Somerset is a county packed with incredible scenery, from rolling hills to stunning coastlines to quaint little villages with traditional architecture. It's also a county that's known for its fantastic local food and drink, meaning that eating out when you head down to the South West for a UK staycation is a real treat.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat that’ll give you a unique experience you can’t recreate anywhere else, then take your pick from these four incredible restaurants and cafes.
Pip’s Railway Carriage Cafe, Lopenhead
Dine in a beautifully-refurbished old railway carriage, in a restored green double-decker bus or in the garden of this quirky cafe, where the menus are inspired by both local Somerset suppliers and their own farm produce. As well as main meals like soups, sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes, you’ll find an incredible range of cakes and bakes to eat, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options throughout the menu.
Take a trip to the quirky Pip’s Railway Carriage Cafe
You’ll be spoilt for choice with the incredible range of dishes to choose from
The Newt in Somerset, Castle Cary
This working country estate is an incredible place to either stay, eat or explore, with its beautiful hotel rooms, enormous orchard boasting 460 apple trees, woodland and more. And they grow their own food as well, with every dish on the menu at The Botanical Rooms restaurant featuring at least one ingredient grown, foraged, baked or distilled on the premises.
Formerly a 12th-century chapel, this Grade 2-listed building has been converted into an eight-bedroom hotel, plus all-day restaurant and bar. It’s still retained much of its chapel look and feel, and with an on-site wine store and bakery, there’s plenty of produce to take away as well as to eat in, either inside the former chapel itself or out on the sunny terrace.
Most of the restaurants here have a fantastic dessert offering
28 Market Place
Over in Somerton, 28 Market Place offers modern dining in a Grade 2-listed setting. Former Soho House director Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa have opened a beautiful restaurant, bakery and wine shop in the Somerset village of Somerton. Chef Dan Fletcher, Great British Menu finalist, uses highly local produce. Try the Somerset cherries, frozen honey and cider brandy dessert. Open Wednesday to Sunday.