Forget all thoughts of doing the washing up this Mother’s Day and spoil your leading lady with a table at one of these top picks. How better to celebrate the women in your life this International Women’s Day than by booking a table at one of Somerset’s Michelin-rated restaurants...
The Three Horseshoes
Traditional British
Located in the village of Batcombe, the recently opened pub has acclaimed chef Margot Henderson OBE at the helm. Together with head chef Nye Smith, the duo have devised an unpretentious, field-to-fork menu driven by seasonal ingredients from their local suppliers.
“Large fireplaces, stone floors and whitewashed walls feature inside this renovated 17C pub. The pared-back décor is joined by similarly straightforward and equally appealing cooking that includes hearty dishes like rabbit pie and mince on toast. This approach allows the ingredients to speak for themselves, with local Somerset produce a feature. Five bedrooms add to the inn’s appeal, as do an attractive terrace and small walled garden.”
Holm
Modern British
Holm, which opened in November 2021, is run by co-founder and chef director Nicholas Balfe. It sits on a large quarter acre plot in the heart of South Petherton village, with the restaurant, terrace and landscaped kitchen garden. The recent opening of seven ensuite bedrooms follows a major renovation project to turn it into a destination restaurant with rooms.
“There’s something special about this former bank, with its impressive architecture and delightful village setting. Seasonal ingredients feature on a range of menus and appealing local drinks accompany. Sit in the spacious dining room with its distressed designer style or bag a spot at the kitchen counter.”
Locanda on the Weir
Italian contemporary
You’ll struggle to find a more glorious setting for a restaurant, surrounded by sea, moor and ancient woodlands.
“Set overlooking the 15C harbour at Porlock Weir, this relaxed, slightly quirky restaurant with rooms has just five tables. You'll be warmly greeted by manager Cindy, as well as chef Pio, who hails from Naples and brings influences from his upbringing to the daily 5 course tasting menu. Modern Italian dishes champion the produce of Exmoor, with some ingredients either foraged or grown in the garden. Pio’s cooking is creative and full of flavour, but at times takes an unfussy approach to allow the natural ingredients to shine.“
The Lazy Lobster
Seafood
The Lazy Lobster opened in Chew Magna in December 2018, the result of a holiday dream by husband and wife, team Don and Donna.
The menu is fresh and creative with small tapas dishes and weekly seafood specials including Grilled John Dory, Crab & Leek Crumble, Cornish Plaice and Whole Dressed Brixham Crab. The seafood is delivered daily by Conscious Food Co, considered Bristol's number one sustainable seafood supplier.
“A charming local couple transformed the old high street hairdressers into this lovely little seafood restaurant complete with a wet fish counter. Choose from shellfish platters or small plates ranging from the classic to the adventurous. The great drinks list includes gin from their son’s onsite distillery.”
Root Wells, Wells
Vegetarian, Modern Cuisine
This is the sister restaurant to the popular Root Bristol, owned by Josh Eggleton, Luke Hasell, Head Chef Rob Howell and his wife Megan Oakley. Although the majority of dishes are vegetarian, there are a couple of meat and fish options, sourced sustainably and locally.
“The views of Wells Cathedral alone are enough to attract anyone here, but add in an appealing ‘veg-led’ menu of small plates, great prices and eager-to-please service, and you have a restaurant we’d all like to have on our doorstep. Ask for the fried cheese puffs while you decide what else to order; the kitchen lets the ingredients really shine and the desserts are particularly good.”
All restaurant descriptions are included with kind permission of The Michelin Guide visit: guide.michelin.com
