There's something in the water in Somerset. Or maybe the magic is in the soil – after all, this is the home of Arthurian legend and Glastonbury Tor; a land of chalk hills, wooded valleys and rolling fields. Wherever there is fertile land, there is delicious food. Somerset has been on a winning streak of late, with some of Britain's best chefs choosing to open restaurants here due to its proximity to extraordinary produce. Here we raise a glass to Somerset's best restaurants and our pick of hotels for a post-dinner break.
Osip
Bruton
Osip
Osip
Of all the towns in Somerset, Bruton is the most qualified in the art of cooking. Although it has a population of only 3,000, it has proven to be fertile ground for independent restaurants, pubs and country west delis. The biggest hitter is Merlin Labron-Johnson Osipoccupies a converted 18th-century hotel a few miles outside Bruton. Johnson's Michelin-starred menu – changing seasonally and inspired by Somerset style masterpiece Field-to-fork dining—already filling the pages of food guides across the country. And for good reason: As well as exquisite cooking, Ossip sources 70-90% of its produce from its on-site farm, making heavy use of Somerset's edible wildflowers and plentiful foraged ingredients.
Where to stay
Osip's exquisite farmhouse-style rooms are the perfect end to an evening of inspired dining. All four rooms feature oak furniture, beamed ceilings and warm caramel tones.
Blair
Bruton
Blair
Neighborhood Tavern Blair has taken root in Bruton first place The hotel is located in a prime location on the town's main street. It was previously home to the first iteration of Osip, leaving a huge void for its successor. Cheshire-born award-winning chef Sam Lomas embraces the occasion with enthusiasm, taking the restaurant in a new direction with his creative yet approachable country west cuisine. Lomas's menu of delicious small plates and shareable dishes is firmly established, changing daily based on what's in season from the garden or what's available from local purveyors. You can try dishes like marinated brie meatloaf with blood orange and cilantro, or Creek Farm lamb with asparagus, wild garlic and a dollop of black pepper yogurt.
Where to stay
Spread between a Georgian townhouse and a series of 18th-century cottages, Number One's colorful country rooms are a showcase for country west craftsmanship. The owners also acquired the charming Blue Ball bar next door, making Number One a triple threat.
Holm
South Petherton
Holm
South Petherton Restaurants and Rooms Holm Yes creative Nicholas Balfethe chef behind which specializes in south London restaurants such as Salon and Levan. For Balfe, choosing to open in Somerset meant catering to the county’s incredible produce, tapping into the farmers, butchers and growers at the source. With light wood furniture and lime-washed walls, the restaurant feels restrained and modern, but you'll find subtle nods to the building's past, such as steak knives with elm handles made from the building's old beams. So, what's on the menu? You'll enjoy delicious snacks such as Holm's premium cheese crisps (made with Westcombe cheddar and pickled walnuts); appetizers including beef tartare with lovage emulsion and roasted buckwheat; and hearty main courses such as British rose veal sirloin.
Where to stay
There's no place like Holm. Holm's seven rooms, named after English trees and shrubs, have a medieval feel, with minimalist plaster walls and soft furnishings in burnt orange and ocher. Rowan, Hornbeam and Elm also feature egg-shaped freestanding baths, perfect for a pre-dinner soak.
Augustus Restaurant
Taunton
Given its huge position in Taunton I wish you a happy life, You can be forgiven for thinking so. Augustus Restaurant Named after the Roman emperor. But no – it’s a tribute to Augustus Graupe, Roald Dahl’s Little Glutton charlie and the chocolate factory. One thing is for sure: Graup would have liked Augustus. This elegant bistro strikes a good balance between culinary skill and great value for money, which means there's plenty of delicious food on offer. For example, seared Brixham scallops with garlic, parsley and pomesgofretes; Juicy sirloin steak; or gurnard fillets with chilli, ginger and soybeans. The wine list is equally impressive, filled with reasonably priced wines from popular regions such as Burgundy, the Loire and Alsace.
Where to stay
Lord Platt Arms
Set up base camp Lord Platt Armsis a centuries-old pub with guest rooms in the quaint village of Hinton Saint George. This honey-toned inn has been welcoming visitors since 1680 and has a delightful traditional feel, with crackling fires, cozy nooks and old antiques collected by the owners during their travels.
rootwells
wells
Wells is considered the smallest city in England, an honor it owes to its massive English Gothic cathedral. Beautiful view of stonework from plant-led dining room's rear window root wellshelmed by British chef Robert Howell. It's not entirely vegetarian—you'll find meat and fish on the menu—but Howell and his team are masterful when it comes to veggies. It’s a small plate setting that helps spread earthly goodness in abundance. Your five-a-day meal might include confit leeks, sweet and sour beetroot or crispy fried mushrooms with raw tofu, plus a plate of pan-fried Cornish cod or lamb meatballs for added texture.
Where to stay
babington house
babington house About half an hour's drive from Wells. The Georgian manor was built in 1705 and has always been part of the British Crown Estate. soho house group since the nineties. Despite its weathered stones and croquet lawns, Somerset's main city has long since learned to relax, introducing a young workforce, pop art and the popular Cowshed spa.
olive tree
bath
Bath also has many fine restaurants, but olive tree exist Queensbury Hotel It is its brightest burning star. That said, it's the only restaurant in the city with a Michelin star. Chef Chris Cleghorn's five-, seven- and nine-course tasting menus are the work of a master, crafted using the best seasonal ingredients available to him. Depending on the menu you choose and the time of year, you might get Cornish marinated mussels, duck from Sladedown Farm, Wye Valley asparagus, Cornbury Park fawn or Newlyn Market lobster. The cooking is cutting edge but based on classic British flavours, often presented in ways you may have never experienced. Are there seven ways to eat carrots? Now you can.
Where to stay
The Queensbury Hotel consists of four Georgian townhouses, which lend noble proportions to the rooms. The spacious junior suites (Rooms 7 and 8) have swings; these were originally the townhouse living rooms, with original plasterwork and ornate fireplaces.
Beckford Bottle Shop
bath
Part wine merchant, part tavern, Beckford Bottle Shop is a paean to all things worth drinking and laughing at. The place has a relaxed vibe: the service is attentive but relaxed, and the restaurant has a lived-in vibe, with weathered wood floors, a tin roof and soft studded leather chairs, perfect for sipping a bottle of wine. Chef James Harris, who spent 15 years working in acclaimed (often Michelin-starred) kitchens before settling here, has turned his attention to seasonal snacks such as salt cod fritters, smoked cod roe with sour chips and octopus Escabeche Fennel, carrots, celery and dill.
Where to stay
Townhouse 8 Holland Street
bath temporary accommodation Townhouse 8 Holland Street Owned by gallerist and interior designer Tobias Vernon, who has amassed an impeccable collection of art and design treasures. You'll find works by Josef Frank, Rosemary Ellis, and Man Ray scattered throughout the three exquisite rooms and living spaces.
Want more? Explore our cooking collectionread our latest Catering Scheduling Or browse our complete collection Somerset Hotel
