From the world’s most famous cheese to the world’s strongest apple-based beverage, Somerset offers a range of treats for the culinary curious traveller. Fresh, local ingredients are often at the forefront of the region’s cooking whether you’re going for Michelin-starred dishes or just a hot snack at the pub. If you’re thinking of booking one of our fantastic luxury holiday homes in somerset, make sure you check out our list of Somerset food and drink experiences below, from the best restaurants in Somerset to get your fine dining fix, to the best orchards and pub grub spots.
We hope you’ve eaten already, because this post is bound to get those tastebuds tingling!
Booze-related attractions and kids aren’t generally compatible, but Sheppy’s Farm is an exception. This family company is known for producing some of the best cider, but its apple crop is kid-friendly too, with delicious apple juice. You can visit the farm independently, strolling through the orchards at your will and taking a turn around the on-site rural life museum, where you can see barn equipment, machinery, apple mills and presses. Of course, no visit would be complete with tasting their renowned cider, which you can go ahead and do in the on-site tearoom, before stocking up on the apply goodness at the farm shop.
Price Range: £
Location: Bradford on Tone, Nr Taunton Somerset, TA4 1ER
Perhaps the most famous cheese in the world, Cheddar has its origins here in Somerset in the village that shares its name. Nowadays, there’s only one cheese-maker left in Cheddar. Visitors can tour the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Co. to see where the cheese is produced and even look in as the cheese-makers produce the much-loved dairy as well as taste several samples. Once you’ve figured out which particular Cheddar cheese variety makes you melt, purchase a block from the on-site cheesemongers.
Price Range: ££
Location: The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, The Cliffs Cheddar Somerset BS27 3QA
The Somerset food scene for veggies and vegans is continuing to grow. Historically, Somerset’s gastropubs had a tendency to be a little meat-and-fish heavy, which can prove tiresome for vegetarian visitors. If you’re a veggie who has been feeling a little side-lined, your ship is about to come in. Tiny but venerable Acorn Vegetarian Kitchen serves up original vegetarian and vegan options with shed loads of flavour, including ricotta-stuffed courgette flours and cauliflower fritters with garlic dhal, crispy kale and cumin cauliflower.
This renowned smokery is the chosen supplier of some of the best chefs and restaurants in the country. If you want to taste the finger-licking trademark smoked salmon (or indeed some of their other famed smoked goods, such as eel, trout and sausage), you can do so here at their very own restaurant, which is adjacent to the smokery. After tasting the amazing products yourself, it’ll take a will of steel to walk past the adjoining shop without making a purchase or two.
If the phrase ‘pub grub’ makes you think of a measly sandwich with a side of crisps, you’re in for shock here at the Queen’s Arms. This is a pub alright, though it’s more pub dining 2.0 – hearty and filling fare that is prepared with the upmost care. Menus here change according to availability and season, but local ingredients, whether Cornish brill, Dorset venison or Dartmouth crab, are a common theme.
This is definitely on the list of the best restaurants in Somerset! This award-winning joint set in a converted orangery amid the perfectly pastoral surrounds of a walled garden, is notoriously difficult to find. But, as the old adage goes, nothing worthwhile is ever easy. And worthwhile this certainly is. The ingredients growing out in the garden are paired with other seasonal, local and ethically sourced produce to create terrific dishes such as 12-hour pork belly and Welsh rarebit made with West-Country cheddar.
Despite racking up dining accolades, this Michelin-starred country inn has remained delightfully relaxed and low-key. Pub purists can go for a casual lunch of classic pub grub, such as a ploughman’s or even burger and chips. More adventurous eaters who are keen to see just what chef Josh Eggleton can do ought to opt for the tasting menu, which mixes Pony & Trap stalwarts with innovative new dishes. The views over the Chew Valley are a treat and, if the weather is warm enough, it’s definitely worth securing a table on the outdoor terrace.
The orchards you see at every turn are a clue; Somerset is the UK’s top cider-making region. Somerset Cider Brandy is a famous exponent of both cider and distilled cider brandy. The company is particularly well-known for its iconic Somerset Cider Bus, which has been selling cider to Glastonbury festivalgoers since 1970. Arrange for an organised tour of the farm and distillery, and be sure to sample all the scrumptious scrumpys.
Price Range: £££
Location: Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi , Martock , Somerset TA12 6B
Another fantastic producer located in the UK’s cider heartland, Perry’s have been experimenting with the stuff since 1920. They are all about keeping things natural, using only the freshest local ingredients. Their farm and ciderworks are open to the public, who are able to explore the small on-site museum and taste a few of their tipples before buying them in the well-stocked shop. If you fancy a bite to eat and some more cider, stop by the on-site café.
Price Range: ££
Location: The Cider Mills, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 0NY
This warm and characterful 17th-Century coaching inn adapts well to the changing seasons. In winter, blazing log fires add to the cosy ambiance, while its waterside beer garden quickly fills when the sun shines. The menu is comprehensive, encompassing everything from burgers and typical pub meals to pastas and stone-fired pizzas, though it’s its traditional Sunday roast that has most punters smitten.
Price Range: ££
Location: Church Street, Nunney, Somerset, BA11 4LW
If you want to take advantage of the Somerset food and drink offerings but need somewhere to stay, our helpful concierge team can find you the perfect holiday home or cottage, as well as helping to arrange any extras you might want! You’re also free to have a gander at our collection of homes in Somerset yourself, too. If you need any more inspiration for your trip, you’ll find loads on our blog including three fantastic Somerset gastropubs that are well worth the visit.
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