a changing social landscape.
Set in the picturesque village of Norton St Philip near Bath, where filmmakers scouted more than 500 locations, the charming George Inn serves as the struggling Drovers Arms. The story follows Mick, the pub’s landlord, who is still mourning his late wife while his chaotic family bands together in a desperate bid to save the business. Across the road, the grand Fleur-de-Lys, dating back to the 1500s, plays the role of a flashier gastropub rival.
Linda Johnson, general manager of both the George Inn and Fleur-de-Lys, shared her excitement about the project: “Welcoming the cast and crew was a joy. Our guests loved experiencing the behind-the-scenes magic, and there’s a real buzz in the village knowing our pubs will be part of a national film release. We can’t wait to see our historic pubs shining on the big screen—it’s incredibly exciting!”
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Martin Clunes, who has been openly critical of government neglect in rural areas, emphasizes the importance of village pubs to community life. “Where I live in Dorset, we’re quite isolated, and it’s heartbreaking to see so many pubs closing down,” he said. “This film is like an ode to the pub. For many, pubs are their primary social lifeline, especially in rural areas where isolation is a real issue.”
The film, from the creators of Fisherman’s Friends, was filmed in October 2024 with support from Screen Somerset, part of Somerset Council’s film office. Councillor Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development at Somerset Council, highlighted the local impact: “Mother’s Pride is a fantastic example of Somerset’s film-friendly reputation. Productions like this bring significant investment to our economy, and exposure like this draws visitors eager to experience these iconic locations.”
Director Nick Moorcroft described the film’s personal significance: “Pubs are the beating heart of our communities, places where people connect, share stories, and fight isolation. During location scouting, it was heartbreaking to see too many beloved pubs standing empty. This film is a tribute to those vital community hubs and a call to cherish them before they disappear.”