![\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_BRI_PG_060825gromit-2.jpg\")
the New Inn at Blagdon.(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\nThe drinks aren’t the only thing drawing the crowds to this stunning location the New Inn at Blagdon.(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\n
Gromit Unleashed 3 has been a sensational success since beginning on June 30. The 53 sculpture trail<\/a> spans nearly 50 miles from Cheddar Gorge in the south to Slimbridge in the north.<\/p>\n Towards the southern end of the trail, The New Inn in Blagdon, North Somerset<\/a>, boasts the statue with perhaps the best view of all.<\/p>\n Set against the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and a view of nearby Blagdon Lake, the Big Friendly Wallace, an homage to the beloved Roald Dahl children\u2019s book, has been entertaining guests in the pub\u2019s beer garden all summer. The New Inn is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and from midday until 7pm on Sundays.<\/p>\n Pub manager James Wilson said the resident Wallace had helped the pub become busy even outside these extended opening hours. \u201cGenerally it\u2019s been really positive,” he said. \u201cIt drives footfall before we\u2019re even open, and it drives footfall when we\u2019re open.<\/p>\n James said he wasn\u2019t sure exactly how much extra business had been generated by Wallace, with the pub busier than usual due to a summer of mostly glorious weather<\/a>. However, he estimated the affable statue of the Wendsleydale aficionado could have brought in as many as 600 extra punters a week since it was installed.<\/p>\n James also said he\u2019d been shocked by how many people had stopped off at the pub on a quest to visit all 53 sculptures.<\/a> \u201cI\u2019ve been surprised about how many people have come by who have been doing the whole trail,\u201d he said. \u201cEspecially as we\u2019re not on a main road, we\u2019re more of a destination pub, so you can really notice it when people are passing through.\u201d<\/p>\n Wallace isn\u2019t the only thing drawing crowds to The New Inn. The kitchen serves up a selection of pub classics, with much of the produce sourced from neighbouring Yeo Valley Farms<\/a>. A traditional roast is on offer on Sundays, and a selection of local beers are available on tap to be enjoyed in the picturesque garden, or inside next to a fire in the winter months.<\/p>\n There is also a private room named after the fishing on offer at Blagdon Lake. The Tipsy Trout is available to hire for functions, group meals or meetings.<\/p>\n![\"Bristol](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_AMR_070825_PubGromit.jpg\")
Bristol woman Wendy Ritchens cosied up to Wallace on a recent visit to the pub(Image: Wendy Ritchens)<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_BRI_PG_060825gromit-8.jpg\")
Big Friendly Wallace at the New Inn at Blagdon(Image: PAUL GILLIS \/ Reach PLC)<\/p>\n