£££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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Augustus in Taunton offers modern British cuisine with an average rating of 4.8/5. Food quality is the standout feature, praised for exceptional technique and premium ingredients by Chef Richard Guest. Dishes like lamb shoulder, hake, and daily specials receive high marks, though isolated reports mention undercooked meat or tough textures. Service led by Cedric is generally slick, professional, and attentive, yet occasional order errors cause delays. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, suitable for family gatherings and celebrations. While some guests find the pricing steep relative to portion sizes, particularly regarding wine and mains, the majority consider the experience valuable given the consistent culinary excellence and warm hospitality.
Recommended for diners seeking high-quality modern British cuisine and attentive service, ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
££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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Located in the village center, The Barrington Boar serves modern British cuisine with an overall rating of 4.3/5. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, highlighting the Sunday roast beef, Japanese-style starters, and ham hock. The atmosphere is generally described as relaxed and smart, with easy parking and accessible entrances. Service is often warm and efficient, though some guests reported issues with missing bookings, slow email responses, and inconsistent meal pacing. While a few negative reviews mention limited vegetarian options and poor voucher handling, most find the value good, especially with set menus. It is considered a gem for travelers heading to Devon or Cornwall, offering comfortable adjacent accommodations.
Ideal for families or travelers seeking high-quality modern British cuisine in a relaxed village setting, with advance booking confirmation recommended.
££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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Wambrook, The Cotley Inn offers modern cuisine and comfortable lodging, holding an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.9/5 from 80 reviews. Guests consistently praise the friendly service, romantic atmosphere, and high-quality food. Rooms are noted for their high standards and thoughtful touches. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, where diners felt rushed, particularly after minor delays. Occasional criticisms mention average food quality in specific instances, such as overcooked vegetables or tough meat cuts, and concerns regarding value for money. While generally excellent, visitors should be mindful of timing and expectations.
Suitable for travelers seeking high-quality modern dining and quiet rural accommodation; advance booking and attention to meal timing are advised.