The Pecking Mill Inn

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.

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.

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.

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.