One of the first things you may notice after walking through the moongate entrance to this British-style pub is the beaming smile of jovial proprietor, Donald Hassell. Since taking over the Country Squire in 1989 it’s been a real rags-to-riches story. From its humble beginnings with just a few tables and chairs, the pub is now a venue capable of catering for functions of up to 500 people.
The large terrace, with shaded seating and tables, provides panoramic views of tranquil Mangrove Bay. It’s the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon with a cool pint of Guinness. The downstairs bar has satellite TV and covers most major sporting events including the English Premier League and NASCAR.
In the summer months, weather permitting, the Country Squire holds barbeques on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights. If the weather doesn’t hold up there’s indoor dining in the Tudor-style restaurant. For an appetiser try their Bermuda Fish Chowder; arguably one of the best renditions on the island. Fish dishes feature significantly in the entrees with local specialities such as Our Captain’s Favourite (Bermuda wahoo, tuna and shrimps broiled with garlic butter) and Curried Mussel Pie on offer. Carnivores are not forgotten and the menu include a variety of steaks, ribs and even curries. The Somerset Country Squire welcomes children and favourites like Chicken Nuggets and Squire Hot Dogs should keep them happy.
The pub stocks a wide range of bottled beers such as Becks, Heineken, Amstel, Corona, Budweiser and Peroni. Draft beverages include Guinness, Fosters, Stella, and Boddington’s. Cocktails and frozen drinks are also offered. Enjoy an entertaining conversation with the locals by taking a stool at the outside bar, affectionately known as the Somerset Arguing and Drinking Club.
The Somerset Country Squire is open 7 days a week from 11 am until 1 pm. Lunch is served between 11.30 am and 4 pm, and dinner from 6.30 pm to 10 pm. If you’re in Bermuda at the beginning of August, the pub is a good place to watch the mayhem of the Non-Mariners Race.
The pub is situated on Mangrove Bay Road in Somerset village in Sandys Parish. It’s the perfect place to stop off for visitors going to or from Dockyard. To reach it by public transport take bus number 7 or bus number 8. There’s plenty of parking for those travelling by scooter.
Cuisine: Bermudian, British, Pub Grub, Seafood, Steakhouse
I was at the Somerset Country Squire for a good bye dinner for the Bermuda Open Chess tournament in 2009. What a great place! The buffet food was excellent and the ambiance was everything you would want. I will definitely visit on my next trip to Bermuda
We found this great place on our last night. Don greeted us and it felt like we been regulars. We had the Prime Rib and that was excellent. We know where we’ll be 9/7/09 ! Great value also.
I found this to be one of the best places in Bermuda to bring my young child. Not many of the restaurants in Bermuda are kid-friendly, but this one has a huge outdoor patio and a kids menu.
Great view and assume mussel-pie if it’s in season.