Eating, drinking and dancing
We've rounded up the best restaurants in Somerset's northeast, from cosy country pubs to gastronomic fine dining. For restaurants, bars and cafés in Bath, check out our Bath destination guide.
Restaurants
The Sharpham Park Restaurant
Young chef Elisha Carter has chosen this acclaimed hotel restaurant to whip up his stylish, traditional-European-meets-West-Indian dishes – think lasagne of prawn and mussels or ‘head to tail’ West Country pork. All produce comes from the Charlton House estate, and its organically reared rare-breed meats feature heavily on the menu.
Charlton House, Charlton Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4PR
(+44 (0)1749 342008)
Andrew’s on the Weir
Situated on the edge of the Exmoor hills, this lovely family-run restaurant, overlooking boats bobbing up and down on Porlock Bay, specialises in classic English cuisine made from fresh West Country ingredients, ham hock and Exmoor pigeon among them. There’s a good selection for vegetarians, too (www.andrewsontheweir.co.uk).
Porlock Weir, near Minehead, Somerset TA24 8PB
(+44 (0)1643 863300)
Franks Restaurant
This intimate restaurant near Cheddar Gorge offers formal dining and an unpretentious menu of classic dishes – Gressingham duck, rack of lamb, sticky toffee pudding, and so on – in a cosy setting (www.franksrestaurant.co.uk).
The Bays, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3QL
(+44 (0)1934 742761)
New Farm Restaurant
A friendly establishment in old farm buildings at South Petherton, just off the A303, the New Farm Restaurant has a relatively small selection of seasonal dishes, but concentrates on preparing them well. Its produce all comes from local suppliers, its desserts are all home-made (www.newfarmrestaurant.co.uk).
Over Stratton, near South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5LQ
(+44 (0)1460 240584)
The Old Spot
Homely and informal, the Old Spot has become one of Somerset’s most lauded restaurants – a favourite of London’s most savage food critics. Its formula is simple: provide delicious food – braised shoulder of lamb, ceviche of organic salmon with red chilli – at budget prices, and throw in a superb wine list, too. Spot on.
12 Sadler Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2SE
(+44 (0)1749 689099)
The Moody Goose
Originally located in Bath, this Michelin-starred restaurant moved to nearby Midsomer Norton when its owners fell in love with the mediaeval priory that has become its new home. Its tranquil setting complements the understated and elegant décor, and makes for the ideal place to indulge in Stephen Shore’s wonderful modern English cuisine (www.moodygoose.co.uk).
The Old Priory Hotel, 17–19 Church Square, Midsomer Norton, near Bath, Somerset BA3 2HX
(+44 (0)1761 416784)
Cafés
Rainbow’s End
This friendly café specialises in vegetarian and vegan food, and serves up some of the best quiches, mezze and cakes in the West Country. Portions are notoriously huge.
17a High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DP
(+44 (0)1458 833896)
Garden Café
A lovely spot for a lazy Sunday breakfast, this delightful Frome institution specialises in natural and organic food, and serves it all up in a light and airy environment – you can even sit outside and eat if the weather’s good. Its cakes may be made with organic flour and free-range eggs, but they’re still rib-stickingly good (www.gardencafefrome.co.uk).
16 Stony Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1BU
(+44 (0)1373 454178)
Pubs
The Wheatsheaf
Situated in an idyllic 16th-century country cottage, with dovecotes built into its walls, the Wheatsheaf is one of the West Country’s most enticing gastropubs. Even the smart, spoilt-for-choice residents of Bath make the 15-minute drive out of town to sample the excellent menu and wine list.
Combe Hay, near Bath, Somerset BA2 7EG
(+44 (0)1225 833504)
The George & Pilgrims
An atmospheric 15th-century pub in the heart of Glastonbury that’s steeped in history – in its former incarnation as a coaching inn, it played host to King Henry VIII. Oak-panelled, supposedly haunted, and with hidden tunnels, it’s the oldest purpose-built public house in the southwest.
1 High Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9DP
(+44 (0)1458 831146)
The City Arms
You might not end up behind the bars of this lovely Wells pub, set inside the old city jail, but you’ll be happy to serve your time here. Stocks and shackles are still displayed on the walls (www.thecityarmsatwells.co.uk).
69 High Street, Wells, Somerset BA5 2AG
(+44 (0)1749 673916)
The Packhorse Inn
A charming 15th-century coaching inn. Park up at a bench in the beer garden and soak up the sun and the views with a pint of cider (and we don’t mean that over-iced luminous orange stuff).
Southstoke, Bath, Somerset BA2 7DU
(+44 (0)1225 832060)
The Talbot Inn
A 15th-century coaching inn, the Talbot has a hearty menu of British game and seafood. Plump for Cornish mussels, a Somerset ploughman's, or pitch up on a Sunday afternoon for a classic roast. The Tythe Barn bar has casks of real ale and 600-year-old oak beams.
Mells, near Frome, Somerset BA11 3PN
(+44 (0)1373 812254)