Compton Martin 最佳餐厅

Bulrush

★ Michelin£££Modern British

There's an appealingly relaxed, cosy feel to this neighbourhood restaurant, where the downstairs room benefits from the atmosphere of an on-view kitchen. An imaginative streak runs through dishes based around top-notch seasonal ingredients that are either foraged or organic, while preserving and pickling also play a key role on the well-balanced and deftly prepared tasting menu. Highlights could include the likes of Wagyu beef with black bean ketchup and a terrific Bordelaise sauce. The astutely chosen wine flight creates the perfect partnership.

Wilsons

★ Michelin£££Modern British

There is so much to enjoy, and so much to admire, when dining at Wilsons. It’s one of those appealing neighbourhood operations that works in pure harmony, with everyone from the chefs to the service team sharing the same ethos. Environmental awareness and careful sourcing of superb ingredients are at the forefront, with the restaurant’s own smallholding providing much of the produce on the tasting menu of expertly crafted dishes. Each one is exquisitely balanced and full of understated originality, like dry-aged trout with pickled mushrooms and sweet onion broth.

Olive Tree

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

The Queensberry Hotel comprises a series of Bath's archetypal Georgian townhouses and in its basement sits this surprisingly airy, modern restaurant where Chef Chris Cleghorn brings an innovative, personalised approach to his cooking. Colours, textures and flavours are used to full effect in refined, creative combinations which have plenty of depth and, while they may appear simple, that’s all part of their skilful make-up. Desserts are a consistent highlight, especially the combination of intense dark chocolate and fruity olive oil, with a drizzle of top-notch balsamic.

Osip

★ Michelin££££Modern British

Formerly located in the centre of Bruton, Osip is now situated more rurally, in a stunningly renovated former pub that retains the minimalistic elegance of the original. Forward-thinking chef Merlin Labron-Johnson and his enthusiastic team are passionate about their farm-to-table ethos, with the tasting menus showcasing an array of home-grown and locally sourced produce. Dishes like chilled tomato consommé with fig oil shine in their technical precision and pure, natural flavours. The wine flights highlight organic and biodynamic choices, while there are also non-alcoholic pairings.

Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park

★ Michelin££££Modern British

This is country house dining at its finest – opulent, formal and sophisticated – and it suits this grand Palladian mansion perfectly. Rich, elegant décor, extravagant furnishings and sumptuous fabrics feature throughout, from the beautiful bedrooms to the drawing rooms where pre-meal drinks are enjoyed. Expertly crafted dishes rely on classic techniques but have a light, modern style, and ingredients are luxurious and of top quality. Structured service comes with as much polish as the silver.

Bybrook

★ Michelin££££Modern British

One of the last true country house hotels, this 14th-century manor sits within 365 acres of formal gardens and parkland in a picture-postcard village – and the immensely charming interior features characterful oak panelling and a host of cosy open-fired lounges. Quality produce from Anjou pigeon to Cornish brill plays a pivotal role in the menu, which results in a flavoursome blend of simple and premium ingredients. Dishes are precisely prepared and deliver refined, classic combinations with modern overtones. Luxurious bedrooms are split between the house and mews cottages.

Home

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

James Sommerin's restaurant is a small, intimate affair that provides an immersive yet warm and friendly experience. As the name implies, it’s staffed almost exclusively by family members, with James and his daughter Georgia working together in the open kitchen as well as delivering dishes with a palpable pride. The surprise menu changes regularly and is full of impeccable creations that make great use of produce provided by local suppliers. To finish, the tear-and-share cinnamon bun offers a personal touch, reminding James of his grandmother's house.

Gorse

★ Michelin££££Modern British

You get a good feeling about this intimate, personally run restaurant from the moment you arrive and are greeted by the chefs in the open kitchen. Go for the longer of the tasting menus and you won’t regret your decision, as local chef Tom and his team show a great understanding of flavour and balance across dishes founded upon the bountiful Welsh larder – from seaweed and seafood to Gower salt marsh lamb. The service is genial and unobtrusive, perfectly befitting of such an impressive operation.

The Dining Room

★ Michelin££££Creative

There’s a serene, romantic feel to this restaurant inside the charming Whatley Manor country house, which dates back to 1802 and sports 12 acres of formal grounds. The evening starts with snacks in the kitchen, before moving through to the dining room for the main event. Terse menu descriptions belie the detail and creativity in the artfully presented dishes, which come with some intriguing contrasts of texture and flavour. Extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of the luxurious modern bedrooms.

The Whitebrook

★ Michelin££££Creative British

The very definition of a destination restaurant, this place's isolated woodland feel is part of its inherent charm, as are the nature-inspired colour theme and rustic wood flooring. Ingredients are sourced from the Wye Valley and their own kitchen garden, and are used in dishes with a creative streak. Middle White suckling pig is one of their signatures, prepared with a nose-to-tail ethos that includes a croquette of minced pig's head, an offal faggot and compressed shoulder. There’s also a particularly creative vegetarian menu. Bedrooms follow the theme of bringing nature inside.

Root

必比登££Vegetarian, Modern Cuisine

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. The chefs let the ingredients shine, showing just what wonderful flavours humble vegetables can achieve. While you decide what to order, ask for the fried cheese choux puffs – a smooth, utterly delicious treat.

COR

必比登££Modern British

The epitome of a neighbourhood restaurant, COR is imbued with an air of contagious positivity that is a perfect fit for this buzzy area of Bristol. Its look is somewhere between a Mediterranean restaurant and a tapas bar, with some counter dining and shelves bursting with cookery books and wine. The dishes take on a similarly Mediterranean influence, as evidenced by the option of boquerones or burrata to kick things off. Save some room for pudding, because the crème caramel is a real treat.

OTHER

必比登££Sharing

If you were to ask Chef Zak Hitchman what kind of food he cooks, you may not get a clear answer, such is the variety of influences that he skilfully adopts. That’s borne out here in a playful, constantly changing menu served inside this small, modish bistro with bright orange walls. If there’s anything on the menu involving the hot and sour crab sauce, don’t hesitate in ordering it, as it’s the perfect encapsulation of the kitchen’s understanding of flavour. Everything, including the wines, comes with an appealing price tag and the friendly service is the icing on the cake.

BOX-E

必比登££Modern British

Located inside a converted shipping container in Bristol's hipster-foodie haven of Wapping Wharf, this compact restaurant comes clad in chipboard and plywood – and with a terrace that almost triples its size. The husband-and-wife team offer a warm welcome and will ensure you're well looked after, with Tessa providing engaging service and knowledgeable wine recommendations, while Elliot crafts generous, boldly flavoured dishes. Soy-glazed onglet is a fine example of what this kitchen is about, as is the excellent panna cotta to finish.

Root

必比登££Modern Cuisine

This busy, welcoming little restaurant occupies five first-floor shipping containers on Wapping Wharf, a thriving neighbourhood with an array of top eateries. Vegetables lead the way here, with the majority of dishes being vegetarian and utilising the best produce from small local suppliers in simple yet flavour-packed sharing plates. Ingredients from carrots to hispi cabbage are elevated with well-balanced and wholly satisfying flavour combinations. There’s a terrific buzz and the service team run their deservedly popular restaurant admirably smoothly.

RAGÙ Restaurant

必比登££Italian

Like most of the restaurants occupying the reclaimed shipping containers in Wapping Wharf, this authentic Italian eatery is cool, compact and totally irresistible. Coming from the same team as nearby COR, what it lacks in size it makes up for in flavour, with each simply prepared dish utilising the well-sourced seasonal ingredients to maximum effect. The menu’s designed for sharing and the prices are generous, so order in abundance and revel in everything from the moreish garlic and rosemary focaccia to the fish and meat cooked over fire. Finish with their creative take on tiramisu.

Marmo

必比登££Italian

The former Guardian Assurance Building makes a charming spot for a restaurant, thanks to its characterful interiors with high ceilings, parquet flooring and panelled walls. The rustic look is a perfect fit for this osteria-cum-wine-bar, where the concise menu of classic Italian dishes adheres to the old adage that 'less is more' – straightforward options like tagliolini with Devon crab, tomato and almond deliver on flavour with just a few ingredients. If you needed more reasons to visit, the service is confident and personable, and it all comes with an appealing price tag.

Little Hollows Pasta

必比登££Italian

Bristol's pasta-lovers are really being spoilt with this rustic bistro run by a charming and knowledgeable team. The pasta itself is freshly made each morning beside the window, catching the eyes of passers-by before being fashioned into bright, flavour-packed dishes. The options are often vegetable-centric, such as agnolotti with a delicious mix of cherry tomatoes, garlic, mascarpone, fior di latte and parmesan. For dessert, you can end on a high with Italian classics including a generously portioned tiramisu. The set lunch menu is quite the bargain.

Queen of Cups

必比登££Middle Eastern, Mediterranean Cuisine

This deliciously different restaurant sits within a rustic 17C inn in the heart of Glastonbury, and comes with numerous seating areas, including a cosy courtyard for sunny days. Menus showcase West Country produce and the resulting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean small plates burst with colour and flavour. Grab a friend, go for the chef’s selection entitled the ‘Queen’s Feast’ and accompany it with the ‘sharing ciders’.

The Chequers

必比登££Traditional Cuisine

Whether it's Orkney scallops or Wiltshire pheasant, there’s always an appealingly muscular quality to the cooking at this popular pub set in a smart residential street amid elegant Georgian terraces. You can choose between elaborate dishes with international flavours and touches of originality or those of a more traditional bent. Check out the blackboard specials, which could include prime rib to share, and don't miss the indulgent sticky toffee pudding if you get the chance.

The Blaise Inn

必比登££Traditional Cuisine

Situated in the suburbs, close to the famous folly of Blaise Castle, this simply decorated village inn serves good value, traditional British dishes cooked with a skilful, modern approach – make sure you save room for dessert! As well as quality ales and a well-chosen wine list, you'll find a pleasant rear courtyard in which to enjoy them. Personable service completes the picture.

Beckford Bottle Shop

必比登££Modern British

In a great location at the top end of the city, this characterful spot combines the relaxed vibe of a wine bar with the attractively priced cooking of a bistro. Tasty, carefully prepared small plates – such as succulent monkfish tail with leek mayo and umami-packed charcuterie jam – are served by a cheerful and helpful team. The wine list offers plenty of choice, but you can also choose a bottle from their shop next door and pay corkage to enjoy it while dining; French and Italian producers are particularly well represented.

Briar

必比登££Contemporary, Sharing

Within the charming Georgian hotel that is Number One Bruton, sits this attractive restaurant which we’d all love to have at the end of our street. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart, run with a genuine friendliness and enthusiasm that’s mirrored by the bright, fresh cooking that can’t help but put a smile on your face. Order three to four of the sharing plates per person and you’ll be treated to great value dishes that burst with flavour – like the buttermilk fried partridge enlivened by pickled shallots and tarragon mayonnaise.

Touring Club

必比登££Modern British

Inspired by a restaurant in Patagonia, this slick spot is a great place to while away the hours with a few drinks and accomplished small plates. The relaxed surroundings offer multiple areas to dine in, including on the terrace and at the kitchen counter bedecked with beautiful blue tiles. The menu ranges from snacks to the more substantial, with the unfussy approach resulting in simple, fresh-tasting dishes like a terrific take on Welsh rarebit. Add in the friendly service and you’ll leave with a smile on your face – just ensure you get here early as they don’t take bookings.

Purple Poppadom

必比登££indian

Enter via the glass door between the shop fronts and head up to this bright, sleek Indian restaurant where flashes of purple ensure it lives up to its name. Abstract murals, exposed brick walls and blonde wood chairs complete the look. The interesting menu showcases recognisable dishes like lamb rogan josh, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for the chef's signature tiffin sea bass too. Throughout, the subtle spicing and quality produce ensure layer after layer of wonderful flavour comes through in each bite. Warm, welcoming service is the chutney on the poppadom, so to speak.

Heathcock

必比登££British Contemporary

Run by the same team as The Hare & Hounds in Aberthin, this large neighbourhood pub is the kind of place that quickly becomes your favourite haunt. Simple and rustic in décor, the focus is on the eminently satisfying cooking, which has a strong nose-to-tail ethos resulting in dishes like confit pork belly with homemade black pudding and crispy ham hock. The menu of great value small plates changes daily, while pre-ordering the tasting option will ensure you sample the full range of the kitchen’s talents.

Pythouse Kitchen Garden

必比登££Traditional British

You'll struggle to find a lovelier all-round experience than having lunch at Pythouse Kitchen Garden. Set inside a red-brick former potting shed within a Victorian walled garden, it's a gorgeous setting with elegance and country charm to spare. The cooking is a joy too, with great value to be had in the generous fixed-price offering built around cooking over fire. The ingredients, many from the garden itself, are of real quality and used to brilliant effect – like the pickled gooseberry ketchup offsetting rich game sausage.

Hare & Hounds

必比登££Traditional British

The chef’s passionate desire to make this 300 year old pub the most seasonal in Wales is laudable. Menus change twice daily and produce is from his 3 acre allotment and family farms – and he also hunts and forages. The cooking is unfussy yet dishes are absolutely bursting with flavour; if you get a chance, don’t miss the buttermilk pudding. A great value 'Saver' menu is available for lunch Thursday to Saturday and early evening on Wednesday and Thursday.

Post

必比登££Seasonal Cuisine

A striped canopy strung with fairy lights beckons you into this delightful bottle shop and bistro where you can feel the joy and passion of the team coursing through their work. A concise, regularly changing à la carte is chalked up on the blackboard – and it makes great use of ingredients from the team’s own smallholding. With produce and cooking this good, along with sensible pricing, every penny spent brings with it bucketloads of flavour. Straightforward is the name of the game, with the likes of homemade pasta and a terrific tarte Tatin on offer.

The Pony Chew Valley

££Modern Cuisine

Featuring stunning views over the eponymous valley, this aptly named former pub now operates more as a restaurant, with a lengthy refurbishment expanding its scope to include an orangery dining room and a cookery school. The menu uses the seasons as a guide and showcases produce from the kitchen garden in vibrant, colourful dishes which mix creative and a few traditional elements – look out for the 'Pony Garden Salad' that comes as an extra course at dinner. The midweek set menu offers great value for money.

Chef's Table

£££Modern British

In the old part of the city close to the famous docks you’ll find this intimate, personally run, 2-room restaurant, with a small front terrace, a warm service team and a buzzing atmosphere. The two menus – most diners plump for the tasting menu – offer original, modern and sometimes intricate dishes, which are aesthetically striking and full of flavour.

Adelina Yard

£££Modern Cuisine

The experienced chef-owners named their first restaurant after their old home. Sit at the chef's table to watch all the action or at the far end of the L-shaped room overlooking the quay. Attractively presented, well-balanced modern dishes are sometimes brought to the tables by the chefs themselves.

1 York Place

£££European

Deep within the Georgian lanes of Clifton, lies this neighbourhood bistro with an uncluttered feel. Sit on the ground floor to make the most of the natural light flooding in the large windows, or head down the spiral staircase for a more intimate setting. The date-stamped menu takes a pan-European approach, be it ricotta gnudi from Italy, squid ink bomba rice from Spain or veal schnitzel from Austria. The relaxed service is delivered with a smile and sharing dishes like whole roast chicken add to the conviviality.

Lido Restaurant

££Mediterranean Cuisine

This unique restaurant boasts a charming and highly enviable location, directly overlooking a restored Victorian lido. Snack on small plates in the poolside bar, or head up to the first-floor former viewing gallery, where the retractable floor-to-ceiling doors and Mediterranean-inspired cooking will have you feeling like you're on holiday. Dishes such as wood-roasted Devon scallops with garlic butter and sweet herbs look simple but are full of bright, fresh flavours thanks to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs.

Dongnae

£££Korean

Bristol’s lovers of Korean food have found their haven in this charmingly run restaurant in the trendy Redland neighbourhood. The authentic cooking can be sampled as either a set menu or an à la carte of sharing plates, where each dish is cooked with care and precision using high-quality produce. The dishes from the charcoal grill – such as samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) – are particularly enjoyable, thanks to the superb accompanying condiments that are expertly spiced and fermented to bring extra layers of flavour to the central ingredients.

littlefrench

£££French

This is the kind of friendly neighbourhood bistro that warms your soul and widens your smile, where you will be warmly welcomed by a relaxed team who swiftly put you at ease. The menu wears its French heart on its sleeve, with the likes of soufflé Suissesse to start and prune and armagnac tart to finish; across the board, the well-executed dishes are fresh, rustic and pack in plenty of flavour. If you've come in a pair, go for one of the enticing sharing dishes, such as côte de boeuf with frites.

wilks

££££Modern Cuisine

Fitting in nicely among a parade of independent shops in the west of the city, this intimate operation holds just three tables. The set menu features plenty of prime seafood like hand-dived Orkney scallops and succulent wild turbot, alongside meats such as best end of lamb. This seasonal produce is often accompanied by subtle international flavours and an edge of modernity, but a classical French base is never far away. France dominates the wine list too, with small-scale producers pushed to the fore, many of which are organic and biodynamic.

Bath Priory

££££Modern British

This elegant restaurant is housed inside a charming country house hotel of the same name, which boasts an immaculately kept rear garden and a delightful terrace that makes the perfect spot for an aperitif. The seasonal à la carte showcases the kitchen’s skills, offering quality British produce – like Wiltshire lamb loin – in carefully executed dishes. Ingredient combinations are well thought-out and dishes are always full of flavour.

Menu Gordon Jones

££££Modern Cuisine

This tiny, highly likeable restaurant has a relaxed, cheerful feel, which is a reflection of its easy-going Chef-Owner. The room is dominated by an open kitchen, where you can watch Gordon preparing creative, complex dishes. The daily changing surprise menu delivers punchy flavour combinations and several playful elements. He serves many of the dishes himself and chats with guests, adding to the feel that this is a very personal operation.

Montagu's Mews

£££Modern Cuisine

18th-century writer and women’s education advocate Elizabeth Montagu lends her name to this restaurant set inside the old carriage houses of her former home. The estate is now the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and an extensive garden separates the main hotel from the restaurant, making for a lovely early evening stroll in good weather. The menu showcases seasonal produce from the south west, such as Somerset lamb, with the quality of the ingredients shining through in well-honed and attractive dishes.

Emberwood

££Modern British

Situated inside the smartly refurbished Francis Hotel, this luxurious brasserie stylishly blends its elegant mouldings and traditional features with a modern open kitchen and counter seating. The kitchen proudly follows the seasons – look out for the catch of the day from St. Mawes market – and incorporates enticing Mediterranean touches. Dishes like red mullet with an intense yet fresh-tasting crab risotto showcase everything this kitchen is good at. For dessert, choose from the menu or go old school and pick whichever cake most entices you from the trolley.

🕐 Mo-Su 12:00-23:00

Beckford Canteen

££Modern British

A former Georgian greenhouse has been transformed into this light, airy restaurant with whitewashed walls, a vaulted ceiling and a feature wall decorated with over 90 green plates. The concise all-day menu comprises a range of sharply executed dishes that showcase the kitchen’s ability to hold back and let their quality produce do the talking – such as the megrim sole with Café de Paris butter. Window counter seats are held back for walk-ins and it’s worth buying some wine from their sister operation, Beckford Bottle Shop, which you can enjoy with your meal for a generous corkage. Service is s

Oak

££Vegetarian, Vegan

An eco-conscious ethos is the guiding light for this unpretentious bistro and its original vegetarian and vegan dishes. When dining in the front part of the restaurant, you'll find shelves adorned with ingredients from their allotment just outside the city – which provides around 40% of their produce. The well-priced small plates are designed for sharing, with the kitchen's knack for using complementary flavours and textures on show in the likes of Jerusalem artichoke with ajo blanco and apple & shallot vinaigrette. A five-course ‘feasting menu’ is available at dinner if you're feeling indecis

Robun

££Japanese

This skilfully run Japanese restaurant takes its inspiration from 19C author Kanagaki Robun, who is credited with introducing barbecued food to Japan. The cooking reflects his influence, with dishes from the robata grill forming the central part of a menu that is distinguished by fresh produce and an authentic approach. Excellent sushi and a strikingly presented afternoon tea also stand out on the vast menu.

Upstairs at Landrace

££Mediterranean Cuisine

Landrace itself is an artisan bakery, which specialises in sourdough bread from stoneground British grains; if you can tear yourself away from the delicious aroma of the baking, head upstairs and you'll find this simply decorated restaurant with a pleasantly bright feel. The daily menu lists seasonal British dishes which are carefully cooked and full of rustic flavours, utilising produce from Brixham turbot to Scottish porcini. The bread and butter to start is, of course, a highlight and you may even consider ordering a second portion.

The Three Horseshoes

££Traditional British

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.

DA COSTA

£££Italian

The stunning Art Farm development makes a fitting home for this equally gorgeous restaurant. As soon as you enter, you’re met with the enticing aroma of wood-fired cooking, emanating from the breathtakingly designed open kitchen. With pots, pans and even chairs hanging from the ceiling, plus an abundance of wooden furnishings, it’s like dining in a particularly chic country kitchen. The menu looks to all things Italian, with terrific hand-cut pasta and hearty, wholesome flavours across the board – bigoli with venison ragu is the epitome of the style.

Botanical Rooms

££££Modern British

Set within the grounds of The Newt in Somerset, a striking Georgian estate that houses a number of mini-hotels, sits a beautiful mellow stone building. Within it is a stunning oak-panelled dining room, with a glass-covered courtyard and a laid-back feel. Inside a semi-open kitchen, the chefs skilfully handle seasonal local produce, be it lamb from the estate or seafood from the Dorset coast, with the wood-fired grill often used to good effect. The polite and efficient service ensures everything runs smoothly within this eminently elegant setting.

Bunch of Grapes

££Modern British

The Bunch of Grapes might be the oldest pub in this historic town but it now comes with an appealing modern edge and a deli selling tempting treats. Downstairs has a pubby feel, while upstairs has more of a restaurant vibe, and you can have anything from a burger to an ambitious tasting menu.

The Longs Arms

£££Traditional British

It’s hard not to like this handsome Bath stone pub with character to spare, set opposite a medieval church in a sleepy Cotswolds village. It’s a family-run affair with Chef-Owner Robert Allcock proudly preparing an extensive menu that flirts with creativity but remains pleasingly rich in traditional pub favourites. Fishcakes, sausage and mash, steak and kidney pie – when you're in need of something hearty and robustly flavoured, this is the place to come. To finish, it's hard to look past the selection of homemade ice creams.

Bath Arms

££Modern British

Sample local ales in the open-fired bar or on the delightful terrace of this stylishly updated 18th-century country inn on the Longleat Estate, then head for one of the numerous cosy, well-appointed dining rooms. There’s a relaxed air throughout, making the cooking all the more enjoyable, whether it be haddock and chips, chargrilled steaks or whole plaice. Local producers are pushed to the fore, as are meat and game from Longleat. Make a night of it and stay over in one of the modern, country house-esque bedrooms.

Walled Garden

££Modern British

The titular garden is that of the exquisite Lucknam Park, one of the finest country house hotels in all the land. Hidden within the carefully manicured hedges, behind the 18th-century manor house, is this inviting, glass-enclosed brasserie. Sit on the gorgeous terrace or at oversized, marble-topped tables in the bright, pristine dining room and choose from a concise selection of vibrant, proudly executed dishes underpinned by textbook culinary technique. Pastas, risottos and freshly fired pizzas add to the Mediterranean vibe, while the day boat fish is hard to resist.

Castle Inn

££Modern British

This charming inn makes a delightful pitstop, especially for those visiting the nearby motor racing circuit. The menu is just what you want to see in a place like this: a blackboard of daily specials and dishes that are punchy and full of flavour. In season, local game is always worth ordering and the desserts are consistently good too. The building dates back to the 12th century and boasts many original features; comfortable, immaculately appointed bedrooms complete the picture.

Queens Arms

££Modern British

There’s always something going on at this hub-of-the-village pub, which comes with a modern look and immaculately furnished bedrooms. Country cooking evolves with the seasons and focuses on sustainable ingredients: veg is supplied by a villager, pork is reared locally and seafood is from the Jurassic Coast.

The Dog House

££Meats and Grills

The kind of place where you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face, this ivy-clad 19th-century pub has been lovingly restored with a quirky touch. The inviting bar leads through to the equally characterful restaurant, where cooking over fire is focus. Expect the likes of oyster mushroom skewers with wild garlic and gochujang, bavette with kale and romesco, or fire-licked pork belly with lightly charred hispi cabbage. To finish, the on-trend Basque cheesecake is a generous treat. Friendly, enthusiastic service and fairly priced wines are the icing on the cake.

The Clockspire

£££Modern British

There's a lot of beautiful restaurants around, but Clockspire might be one of the most strikingly attractive spots you'll find. Housed within a converted 19th-century school, its high ceiling and exposed rafters provide plenty of ecclesiastical 'wow factor', while the lavishness of the refurbishment is mightily impressive. As you may expect, the dishes are impeccably presented and the polished cooking makes good use of its British ingredients. The slick service comes with a personal touch that feels as though the team really care about your experience.

The Sorting Room

£££Modern British

Set within an impressive, modish hotel, this elegant, brasserie-style spot boasts leather banquettes, attentive staff and a wide-ranging menu of British dishes. Smoked octopus would be a great way to start, while for main course Welsh beef is a real feature of the menu, whether it's steak and ale pie or Chateaubriand to share – and if you're celebrating a special occasion, consider the signature beef Wellington experience. If you've got a sweet tooth, finish with the tarte Tatin which is big enough to share... not that you'll want to.

Asador 44

£££spanish

Inside Parador 44, a boutique hotel offering a taste of Iberia in the Welsh capital, sits this dark and moody restaurant. It's divided into multiple wood-clad areas, with the best spots overlooking the asador grill or the glass-fronted wine cave. The menu has a focus on cooking over fire, with the likes of squid, celeriac and rump steak getting the charcoal treatment – whichever you choose, ensure you start with the boquerones with yuzu dressing. The wine list is almost exclusively Spanish, with fascinating choices from some little-known producers.

The Green

££Modern British

A pretty, listed stone property with an enclosed garden terrace, this restaurant is a perfect fit for the picturesque market town of Sherborne. The charming interior features antique furniture, fresh flowers on every table and regularly changing artwork. Dishes are based on tried-and-tested combinations, with desserts like crème d'amande tart being a highlight. The friendly, caring team run the restaurant with pride and a smile.

Holm

££Modern British

Situated within a charming village, there's something special about this former bank, which has been impressively converted into a spacious restaurant with eye-catching architecture. Sit in the chic dining room with its distressed designer style, bag a spot at the kitchen counter or head to the lovely rear terrace when the sun is shining. Choose from a range of menus, all of which are underpinned by a commitment to seasonal ingredients. If you want to explore more of the Somerset countryside, there are seven bedrooms available to stay the night.

The Barrington Boar

££Modern British

Dating back to the 18C, this lovely stone-built inn sits in a picture postcard village and its back garden and terrace is a real jewel. The chef-owner’s personality, his experience in previous kitchens, and his knowledge of the locale, all inform his appealing menu of modern, balanced dishes that are big on flavour and guaranteed to hit the spot. Four bedrooms occupy what was once the skittle alley.

ember at No. 5

££Modern British

There’s a welcome brightness to this neighbourhood restaurant in one of Cardiff’s foodie suburbs. The simple décor includes light-wood furnishings and a white-topped counter, ensuring a clean, uncluttered feel. The cooking has a similarly straightforward ethos, looking fairly pared-back on the plate, but packing a punch in its flavours. Seasonal British ingredients and a notable Italian influence guide the menu, leading to daily made focaccia and a choice of pasta dishes – such as spaghetti topped with lovely red mullet.

Thomas, the brasserie

£££Modern British

Hidden away in the leafy suburbs of Cardiff, this is a true neighbourhood restaurant which continues to develop and evolve. Begin with a cocktail in the spacious, formal bar, before taking a seat in the cosy downstairs or moody first-floor dining room. Proud Welshman Tom Simmons is at the helm, bringing his love of local produce to bear in technically impressive, full-flavoured dishes built on the likes of Pembrokeshire oysters and saddle of Welsh lamb. Whatever you order, be sure to start with some superb sourdough from their own bakery, Ground.

Heaneys

£££Modern Cuisine

Arrive early for a cocktail in the bar of well-known Chef Tommy Heaney’s stylishly laid-back suburban restaurant. Dishes are seasonal and modern, with some sophisticated contrasts; the set lunch menu delivers good value while, at dinner, the tasting menu takes centre stage. Next door is Uisce – his no-reservations, small plates restaurant – which showcases herbs and vegetables from the pretty kitchen garden.

SONDER

££american

Within the Pontcanna Laundry development in one of the city’s most food-loving suburbs, this fun and friendly restaurant could easily become a neighbourhood go-to. Faux-industrial touches decorate the room along with fridges bursting with ageing prime meats. You can therefore expect to find steaks and homemade sausages on the regularly changing menu, alongside other ingredient-led dishes such as giant Atlantic king prawns with a smooth shellfish bisque. Be sure to order the profiteroles with a Cointreau-laced chocolate and caramel sauce to finish.

🕐 We-Su 08:30-17:00

Hiræth

£££Modern Cuisine

The Welsh word ‘hiræth’ has no direct translation, but it broadly refers to the pride and longing the Welsh feel for their homeland. That ethos comes through at this likeable little restaurant, thanks to the use of regional produce including locally foraged ingredients and some from their own smallholding. The cooking comes in a tasting menu format, with dishes flying highest when emphasising the quality of their ingredients, like sous-vide skrei cod with a mussel and wild garlic velouté. The team show pride in their work and will ensure you are well looked after.

Parva Farmhouse

££Modern British

This 17C stone farmhouse sits on a bank of the River Wye and is run by a friendly couple. Its simple, rustic interior comprises a spacious lounge and a cosy, welcoming restaurant with an inglenook fireplace. The gutsy, modern British cooking has a classic French backbone and the odd Italian or Asian touch. Booking is essential and the menu is sent a day in advance for pre-ordering. Bedrooms are comfortable and some have river views.

Augustus

£££Modern British

An experienced chef and a bright, breezy team run this welcoming little bistro. Sit in the cosy, intimate dining room or the bright conservatory with sliding glass doors and a retractable roof. Hearty, unfussy cooking mixes French-influenced dishes with updated British classics.

Grey's

£££International

Sitting within the luxurious Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, but with a feel all of its own, is this elegant grey-hued restaurant – ask for a booth or dine in the garden in the summer months. It presents a slightly less formal alternative to The Dining Room, serving a menu of globally influenced small plates that's divided into 'Earth', 'Land' and 'Sea', often featuring salad and vegetables from the kitchen garden. The cooking showcases well-defined flavours and careful craft, in dishes like prawn tortellini with coconut bisque. On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional roast lunch.

Wilder

££££Modern Cuisine

Everyone is asked to arrive at this well-run restaurant at 7pm – and that usually includes a loyal band of locals. The 3-hour menu takes on a surprise tasting format and there’s the option of matching wines or non-alcoholic options. Humble ingredients are used in ambitious, sometimes rather unusual combinations, which are precisely prepared. Service is structured and passionate, with dishes delivered by the chefs themselves.

Black Bear Inn

£££Regional Cuisine

There's a charmingly rustic feel to this smartly run rural inn close to the Victorian market town of Usk. A white-washed exterior, log-burning stove and wooden beams all add to the appeal, while the chefs do their part with a concise menu of well-executed, classically based cuisine. The fish cookery is a particular highlight, as evidenced by dishes like hake with a terrific butter sauce and capers. Everything is made in-house, including the ice creams and sorbets for dessert.

The Cotley Inn

££Modern Cuisine

Despite being just a 10 minute drive from the centre of Chard, there’s a wonderfully rural feeling that accompanies a visit to this former 17C farmhouse. The inn is nestled in a lush green valley overlooking the Blackdown Hills, with its converted outbuildings turned into bedrooms. The cooking offers dashes of creativity while still delivering satisfying pub dishes like slow-roasted pork belly. They take a local, seasonal and nose-to-tail approach to their ingredients, with animals reared on site and produce grown in the kitchen garden.

Brassica Restaurant

££Mediterranean Cuisine

A pretty 16th-century house plays host to this sweetly run restaurant, situated in a prime spot overlooking the small square of this characterful Dorset town. Inside, the bright, colourful décor adds to the endearing feel, with its countryside shabby-chic style. The concise, Mediterranean-inflected menu moves with the seasons to show off excellent produce, delivered with a palpable simplicity and textbook technique by the confident kitchen team. If you want to go all-in on the Brassica brand, visit their homewares store, Brassica Mercantile, across the road.

Parnham Restaurant

£££Modern British

Few restaurants come with as delightful a setting as this. You arrive via a slow drive through the majestic tree-lined Parnham Park estate, culminating at a wonderful walled garden filled with impressive objets d’art. Take your seat in either the rustic-chic dining room in full view of the open kitchen, or in the glasshouse behind with its glorious garden views. Seasonality is the name of the game in the natural, flavour-forward dishes, from the ‘Parnham Pintxos’ snacks to foraged mushrooms with Jerusalem artichokes and Cornish gouda.

Juliet

££Traditional Cuisine

Imagine dropping a French bistro into the Cotswolds and you’ve got something a lot like Juliet. Combining a buzzy vibe with an enthusiastic and affable team, plus delightful dishes from beyond France’s borders, it’s easy to see why the place is so popular. The menu largely sticks to the classics, providing satisfying versions of time-honoured favourites; keep an eye on the dish of the day, for treats such as cavatelli with lamb ragù. If you’re celebrating, consider booking the private Piano Bar, where a live musician will soundtrack your evening.

Red Lion East Chisenbury

£££Classic Cuisine

Situated in a bucolic location on the edge of Salisbury Plain, this pretty thatched pub is made even more characterful by a hotchpotch of decorative touches. The generously flavoured dishes demonstrate that this is a classically trained kitchen using well-sourced ingredients; the Chateaubriand for two with chips and béarnaise sauce is a popular choice. Well-equipped bedrooms have private terraces overlooking the river, allowing you to extend your visit and explore the surrounding Wiltshire countryside.