Somerset is brim-full of beauty, from the coast and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty to its picture-perfect towns and villages. Whether you’re exploring the heights of the Quantocks, Mendips and Blackdown Hills to the flats of the lovely Lowlands, there’s plenty to explore that’ll definitely leave you with a healthy appetite!
Luckily, Somerset is home to a wealth of exceptional local produce from quality cheeses to home brewed cider, and it’s well-known for its fantastic array of eateries... Here’s just a selection of amazing places to eat, from haute cuisine to pub grub, restaurants to tea rooms – the choice is endless and the only struggle you’ll have is where to visit first.
Roth Bar & Grill, Bruton
Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL
For a relatively quaint town, Bruton has more than its fair share of amazing eateries. Roth Bar & Grill, set in the effortlessly cool Hauser & Wirth gallery, is a must for meat-lovers. With meat from their own Rare Breed flocks and herds, and fruit and veg from their walled garden, everything is as local as it gets and as tasty as it gets, too! Serving everything from breakfast through to dinner, expect tasty grilled treats such as wagyu beef, pork and lamb, and, as you might expect, their Sunday lunches are also spectacular. This is definitely one for a special occasion.
Candlelight Inn, Chard
Bishopswood, Chard TA20 3RS
Set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, this beautiful, award-winning 17th century pub in Chard is well worth a visit after a stomp in the hills. Dog and welly friendly, you can expect classic pub grub as well as more restaurant-style food, such as a starter of Devon smoked eel and a main of marinated pork collar, with ingredients sourced locally. With gorgeous wooden floors and a roaring fire, it’s the perfect pit stop on a day out exploring, and they even have their own gin distillery alongside an excellent selection of real ales and wines.
The Newt in Somerset, Castle Cary
Hadspen, Castle Cary BA7 7NG
The Newt in Castle Cary is a one-of-a-kind place, sitting pretty in a fantastic country estate that’s centred very much in the present. As well as having acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens to explore (perfect for a stroll after your meal), they have fantastic places to eat as well as farm shops, a cyder cellar and spa. The Botanical Rooms is an elegant restaurant that’s just the ticket for a special celebration, with estate fruit and vegetables, home-reared meat, and fish from the Dorset coast making up their menu. Tuck in to the likes of day boat fish with mushroom ragout and crab butter, followed by brioche ice cream with hazelnut and coffee molasses - they have a wonderful pairing menu too.
Rye Bakery, Frome
Hubnub Centre, Whittox Lane, Frome BA11 3BY
This lovely bakery is set in a former church in Frome and is a massive hit with locals. Perfect for breakfast and coffee and pastries, it’s also famous for its pizzas (served on Friday evenings). Lunch is hearty and filling with the likes of lasagne and beef shin stew on the menu, while their cinnamon bun French toast with poached fruit and whipped ricotta sounds the perfect way to start the day! Frome is a fabulous town to visit, with a host of independent shops to explore, and if you time it right you can catch the Frome Independent, a monthly market that showcases contemporary designers and makers.
Sally Lunns, Bath
4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX
Set in the heart of Bath, Sally Lunn’s is a world famous tea and eating house that was established back in 1680. The building is one of the oldest in Bath complete with its own museum, as well as a tea room that’s a must-visit when in the area. The Sally Lunn bunn – baked to a traditional recipe – isn’t actually a ‘bunn’, it’s more of a brioche-style bread that’s served in half, so you can get either a top (for sweet dishes) or a bottom (for savoury dishes). So whether you have it with house-cured salt beef or as part of their famous Sally Lunn cream tea, it’s a meal to be remembered that’s best followed up with a stroll around the town or a visit to the amazing Thermae Spa for a dunk in their mineral-rich waters. Head to the outside pool for magnificent city views.
Queen of Cups, Glastonbury
10-12 Northload Street, Glastonbury BA6 9JJ
For a taste of the Middle East in Somerset, head to this relaxed hotspot in the heart of Glastonbury that’s doggy and family friendly. Wowing visitors from all over, the sumptuous, Michelin recommended dishes here are fragrant, tasty and delicious, from the magnificent Queen’s Feast which comes in a flurry of tapas-style dishes to larger mains such as lavender braised lamb, Nabulsi cheese with black lime-infused honey and Bharat chicken yakitori. Meanwhile, their ‘sharing ciders’ keep feet firmly in Somerset showcasing lots of local suppliers. Their cocktails are pretty special too – a rum and date Martinez, anyone? Afterwards, stretch your legs by exploring the town, ruined Abbey and peaceful Holy Well, and climbing the Tor for spectacular views.
The Lazy Lobster, Chew Magna
5d South Parade, Chew Magna, Bristol BS40 8SH
If you’re hankering seafood, look no further than The Lazy Lobster in Chew Magna, near Bristol. Founded in 2018, this intimate restaurant is just perfect for a romantic meal for two, or a holiday family feast. With a tapas-style menu that changes with the catch of the day, you’re sure to be wowed by their selection of denizens from the deep, such as Brixham scallops with miso butter, lobster gnocchi, whole grilled John Dory with tarragon and dogfish noodles with enoki mushrooms. Due to its size, the restaurant doesn’t take bookings for over 8 people, so it’s a lovely, cosy affair with wonderfully welcoming staff. Afterwards, walk off your meal by tackling the Chew Magna circular walk.
The Halfway House, Pitney
Pitney Hill, Langport TA10 9AB
Nestled in the Somerset Levels, this traditional, CAMRA award-winning inn may look understated from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find ancient flagstone floors worn smooth by years of visitors, roaring log fires and a very warm welcome. Much-loved by locals and visitors alike, the food is simple yet beautifully cooked pub grub, with an ever-changing specials menu such as a rib-sticking lamb casserole with crusty fresh bread or a lighter smoked salmon, watercress and pesto tart. Rated highly by The Times, ale-lovers will relish trying some of the amber brew on tap, while locally-crafted cider is celebrated here too. Afterwards, head to nearby Pitney Farm Shop for some local goodies to take back to your holiday cottage.
The Copper Kettle, Dulverton
21 Fore Street, Dulverton TA22 9EX
Set in the heart of the pretty village of Dulverton, The Copper Kettle is something of an institution having been running for over 40 years. A traditional tea room, there’s a lovely garden out back if the weather is warm, while it's super-cosy inside for wintery days – and dogs are welcome too, so it’s a great stop off if you’ve been on an amble over wild and beautiful Exmoor. The Copper Kettle Cream Tea for two is a treat with sandwiches, scone with jam and clotted cream, cake and a pot of tea. For those who want something less sweet, there’s a savoury tea with cheese scone, cheese and chutney. It’s very popular here, so we recommend booking in advance, especially around lunch and afternoon tea time.
The Plough Inn, Holford
Back Lane, Holford, Bridgwater TA5 1RY
This 16th century country inn lies at the foot of the Quantock Hills, and is a wonderful place to fill hungry tums after a heart-pumping trek. Full of character, novelist Virginia Woolf stayed here on her honeymoon in 1912, and it’s also home to a Spanish merchant ghost called Roberto! If you have a dog with you, expect them to be spoiled rotten – they even have their own doggie menu with treats and drinks galore. For humans there’s a full menu of hearty pub fare such as beef and Guinness stew with dumplings and homemade cottage pie, while there’s a children’s menu too.
Ready to awaken your taste buds with the best of Somerset? Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages and start planning your foodie escape today.
