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A
traditional no-frills pub, known for its warm welcome. Fast
becoming a walkers and cyclists Mecca, with under cover bike
storage and a garden
where dogs are welcome. Listed in the Camra Good Beer Guide and
recommended as the place to try Potholer, the award winning ale from
new microbrewery Cheddar Ales. Also on draft are Crown Inn Glory, a
light session ale brewed to the Landlord’s own specification and Sharp’s
Doom Bar. Cider drinkers enjoy Thatchers Dry poured straight from a cask
on the bar.
The no-nonsense food menu lists
traditional local specialities such as Cheddar Steaks
and Marshfield Farm Ice Cream, with recent lighter eating
choices and
daily specials.
Somerset food recommend the Blue Vodka – in moderation
!
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Under new management - we'll review it again for you soon
01934 732518
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Situated in an enviable position on
Axbridge's Medieval Square, this charming hotel has recently
been refurbished throughout, with each of the en-suite rooms
having a unique style and décor. Overnight guests
can enjoy a traditional English breakfast or opt for one
of a range of lighter choices such as fresh fruit or croissants.
There will be a new Winter menu for lunches and dinner, to
coincide with The Telegraph 'Wine & Dine for £10
with Bordeaux Wines' promotion, running from Sept to Jan
- 2 courses and a glass of wine for just £10, can you
afford to miss it?
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| 01934 732444 |
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Eating
at this Georgian Country House Hotel overlooking the Somerset
levels is to enjoy a private dinner party with your own
chef. Patricia will offer you choices based on the best
of Somerset's seasonal produce and together you can discuss
what you'd like and agree how you'd like it cooked. Dinner
can be served in the 17th Century Dining Room with its'
beautiful long table, solid oak floors and elegant panelled
décor. In fine weather you can
enjoy breakfast or tea (or dinner) on the garden terrace,
where you will be served Fair Trade tea, coffee and sugar
from delicate bone china and polished silver. Altogether
a taste of unimposing luxury from a bygone era.
Overnight stays - Private Dining - Corporate Functions -
Civil Weddings & Receptions
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Robert & Patricia Tallack
Tel: 01934 733944
Email: info@comptonhse.com
www.comptonhse.com |
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What can we write about this fine café that has not
been said already by the esteemed journalists of The Times
et al? Perhaps simply that delicious Mediterranean influenced
food, sourced from the best producers in Somerset, can be enjoyed
in the elegant Georgian dining rooms or romantic secret garden,
complimented by your choice from an imaginative selection of
European wines, local beers, ciders and fruit juices. And that
further temptation awaits in the wine shop, where, if you have
a sweet tooth, you'll be as likely to go home with chocolate
as with wine.
Somerset Food's choice for a late, lazy breakfast.
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Geoff Dunlop
and Annabel Hackney
01934 733004
www.bankhousecafe.co.uk |
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To many locals this Butcombe pub is the focal point of Axbridge
life, and such is the standard and consistency of the
food, that many customers return on a weekly basis. A
full lunch and dinner menu is available, with lighter
choices too. The Lamb is well known for its specials,
notably Steak Nights on Fridays and Pensioners' Lunches
on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visitors enjoy the pretty,
tiered garden and views from the tables on the square.
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Alan and Sandy
Currie
The Square, Axbridge, BS26 2AP
01934 732253
www.butcombe.com/lamb |
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A friendly, informal pub serving a variety of traditional pub food, including tasty burgers, jacket potatoes and ploughman’s lunches. Sunday Roasts with all the trimmings are renowned locally and are available in children’s portions. Families are well catered for, new play equipment has recently been installed in the hillside garden, which has pleasant views towards Axbridge and Cheddar.
A lively atmosphere is assured at the regular beer festivals, with over 20 real ales and ciders available, see this site for details.
Somerset Food recommends the New Inn as a place to chill out and catch the last of the Summer sun, while the children play.
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Steve and Emma
Cross, Axbridge, BS26 2EE
01934 732455 |
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Between Cheddar and Wells on the A371, this is the perfect place to feed a party with mixed tastes or appetites. The seamless change in atmosphere from the cosy bar, with it’s comfy cushions to the bright, airy conservatory is echoed as you read through the menu from nibbles, grazers and tapas, through innovative traditional and contemporary platters, to sea food, steaks and specials.
Neil and Annette’s menu has evolved over 20 years, but you can still find old favourites such as the delicious homemade chicken madras.
New this year is the stylish function room, which can be hired during the daytime as well as in the evening and is ideal for business meetings, family gatherings and small parties with various customised food options.
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Neil and Annette Sinclair
01749 870209
www.rodneystokeinn.co.uk |
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With an enviable position on Priddy village green, few pass this inn without being tempted to linger a while.
The wholesome menu changes with the seasons, always featuring a feast of local produce, much of it sourced from within the village at Townsend Farm, the home of Priddy Farm Shop. But not everyone is here for the food - there is always a choice of at least 3 real ales, with Cheddar Ales Potholer and Gem from Bath Ales amongst the favourites, and a great selection of ciders from Thatchers.
Children are welcome, the specials board, which changes twice a day, features lunchtime and early evening family favourites. Local meat is the star of the show twice a week for the Sunday Carvery and midweek 2 course special.
There is live music every other Wednesday and 6 B&B rooms
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Maxine, Dez, Rose & Steve
01749 676465
www.newinnpriddy.co.uk
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When I moved to Somerset 15 years ago one of the few things I missed from the smoke was a decent curry house. God must have heard my prayers, because a year later Russel and Hussain opened Cheddar Cottage.
From the outset they offered a warm welcome, a chilled pint of Kingfisher and the usual range of Indian dishes we all know and love, plus unique Bangladeshi creations with exotic fruit, coconut milk and fragrant spices. This proved to be a winning formula that has stood the test of time and I’m pleased to say my favourite, Tatula, is still on the menu, alongside a choice of 7 other Bangladeshi specialities, including the popular Nagajal.
Visit on a Wednesday and you can enjoy a special banquet meal with mixed starter, choice of main and rice for just £9.95.
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Russel Ahmed
01934 744370
Union Street, Cheddar, BS273NB
www.cheddarcottage.com
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This little restaurant is surely Cheddar’s most precious undiscovered treasure.
Run by husband and wife team Frank and Sue Farrell, the atmosphere is relaxed yet formal and the service second to none.
The food is cooked to perfection and has a modern French influence. An imaginative use of local seasonal produce pervades throughout the menu – the vegetables in particular are exceptional.
We recommend the lunch menu, with set prices for 1, 2 or 3 courses it represents excellent value for money and is the perfect way to liven up a winter’s day. The menu changes every few weeks, so you can go back time and time again.
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Frank and Sue Farrell
01934 742761
The Bays, Cheddar, BS27 3QL
www.franksrestaurant.co.uk
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This pub has become known as ‘The best little food pub in Cheddar’ and we’d be hard pressed to disagree. It’s everything a village pub should be - a real pub, with a real fire and real food.
The menu features traditional pub favourites - the homemade pies are very popular - but it’s the exotic meat that has become a trademark. Think medallions of wild boar, kangaroo kebabs and crocodile steaks! If these don’t whet your appetite, how about the Cornish catch of the day? When we visited there was a choice of baby Dover sole, butterflied mackerel and Moroccan shark tagine.
Children and dogs are most welcome and can chose from the healthy Mini Diggers and Doggy (yes doggy!) menus, not a chip in sight!
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Jo and Nick Barrett
01934 742235
35 Silver Street, Cheddar, BS27
www.gardeners-arms.net
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Cheddar’s favourite pub for all, the Riverside Inn really does cater for everyone – and we’re not just talking about the food!
Sink into the leather seats in the cosy lounge, follow your team in the lively sports bar or go through to the bright and fresh conservatory restaurant.
The team of chefs have put together a traditional menu of wholesome dishes including sharing platters, traditional grills and a wide variety of vegetarian and fish options. Try to save room for one of the delicious desserts!
Children can let off steam in the fun play area and choose from a menu fit for Princesses and Super Heroes, featuring everything from tapas to steak and pizza to picnic boxes, with plenty of healthy options available.
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Jo and Huw Davies
01934 742452
The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3PX
www.riversidecheddar.co.uk
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Regular customers of Delicious say they feel like part of the family. Viv and Mandy happily chat knowledgeably about all the products they sell, whilst serving a wonderful cup of Illy coffee or Miles tea, that just begs for a slice of one of the tempting homemade cakes, such as Somerset apple cake or French and flourless chocolate cake.
The daily specials board features fresh soup, pasta, pies, paninis and sandwiches, all made on site and available to eat-in or takeaway. On the day we visited Spaghetti with clams and risotto with mushrooms, thyme and pecorino cheese were very popular.
The deli is an emporium of local and unusual treasures, Burcott Mill organic flour, Valley Smoke House Salmon, Wootton Organic Sheep Cheeses and Chilli Chocolate tapenade to name but a few. Gluten free items are a speciality.
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Viv Bronson
01749 344523
36 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA5 5AS |
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Almost as much a part of Shepton Mallet as the viaduct up the road, Blostins has been owned and run by Nick and Lynne Reed for 23 years.
Its winning formula is remains as it was on the opening night, great seasonal fresh food, cooked to order and served in an informal bistro atmosphere. Fish soup is a speciality, but the crispy duck comes equally recommended.
The reasonably priced 2 and 3 course meals make Blostins affordable for everyday eating out, and whilst not setting out to be an occasion restaurant, the personal service and a la carte specials ensure it meets the grade when called for. 12 years ago they bought the cottage next door and knocked through, doubling the dining space and creating a room that can be used for private dining.
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Lynne and Nick Reed
01749 343648
29-33 Waterloo Road, Shepton Mallet, BA5 5HH
www.blostins.co.uk
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Described as a ‘restaurant with rooms’, Bowlish House is an elegant grade II listed Georgian house; grand without being intimidating, and formal, yet relaxed.
Book a table here and it’s yours for the evening, though you may wish to take coffee in the comfortable and homely lounge. Modern British and European in style, the food is sourced from the West Country where possible, including local meat and vegetables and fresh fish from Devon.
Recent a la carte choices, added alongside the longstanding 3 and 6 course fixed price options, are perfect for lunch or a lighter evening meal, and the house makes an unusual venue for morning coffee and cake. |
Jason Goy and Darren Carter
01749 342022
Wells Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5JD
www.bowlishhouse.com
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The chilled counter at Peppers is a trip around the world in 80 dishes!
Choose from Greek staples, Far Eastern treats and Italian specialities, including houmous, falafels, samosas, fresh salads, rustic tarts and even a good old Homity pie.
There is a good selection of wholefoods, special dietary needs are catered for and a full range of Ecover products are stocked. Although the emphasis is on healthy eating, the homemade cakes are hard to resist too!
The café is deceptively spacious, with plenty of room for buggies or wheel chairs. The pasta choices would not disgrace a café in Italy, and the menu is as varied as that in the deli, with specials including Thai Curry and Moroccan Lamb. We love the fact that all the meals can be served with a selection of the freshly made salads from the deli.
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Julie Duncan, Caroline & Mark Palmer
01749 346640
2-4 Town Street, Sheptom Mallet, BA4 5AS
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If you eat at the same place 4 or 5 times a week then it goes without saying that the food has to suit you. Ian Jarmaine, landlord of The Stumbles, is no exception to this rule. A strict vegetarian, he soon tires of the same 2 or 3 dishes served in most pubs and restaurants and has set out to make his own pub different. Hence this unexpected location for surprisingly good vegetarian pub food, much of it cooked with the meat replacement Quorn.
Not that the menu is totally vegetarian – lamb shanks and pork stroganoff are amongst the most popular dishes, and the steak pie is so good one visitor enjoyed it for both lunch and dinner!
Still a traditional real ale pub, serving Matthews Bob Wall and other local ales, but also offering business breakfasts and accommodation, The Stumbles has worked hard recently to re-brand itself, including becoming the 1st pub to be awarded the ‘safer socialising’ status, resulting partly form its no-tolerance approach. |
Ian Jarmaine
01749 344995
27-29 Town Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BE
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It would be easy to rely on the journalists who have recently referred to The Old Spot as ‘The Hot Spot’, ‘Spot On’ and ‘utterly brilliant’ - all worthy praise indeed - but for me the unsolicited recommendations from no less than three of the chefs I most respect in Wells was the real key to the quality of the food in this unassuming restaurant.
Ian Bates describes his cooking as down-to-earth and straightforward, with the ambience being that of a local neighbourhood restaurant. The latter is certainly true, but how many neighbourhood restaurants can boast a spectacular cathedral view?
The menu changes weekly, making use of the best seasonal local produce, always offers something interesting as well as straightforward and demonstrates the skills and repertoire that Ian has amassed since his days at Bibendum.
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Ian and Clare Bates
01749 689099
12 Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2SE |
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How should we start to describe this traditional British pub that was originally the city jail? With the 7 real ales all perfectly served; a phrase often used, but rarely as true as at The City Arms, the only Wells pub in the Camra guide and with Casque Marque accreditation? Or with the historical courtyard and spectacular first floor restaurant with its high ceilings and original oak beams? Or maybe the subtle feminine touches put in place by the new landlady, Penny Lee.
All of these are reasons enough to visit, but the tempting menus and sight of other diners will surely make you want to stay and eat.
The specials change weekly and reflect the both traditional British dishes that the pub is known for, and the Southern Mediterranean interest of Head Chef Adam Kennington. On our visit the choices ranged from fresh whole rainbow trout and chicken with BBQ sauce to Greek salad of feta cheese, olives, peppers & red onions and deep fried calamari rings with a sweet chilli dip.
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Penny Lee
01749 6793916
69 High Street, Wells BA5 2AG
www.thecityarmsatwells.com
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Tastefully decorated with rich, orange paintings complimenting minimalist furniture, it would be hard to pin down the style of the food served at Café Romna if you glanced in through the window; but step through the door and the warm, spicy aromas of Indian cooking leave you in no doubt.
The menu lists all the Indian favourites alongside Romna specials ranging from home-cooked Indian dishes such as Maas Ori, with flash fried Bangladeshi Boowal fish to fusion creations such as char-grilled pheasant with a spicy lime sauce.
The atmosphere is intimate enough for couples, but open enough for parties, ranging in size from large tables to full restaurant bookings, be they business gatherings or celebrations for families and friends. Call to discuss your requirements.
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Afsar Khan
01749 670240
13 Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2SE
www.caferomna.co.uk
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Once through the door of this back-alley gem, you could be in a New Orleans jazz bar, complete with pictures of great musicians such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and a fantastic grand piano.
Visit in the morning to spread out your papers and relax over a traditional English fry-up, with Bucks Fizz on Sundays, enjoy simple, honest pub-style food at lunchtime, or make an evening of it, with the rare combination of excellent live music and good food. The rack of lamb and ever-changing medley of fish are always popular, but we also recommend chef’s specials such as scallops au gratin or roasted guinea fowl.
The music style varies, from sax and piano players to the rat-pack mix sung by Michael Carter, one of the 4 Carter family members who run the café. Bizarely 3 unrelated Carters also work here!
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The Carters
01749 677772
Heritage Courtyard, 9 Sadler Street, Wells, BA5 2SE
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The atmospheric restaurant in the 13th century Undercroft at The Bishop’s Palace is truly a unique venue.
Head chef Steve Childs has developed a range of menus for wedding receptions, family celebrations, fundraising events and corporate functions, all with a strong emphasis on fresh seasonal home cooked food sourced from local producers.
The series of special a la carte nights are very popular, a great opportunity to enjoy fine dining amid beautiful surroundings.
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens are open daily from Easter to Christmas and the restaurant serves morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea on these days. We recommend a relaxed Sunday lunch, followed by an afternoon stroll in the peaceful gardens where one can marvel over the architecture and enjoy the tranquillity.
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Helen Garrett
01749 678691
The Bishop's Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD
www.bishopspalace.org.uk
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Those who like The Riverside in Cheddar, with its inventive menu, bright restaurant, welcoming bars and friendly service, will love the transformation at The Sherston. It’s a winning formula that has worked well for Huw Davies and his team, so he has taken much of it with him to his new venture. The atmosphere is modern, yet cosy, with contemporary décor and a roaring fire in the restaurant.
The menu has something for everyone including fresh fish, great steaks, and lighter options such as salads, olives and Greek meze.
The childrens menu is exceptional, and sure to please both parent child, whether the choice is mini tapas for a toddler, pork sausages with veggie mash, homemade Yorkshire pudding and gravy for those who love something familiar, sweet and sour vegetables with rice for the more adventurous or even 5oz rump steak for those with a bigger appetite. We did spot a mistake though, shouldn’t the banana and strawberry kebab be on the adult menu?!
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Mark Hill
01749 673743
Priory Road, Wells, BA5 2SU
www.sherstonwells.co.uk
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