2 historic Somerset pubs take pride of place in a feel-good film released at cinemas today (Friday 6 March).
The George Inn and The Fleur de Lys in Norton St Philip provide key locations for Mother’s Pride which stars comedy stalwart Martin Clunes and James Buckley, best known as Jay in The Inbetweeners.
Filmed in October 2024 with the help of Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office, Mother’s Pride comes from the creators of Fisherman’s Friends and is billed as a witty, distinctly British story of ‘resilience, reconciliation and real ale’.
Set in a struggling Westcountry pub at the heart of a divided community, it follows the grieving Harley family whose fortunes change when they start brewing their own beer and enter the Great British Beer Awards.
The George Inn, which dates from 1397, stars as The Drovers, run by Mick Harley (Clunes) while The Fleur, which dates from the 1500s, plays a competing pub across the road. Together provide atmospheric heart of the village and host the story’s key moments.
The family-friendly film boasts a great comedy cast which also includes Josie Lawrence, Miles Jupp and Mark Addy.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said:
Mother’s Pride is another great example of film-friendly Somerset taking a lead role on screen, bringing money into the local economy.
As well as the spend when the production is here, exposure like this has been shown to attract visitors keen to experience firsthand what they have seen on screen.
Linda Johnson, General Manager, George Inn and Fleur de Lys said:
It was a joy to welcome the actors and crew and to watch the filming take place. Guests loved seeing the behind‑the‑scenes magic, and there’s a real buzz in the village knowing our pubs will be part of a national release.
We can’t wait to see our fabulous pubs as stars of the show – it’s very exciting!
Nick Moorcroft, Director, Mother’s Pride said:
This project is deeply personal. Like many of us, I have witnessed firsthand the vital role that pubs play as the beating heart of British towns, cities and villages – places where people gather, share stories, combat isolation and loneliness, and find community and a sense of belonging.
When scouting locations, we encountered too many beloved pubs standing empty, their histories and memories at risk of fading forever.
