Somerset's Must Try Venues
1st September 2025
Somerset Culinary Discoveries
Experience Somerset's Remarkable Dining Scene
As passionate advocates for hospitality excellence, we're delighted to share our selection of Somerset's most distinguished restaurants. Each venue exemplifies the region's culinary prowess through thoughtful sourcing, exceptional craftsmanship, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Somerset's Rich Culinary Heritage
Somerset's unique terroir, with its fertile farmlands, artisanal producers, and innovative chefs, has fostered a dining scene of remarkable distinction. From intimate farm-to-table establishments to Michelin-recognised restaurants, the region offers extraordinary gastronomic experiences that rival the finest in Britain. Each venue we've selected represents the perfect marriage of local ingredients, culinary vision, and warm hospitality that defines Somerset dining.
Five Exceptional Somerset Dining Destinations
We've carefully selected these establishments for their commitment to culinary excellence, showcasing the very best of Somerset's gastronomic landscape.
Housed in a former ironmonger's shop, this intimate farm-to-table restaurant offers a daily-changing menu crafted from ingredients grown on their nearby plot. Chef Merlin Labron-Johnson's delicate, produce-driven cooking has earned Osip a coveted Michelin star, celebrating Somerset's bounty with remarkable precision and creativity.
A celebration of Somerset's agricultural heritage, Holm occupies a converted bank building where Chef Nicholas Balfe creates dishes that honour local traditions while introducing contemporary techniques. The restaurant's relaxed atmosphere paired with its serious culinary ambitions makes it a perfect representation of modern Somerset dining.
Bath's only Michelin-starred restaurant resides beneath The Queensberry Hotel. Chef Chris Cleghorn presents refined tasting menus that showcase exceptional technique while maintaining a strong connection to regional producers. The elegant basement dining room provides an appropriately sophisticated setting for this culinary jewel.
The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe
This beautifully restored country pub combines traditional charm with serious culinary credentials. Chef Margot Henderson oversees a seasonal menu that transforms local ingredients into hearty, flavourful dishes. The Three Horseshoes perfectly balances sophisticated food with the welcoming ambiance of a beloved village pub.
The Barrington Boar, Barrington
This charming gastropub offers a warm welcome and exceptional cooking in equal measure. The menu changes frequently to reflect the best available ingredients, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and nose-to-tail cooking. The Barrington Boar's unpretentious approach paired with its culinary excellence makes it a true Somerset treasure.
Making the Most of Your Somerset Culinary Journey
When exploring these exceptional dining destinations, consider these insider tips:
1. Book well in advance, especially for Osip and The Olive Tree, which often have waiting lists extending months ahead.
2. Many of these restaurants offer special tasting menus showcasing seasonal highlights – ideal for experiencing the full range of the chef's vision.
3. Consider visiting midweek for a more relaxed experience and occasionally more favourable reservation availability.
4. Ask about producer connections – many chefs are happy to share stories about their suppliers and the journey of ingredients to your plate.
5. Pair your dining experience with visits to local producers – many restaurants can recommend nearby farms, cheesemakers, or vineyards that supply their kitchens.
We hope this guide inspires your own gastronomic adventures across our beautiful county. At The Kingston Group, we're passionate about promoting the exceptional hospitality that makes Somerset special.
Should you need any further recommendations or assistance planning your culinary journey, our team would be delighted to help.
