Facilities

The Mells Tithe Barn comprises a large single hall of approximately 120 square metres (6.7m x 18m) with a raised platform/stage at the north end of approximately 10 sq m (6.7m x 1.9m – height 0.5m). At the south end there are separate toilets and a central kitchen (2.9m x 3.4m) which was refurbished in 2012. It is fitted with two electric ovens, two electric hobs, a microwave, fridge, water boiler and a range of crockery (cups, saucers, dinner plates, side plates
and bowls). Cutlery and glasses are not normally supplied but some stocks are held. The kitchen is suitable for preparing and serving light meals and hot drinks only but, for more formal occasions, caterers would normally be used and they should provide their own commercial preparation and serving equipment.
 
On the west side of the Barn is a gravelled parking area which is shared with the Walled Garden nursery and café opposite. There is unrestricted parking on the road outside so, normally, there is no problem with car parking close by within the village. In the Barn entrance hall of 12 sq m (3.8m x 3.1m) there is a raised work surface which can be used as a bar. The main hall of the Barn is accessed through double doors from the entrance hall and, directly opposite, are further
double doors which lead out into the large rear garden. Frequently, marquees are erected here for the larger parties or wedding receptions.
 
There are 12 collapsible large tables (approx 180cm x 76 cm) and 18 small tables (approx 90 cm x 76 cm). They are stored under the stage area at the north end. Over 100 metal chairs are stored on moveable racks in a wooden storeroom in the garden. The maximum capacity of the Barn is 190 standing and 100 seated.

Please note that there is no internet facility at the barn. Due to its very thick stone walls, and grade 2* listing, phone companies are not keen to supply this for us. We are researching a technical solution to this. If you are considering running an event with cash-less payments being required then the O2 network has excellent coverage throughout the premises. Unfortunately because of the villages location in a scenic valley the other networks are not available

The Village of Mells

The village of Mells, with its honey coloured cottages, village shop and café, stream and manor house, is one of the prettiest in the West of England and has been privileged to have had artistic and architectural links with Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Sir Edwin Lutyens, Gertrude Jeykell, Sir Alfred Munnings and Eric Gill who have all left their mark on the unique character and charm of this special part of Somerset. Not least, the parish church, St Andrew's, a Grade I Listed church of some grandeur and national repute, boasts many of these influences in its fabric and decoration and is a popular wedding church. It is is a short walk from the Barn. That walk also takes you past the Talbot Inn, a 15th Century Coaching House, now an hotel, restaurant and inn of great style and history, which has been updated and upgraded in 2013.