Out of Town Restaurants

ANGELFISH
Canal Visitor Centre, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, BA2 7JD
Tel: 01225 723483
At the very bottom of the hill, right on the banks of the restored Somerset Coal Canal, this delightful little cafe and bistro offers ramblers and daytrippers the chance to take a break and watch the boats go by while enjoying panoramic views of the picturesque Limpley Stoke valley. Sit inside or out - even in inclement weather the huge windows allow a clear view and make the Angelfish light and inviting. Owners Lionel and Victoria preside over a resolutely informal eatery, serving everything from breakfasts, snacks, light lunches and cream teas through to more substantial meals and daily specials. They also run an outside catering company, Gourmet Delicious. Open Mon-Thur 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-6pm

AT THE SIGN OF THE ANGEL
Church St, Lacock, nr Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 2LB
Tel: 01249 730230, web: www.lacock.co.uk
Elegant, traditional 16th century inn complete with original oak panelling, beautiful antique furniture and low ceilings: the perfect place for a weekend break or intimate, romantic evening. The restaurant, candlelit in the evening, is renowned for its traditional English cooking. Daily changing range of specialities includes Lacock beef, fish direct from Cornwall, vegetarian options and full a la carte. Excellent homemade ice-creams.

BATHAMPTON MILL
Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TS
Tel: 01225 469758, web: www.thebathamptonmill.co.uk
It may date back to the 17th century, but time has not stood still at the Bathampton Mill. A perfect place to while away warmer days, with a gorgeous garden, two decked patios and a balcony overlooking the river, it’s also a snug spot in winter - curl up with a coffee, glass of wine or bite to eat in front of one of three open fires. A modern country pub on a grand scale, its menu is simple and contemporary, with sharing platters and tapas available all day in the bar area or more substantial a la carte dishes served lunch and evening, either in the stylish restaurant or wherever you want to pull up a chair. The emphasis is on quality, fresh ingredients treated with respect (no microwaves here): fish, steaks and spit-roasted meats plus lighter options like freshly prepared salads, pastas and pizzas. Food served 12noon-9.30pm (7pm Sun). ALC: 12noon-2.30pm & 6-9.30pm

NEW
BISTRO 507
507 Bath Rd, Saltford, BS31 3HQ
Tel: 01225 873108
New menus, a new look and a new name have completely rejuvenated this unique little bistro (previously known as Eldon’s Bistro) situated halfway between Bristol and Bath. The new owners offer light lunches during the daytime and sturdier, homemade specials in the evening, and host regular theme nights including Music Night (with entertainment and a three-course meal) and murder mystery events. Expect light bites such as bubble & squeak with bacon and egg, or gammon, egg and chips alongside freshly prepared baguettes at lunchtime. Come evening, the menu serves up goodies like goat’s cheese and caramelised onion tart, or terrine of smoked & fresh salmon to start, followed by free-range fillet steak and panfried salmon on sweet potato mash, or slow-roast lamb shank, and homemade desserts including vanilla cheesecake, chocolate roulade and ice-cream. Starters from £3.95, mains from £8.95, desserts from £4.75. Children welcome, and there’s disabled access. Open Tue-Sat 12noon-3pm & 6.30-10pm, Sun 12noon-3pm

BRAZZ
Castle Green, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1NF
Tel: 01823 252000, web: www.brazz.co.uk
Part of Taunton’s luxurious Castle Hotel, Brazz brought the concept of an open-all-hours (well, nearly) watering hole and eating house to Taunton for the first time. Drop in for mid-morning coffee or a lunchtime glass of chardonnay. The selection of lunch dishes can be on the table in minutes and, naturally, they serve a beer after work before moving onto dinner, where you can indulge yourself in specialities from the daily changing menu. Where possible, everything is sourced locally. Extensive wine list, many available by the glass. Open Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-10.30pm

CALCOT MANOR
Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8YJ
Tel: 01666 890391, web: www.calcotmanor.co.uk
Voted Hotel Spa of the Year 2007, and proud possessor of four AA red stars and two AA rosettes, this beautiful country manor offers a choice of two highly acclaimed restaurants: the Conservatory Restaurant for traditional food or fine dining in a relaxed but stylish setting, and the Gumstool Inn for a more casual, contemporary country pub atmosphere. Fish and meat lovers are in their element here, with line-caught sea bass and whole lobster jockeying for position on the menu along with lamb and beef from Prince Charles’ own herds (the restaurant is on his Highness’s doorstep). Executive chef Michael Croft focuses on the freshest local produce, beautifully cooked, while his wood-fired oven means that dishes are bursting with Mediterranean colour and flavour.

CELLAR
36 Hill Rd, Clevedon, BS21 7PJ
Tel: 01275 340340, web: www.thecellarclevedon.com
Bistro, wine bar and off-licence all in one, this Grade ll-listed building was originally a chemist’s and still has the original counter, and drawers with legends such as Poison, Opium and Wax writ large. The menu is simple, with continental tapas, salads, jacket potatoes and pastas washed down with nine house wines. Whites and roses come from chilled barrels on the counter, supplemented by over 100 different wines from around the world. The list of (mainly locally sourced) beers and ciders is no less impressive, with over 100 to choose from.

CHARLTON HOUSE
Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4PR
Tel: 01749 342008, web: www.charltonhouse.com
Charlton House’s stylish restaurant, Sharpham Park, showcases both the culinary talents of new head chef Steve Horrell (from Babington House) and the organically grown produce of Sharpham Park Farm. Constantly changing menu, with the emphasis on all things local and seasonal.

CINNAMON
8 High St, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0HB
Tel: 01249 701190
Housed in a beautiful 17th century building with oak beams and stone walls, this place is an elegant but cosy Anglo-French restaurant by night (with starters coming in at around a fiver and mains around £14) and a delightful tea and coffee shop by day, serving snacks and light lunches. Tony Chivers and wife Sara offer up great rustic fare - spicy sweet potato with coconut, and cheesy leek and potato soups. Evening a la carte favourites include a wide variety of fish, meat and poultry dishes. Extensive wine list. Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm, Tue-Sat 7-9pm

COMBE GROVE MANOR HOTEL
Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HS
Tel: 01225 834644
The sumptuous 17th century Combe Grove Manor Hotel and Country Club nestles in 69 acres overlooking breathtaking views of Limpley Stoke Valley on the outskirts of Bath. Its two restaurants, the Cellars Bistro and the Georgian Rooms, offer two distinctly different dining experiences. The Cellars Bistro menu offers international cuisine in a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, with a terrace for alfresco dining and an excellent range of fresh food. The Georgian Rooms provide fine dining, a la carte style. The creative menu from head chef Elvis Mayers and his team uses local, seasonal produce where possible and herbs from the Manor’s own garden. Try the slow-cooked rabbit with herb dumplings, pickled red cabbage and fondant potato, or the lamb rump with goat’s cheese mash and honey-roast parsnips, but make sure you leave room for one of the indulgent desserts – we recommend the strawberry & organic mint creme brulee with spiced shortbread. Winner of an AA rosette in 2006.

CONSERVATORY AT HINTON GRANGE
Hinton Grange, Nr Dyrham, Hinton, SN14 8HG
Tel: 0117 937 2916, web: www.hintongrange.co.uk
A quiet country hotel, with parts dating back to the 15th century, in the sleepy village of Hinton amid some of the prettiest countryside around Bath and the southern Cotswolds. Set in six acres of stunning parkland, it’s a romantic setting for lovebirds escaping the city for the charm of a more elegant age, with low beams, exposed stone walls, blazing open fires in winter and candlelit lounges and dining rooms helping to recreate the old-world ambience of bygone ages. A unique dining experience awaits, among unusual flowers and palm trees (there’s even a koi pond). The menu boasts a European-inspired selection which relies heavily on local and seasonal ingredients, all in all a wonderfully intimate atmosphere that makes for a truly magical night. Cracking Sunday roasts, too.

COOMBE LODGE
Blagdon, North Somerset, BS40 7RG
Tel: 01761 463355, web: www.coombelodge.co.uk
You’ll find this lovely country house estate and restaurant at the foot of the Mendips, set within its own elegant gardens and boasting great views across the Chew Valley. It’s stylish and elegant (all art-deco features, opulent furnishings and antique fireplaces), with a wonderful atmosphere. The menu, from head chef Paul Watts, features the best of local produce, with all meats sourced solely from farms within the Mendips. There’s a midweek lunchtime carvery and great bar snacks, and Sundays see traditional roast lunches (a snip at just £8.50) and gourmet nights.

CROWN AT CELTIC MANOR
Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Woods, Usk Valley, South Wales, NP18 1HQ
Tel: 01633 413000, web: www.celtic-manor.com
Offering an elite fine dining experience, the flagship restaurant at Celtic Manor serves up its delights within a fresh, modern environment. Three oval coffered ceilings with crystal chandeliers lend a shimmering opulence to the whole dining experience, while a chef’s table located within an anteroom in the conservatory enjoys a dramatic split-screen visual link to the kitchen. Using local produce wherever possible, menus reflect seasonality, with particular attention paid to the quality of ingredients and fresh, punchy flavours.

NEW
ELSTON’S BISTRO
507 Bath Rd, Saltford BS31 3HQ
Tel: 0845 202 5104
Coffee house by day, offering tasty snacks such as scrambled eggs with bacon on a toasted muffin, Chris and Virginia Elston’s establishment becomes a bistro in the evening. Try their classic English meals (steaks, scampi etc) or perhaps a special with a Mediterranean twist. Prices very reasonable and a warm welcome guaranteed.

FAT FOWL
10 Silver St, Bradford on Avon, Wilts, BA15 1JX
Tel: 01225 863111, web: www.fatfowl.com
Occupying the original site of Bradford on Avon’s post office, Fat Fowl makes for an extremely relaxed, family-friendly eating experience in the downstairs conservatory, with an elegant restaurant upstairs overlooking the town centre and hosting regular live jazz sessions. The constantly changing, seasonal menu offers essentially modern English cuisine, sourced locally wherever possible. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, breads or eggs benedict for breakfast, Wiltshire sausages with mustard mash, curly kale and onion sauce for lunch, and superb dishes such as pan-roasted cutlets of pork with prune-stuffed apples, confit cabbage, glazed carrots and sage sauce at dinner. Excellent food in delightful surroundings, complemented by the recent addition of The Roost, the restaurant’s new evenings-only tapas bar, where all dishes cost £4 or less.

FIG TREE
Manor House, Monkton Combe, nr Bath, BA2 7HD
Tel: 01225 723128, web: www.figtreerestaurantbath.co.uk
Romantic candlelit restaurant within the historic setting of a medieval manor house dating back to 1262, and one of the most unusual eateries in the area. It’s only open Fri and Sat evenings (book to avoid disappointment), there’s no corkage charge on BYO wine (though they will charge you if you break a glass), and the place can cope with everything from birthday parties, gatherings of families and friends, christenings and engagement parties to intimate candlelit dinners for two. The inspired menu uses the best local products and tips its hat to a number of diverse influences: Yucatan-style shark steak with cucumber & chilli dressing and spiced rice served in a coconut shell, fillet of locally reared Aberdeen Angus beef with asparagus, truffle & celeriac puree, red onion marmalade and potatoes maxine, and black taglialini with spinach gnocchi with cream & sundried tomato sauce.

GARDEN CAFE
16 Stony St, Frome, BA11 1BU
Tel: 01373 454178, web: www.gardencafefrome.co.uk
Just off the marketplace in the centre of Frome, this lovely, friendly eatery boasts a secluded seating area in the walled garden, as well as a charming interior and small play area for kids. An extensive menu features daily specials, prepared using the very best natural, organic and Fairtrade ingredients, as well as all-day brekkies, lunches, great coffees, snacks, starters and main meals, including mezze platters, Thai burgers, cashew nut & bean patties, daily specials, delicious homemade cakes and lots more. Try one of their organic wines, beers or ciders while you’re there. Open Mon-Thur 9am-5.30pm, Fri-Sat 9am-late, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm

HARDWICK
Old Raglan Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 9AA
Tel: 01873 854220, web: www.thehardwick.co.uk
Owned by Stephen and Joanna Terry, the Hardwick boasts a seasonal menu replete with ingredients from local suppliers, including the Black Mountain Smokery in Crickhowell and Trealy Farm Charcuterie, Monmouth. Stephen describes his pride and joy as “a country pub which very much leans towards being a restaurant. This is largely due to my being a cook by nature and not a publican. I enjoy blowing our Welsh trumpet: we have the best produce!” Stephen’s impeccable pedigree includes stints with Marco Pierre White, Michel Roux and Nick Nairn, and he’s also earned not one but two Michelin stars during his career, the first at the tender age of 24. Last year he won BBC TV’s ‘Great British Menu’, and the Hardwick took the premier award for Welsh eateries, the Penderyn Restaurant of the Year.

HARLEQUIN CAFE
Kilver Court, Kilver St, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5NF
Tel: 01749 340312, web: www.kilvercourt.com
Formerly the Mulberry HQ, Roger Saul has developed Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet to present the very best Somerset has to offer. With breathtaking, historical gardens as the focal point, this stylish lifestyle destination features the Sharpham Park Shop, Harlequin Cafe and Wellness Consulting Rooms, all showcasing the best in organic and sustainable living. The cafe serves a menu inspired by the produce sold in the shop, taking fresh and local ingredients from a 50-mile radius to offer a constantly evolving bi-monthly menu encompassing a mixture of colours, tastes and textures drawing from nature’s seasonality. Meals start at £3.95, up to a very modest £6.95.

HOLBROOK HOUSE HOTEL
Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8BS
Tel: 01963 824466, web: www.holbrookhouse.co.uk
Elegant Georgian manor house hotel and spa set in acres of natural woodland and parkland. The Cedar Restaurant at Holbrook House is intimate and elegant, and the kitchen uses the finest, freshest local ingredients to create a blend of modern European and classical cuisine: take, for example, the roast loin of veal with cannelloni of frogs’ legs, garlic puree and parsley veloute. A two-course dinner at the two-AA-rosette restaurant comes in at £29.95, though you can dine in the Stables Bar or Lounge for a fraction of the price, or enjoy a splendid afternoon tea in the opulent Morning Room.

HOMEWOOD PARK
Hinton Charterhouse, nr Bath, BA2 7PT
Tel: 01225 723731, web: www.homewoodpark.co.uk
Housed in a gracious country house near Bath is what must be one of the loveliest hotels in the West Country, set in beautiful countryside, six miles from Bath and 30 minutes from the M4. Enjoy a stroll in the 10 acres of gorgeous gardens (awarded first prize in the Bath in Bloom competition six times in the past decade). T he drawing room, study and bar ooze comfort and unassuming luxury, with log fires blazing during winter months. The nationally acclaimed restaurant, serving the finest in modern English cuisine, was voted Country Restaurant of the Year in the Good Food Guide, and boasts two AA rosettes in recognition of the technique, flair and imagination of head chef Daniel Moon. Separate a la carte, early bird, lunch and Sunday lunch menus, with the two-course Sunday roast a snip at £14.50.

JACKS BAR & BRASSERIE
Portishead Marina, Harbour Rd, Portishead, BS20 7AW
Tel: 01275 397304, web: www.jacksbrasserie.co.uk
Family-owned and -run restaurant launched last August, where the emphasis is on quality, seasonally available local produce. Favourites include fresh Devon crab cakes with fennel salad and sweet chilli sauce, and chargrilled Somerset organic beef burger with beef tomato, red onion and Jacks relish, served with chunky homemade chips. Open Daily 8am-11pm (food served till 10pm)

JACK’S RESTAURANT
Hartham Park, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0RP
Tel: 01249 700100, web: www.jacksrestaurantandbar.co.uk
l Set in beautiful parklands, Jack’s is an impressive place. Part of the Hartham Park complex (an imposing 18th century Georgian mansion set in 50 acres, which now houses a conference centre, offices and wedding venue), it has the ambience of a posh country home and the comfort of something much more laidback. The menu is broadly modern European: ham hock terrine with pease pudding or gnocci with giroles and spinach for starters, and mains stretching from fish & chips to scallops wrapped in bacon with confit duck and butternut squash puree. Good wine list, impressive use of local, seasonal ingredients, and the cheese platter - six exquisite British cheeses including stinking bishop and Cornish yarg, a sliver of freshly baked apple and almond tart and a small bowl of homemade chutney – finishes a meal here perfectly.

LA STRADA
13 Cheap St, Frome, BA11 1BN
Tel: 01373 474374, web: www.cafelastrada.co.uk
OK, not really a restaurant, but this is the most delightful cafe and ice-cream parlour, boasting homemade, artisan ice-cream using the finest local ingredients, superb coffee, fantastic pastries, savouries and chocolates and, in their gift shop Emporio Strada (situated opposite), gifts and kitchenware from Alessi, Gaggia, Dualit et al. Drop by for breakfast, grab a midday coffee or enjoy a leisurely lunch. Open Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm

LAWRENCE’S BISTRO
2 Kingshill, Nailsea, BS48 2AU
Tel: 01275 858348, web: www.lawrences-bistro.co.uk
A warm, friendly welcome is guaranteed in this cosy restaurant, with enough space for parties or that intimate corner table for a romantic night out. An exclusive wine list features only estate wines, and whether you’re after a traditional Sunday lunch or an enjoyable evening out, you can feast on anything from simple pork & leek sausages with mash & onion gravy through to duck breast on honey-glazed root vegetables. Open Thur-Fri 12noon-2.30pm & 5.30-9pm, Sat 5.30-9.30pm, Sun 12noon-3pm

LORDS OF THE MANOR
Upper Slaughter, nr Bourton on the Water, Glos, Gl54 2JD
Tel: 01451 820243, web: www.lordsofthemanor.com
Situated in a timeless corner of the Cotswolds, the Lords of the Manor is a former rectory built of honey-coloured stone, set in eight acres of landscaped gardens and rolling parkland. It’s a place to relax, and an ideal stop-off for exploring the stunning countryside - they even have a pair of wellies waiting for you in case you need them. The rooms of the rectory have been tastefully preserved: you’ll find blazing log fires in winter, while in summer the windows are thrown open to provide exquisite views to the terrace, a perfect setting for alfresco dining. All this, together with chef Matt Weedon’s use of local produce, means this place is just how a luxury country house hotel should be. Three-course dinner £55.

LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL
Colerne, Wilts, SN14 8AZ
Tel: 01225 742777, web: www.lucknampark.co.uk
This hotel is renowned for its unique equestrian centre, beauty salon, world-class spa, 500 acres of listed parkland and award-winning, Michelin-starred restaurant. Head chef Hywel Jones and team serve up a British-inspired menu using the finest organic and local ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours - full use is also made of the extensive herb garden. The a la carte menu currently features the likes of caramelised veal sweetbreads with lasagne of ceps and langoustines in sauternes & rosemary foam - and that’s just for starters. A three-course lunch starts at £35, a three-course a la carte dinner at £65 (excluding coffee and petits fours), and a special menu gourmand and vegetarian menu gourmand at £75 plus wine. Open Daily for lunch & dinner

MANOR HOUSE HOTEL
Castle Combe, Wilts, SN14 7HR
Tel: 01249 782206, web: www.exclusivehotels.co.uk
Stunning 14th century manor house with an amazing view of the breathtaking Cotswold countryside. Take a seat in the elegant, airy Bybrook restaurant (or, weather permitting, on the terraces), snack in the drawing rooms or enjoy cocktails in the oak-panelled bar (which has hosted Sienna Miller, Margaret Thatcher and Robert de Niro, among others). Executive head chef Richard Davies and his team, winners in 2009 of a coveted Michelin star, have developed an imaginative menu based on the latest modern British food styles, interlaced with traditional favourites. They use local suppliers and their own kitchen garden to provide exceptional ingredients that highlight the distinct flavours of each season. Whether you visit for afternoon tea, lunch, a celebratory feast or private dinner, every dish is presented with the utmost sense of occasion. The Everyday menu is great value at £17 for a two-course lunch, £30 for a three-course dinner (Mon-Thur), or there’s a three-course a la carte dinner for £52.

METHUEN ARMS HOTEL
High St, Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0HB
Tel: 01249 714867, web: www.methuenarms.co.uk
Carvers Restaurant within this elegant townhouse hotel serves award-winning English and continental cuisine amid candlelit, stone-walled charm. The ambience is relaxed and informal, and the food is prepared using organic meat and fish wherever possible. Kids get a choice of smaller portions from the main menu or their own dedicated selection. Casual dining is also available in the lounge and bar areas.

MILLER’S AT GLENCOT HOUSE
Glencot Lane, Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1BH
Tel: 01749 677160, web: www.glencothouse.co.uk
Nestling at the foot of the Mendip Hills, where the River Axe emerges from the darkness of Wookey Hole, Glencot House creeps from the shadows to capture the hearts of all those who cross its threshold. This sumptuous Victorian mansion, built in the grand Jacobean style, boasts an elegantly theatrical interior filled with antiques and curiosities, combining vintage luxury with relaxed intimacy. Head chef Laurent Courtois makes the most of local, seasonal produce while retaining a dash of Gallic savoir-faire. Two courses ALC £28.50, three for £32.50.

MOODY GOOSE
Old Priory, Church Square, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HX
Tel: 01761 416784/410846, web: www.theoldpriory.co.uk
The beautiful Old Priory Hotel, dating back to medieval times, is also home to the famed Moody Goose restaurant, originally located in Bath. Lovingly preserved, the hotel features a wealth of character and charm including inglenook fireplaces, flagstone floors and oak beams. Homemade breads, sauces, ice-creams and petits fours are prepared each morning, fresh fish arrives daily from Brixham, and the meat, dairy produce and vegetables are all sourced locally. Local farmers provide cheese and game, and fresh herbs and vegetables are picked from the Old Priory’s kitchen garden.

OLD BUTCHER’S
7 Park St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Glos, GL54 1AQ
Tel: 01451 831700, web: www.theoldbutchers.com
Husband-and-wife team Peter and Louise Robinson opened the Old Butcher’s in 2005 for fine dining in which the food is simple, local and without pretence. Many ingredients are produced within 30 miles of the kitchen door; regulars even bring salad leaves from their allotments, damsons from their orchards and Cotswold crayfish from secret locations. Their reward is a glass or two of wine and a namecheck on the menu. The pork comes from the couple’s own herd. Their Gloucester old spots, Tamworths and British lops are fed on windfall apples and the contents of the kitchen peelings bin, and every last bit is used: legs and shoulders are cured to make air-dried ham, and even the ears are cut into strips, fried and put in the pig’s ear & pea soup. The menu changes daily to accommodate the constantly shifting supplies, and children can order small portions of any dish on the menu.

OLD MANOR HOUSE & BRASSERIE
5 Bristol Rd, Keynsham, BS31 2BA
Tel: 0117 986 3107, web: www.keynshammanor.co.uk
Restored and renovated 16th century manor house-turned hotel retaining all its period charm and offering consistently high-quality cuisine. Seasonal produce is the order of the day, with a tip of the hat to locally sourced goodies where possible, in the brasserie, with dishes such as pan-cooked venison with roasted sweet potatoes, root vegetable mash and port sauce, or whole grilled lemon sole with garlic & herb butter, olive oil mash and baby spinach. Nine ensuite bedrooms as well. First Tue of the month sees live jazz accompanied by a three-course dinner for £32, and Sunday lunch (the main event £9.95, extra courses £3 each) usually features at least one vegetarian and fish option. Open Mon-Sat 7-9pm, Sun 12noon-3pm

PARK
Wick, nr Bath, BS30 5RN
Tel: 0117 937 1800, web: www.theparkresort.com
Hotel resort with two championship 18-hole golf courses set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Bath. Set in 240 acres of attractive parkland with streams, lakes and ancient 400-year-old oaks, the house was the inspiration for Birtwick Park in Anna Sewell’s ‘Black Beauty’. Accommodation is built of warm, honey-coloured limestone, mostly arranged around a charming courtyard set just behind the handsome manor house. The beautiful Oakwood Restaurant (once a Masonic lodge) is run by award-winning executive head chef Mark Treasure, who makes the most of the wood-fired stone oven and open-plan kitchen. The hotel also boasts a popular bar, Greens, and has just launched a rather fine Sunday lunch menu, with three courses at £19.95 (or £12.75 for the main event).

PEPPER POT
Lower Wick, nr Dursley, Glos, GL11 6DD
Tel: 01453 810259
Modern, contemporary decor and imaginative, homecooked food that’s generous of portion and reasonable of price. Formerly the Pickwick Inn (there’s still a separate bar area if you don’t want to eat). The menu is loosely modern British/European: pork belly with black pudding, fish chowder, mushroom & tomato risotto, lots of locally reared, well-hung meat and game. Rather good puds, too - no wonder the locals love it.

PRIORY INN
London Rd, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8JJ
Tel: 01666 50225, web: www.theprioryinn.co.uk
This buzzy hotel and gastropub in the heart of Tetbury blends contemporary design within a historic building: high exposed beams, huge walk-around fireplace and creamy Cotswold stone blend with bright modern canvasses, bare floorboards and oak tables. The award-winning gastropub focuses on local and seasonal food - at least 90% of produce used comes from within 30 miles of the pub’s kitchen - and you can read about the farmers, growers and producers at the table. The style is simple, rustic cuisine: a wood-fired oven produces mouth-watering gourmet pizzas, and real ales and local wines feature heavily. Named as one of the top ten child-friendly hotels in Britain by the Good Hotel Guide, they have a kids’ menu (all homegrown ingredients), high chairs and toy box in the coffee bar to keep little ones happy.

SHARPHAM PARK RESTAURANT
Charlton House Hotel, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4PR
Tel: 01749 342008, web: www.charltonhouse.com
Charlton House’s stylish restaurant showcases both the culinary talents of new head chef Steve Horrell, who took over the kitchen in October 2008, and the organically grown produce of Sharpham Park Farm. Roger Saul searched high and low to find a head chef who is as passionate about the field-to-mouth experience as he is, and Steve, who previously worked at Babington House, has re-launched the restaurant’s approach, utilising seasonal, organic and local produce. He’s also incorporated rare breed meats from Saul’s organic Sharpham Park farm: rare-breed White Park beef, red deer and Hebridean and Manx Loghtan sheep are all specialties on his menu, with offerings such as the Sharpham Park organic White Park beef carpaccio, spiced beetroot, watercress and horseradish. For the wheat intolerant, there’s a selection of dishes that replace wheat with organically grown spelt grain, farmed at Sharpham Park, with specialties like roast pumpkin & cinnamon ‘speltotto’ with chestnuts, crispy sage and parmesan. New lunch menu offers two courses for £12.95. Open Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7am-10am, Sat-Sun 8am-10.30am. Lunch: 12noon-2.30pm. Dinner 7-9.30pm (Fri-Sat till 10pm). New lighter bites menu available throughout the day and eve

SORREL AT STON EASTON PARK
Ston Easton Park Hotel, Ston Easton, nr Bath, Somerset, BA3 4DF
Tel: 01761 241631, web: www.stoneaston.co.uk
As you might expect, the food dished up at the Ston Easton Park Hotel is as impressive as the grounds and the building itself. The team in the kitchen of the recently refurbished Sorrel – headed by Matthew Butcher (formerly with Chris Horridge and Raymond Blanc) - believe that really fresh vegetables are an essential part of outstanding cuisine, and make great use of their Victorian kitchen garden to provide many of the ingredients needed, backed up by the best local producers. The restaurant is open to non-residents for lunch and dinner, with alfresco dining throughout the summer and full afternoon tea served daily. Check the website for cookery days and demonstrations.

SWAN HOTEL
1 Church St, Bradford on Avon, Wilts, BA15 1LN
Tel: 01225 868686, web: www.theswanbradford.co.uk
The Swan has all the comfort and style of a quality hotel yet retains the character and charm of an old country inn. The restaurant in this grade ll-listed building in the heart of historic Bradford on Avon offers gorgeous homecooked food, using quality ingredients from local suppliers, served by friendly staff at reasonable prices. The traditionally British menu also features an imaginative choice for vegetarians, and children can enjoy proper food in small portions. Food served Daily 12noon-2.30pm & 6.30-9.30pm (Sun 8.30pm)

THORNBURY CASTLE
Castle St, Thornbury, BS35 1HH
Tel: 01454 281182, web: www.thornburycastle.co.uk
With 500 years of history, including visits from King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, this 16th century Tudor castle, standing in 15 acres of grounds, is now a country house hotel and restaurant renowned for its many traditional English favourites, like the famous treacle tart & butterscotch pudding, as well as exceptional Sunday roasts. Cheeseboard is exclusively British, too, but you’ll find plenty of modern, internationally inspired dishes on the menu. All dishes use only the finest, freshest ingredients, sourced from local markets and suppliers wherever possible, with herbs and vegetables like courgette flowers and cherry tomatoes grown on the premises. A la carte dinner is £48 for three courses.

TROUBLE HOUSE
Cirencester Rd, Tetbury, Glos, GL8 8SG
Tel: 01666 502206, web: www.thetroublehouse.co.uk
Martin and Neringa Caws (his pedigree includes stints at London’s Michelin-starred Pied a Terre and as head chef at Marco Pierre White’s now-gone Mirabelle) took over Tetbury’s Trouble House from Michael and Sarah Bedford (now at their own deli-cum-bistro in the town, the Chef’s Table) a year or so ago. The couple clearly realised that taking on one of Britain’s best-loved gastropubs wasn’t going to be easy, and they’ve made few alterations to the place - apart from the menu, that is: a constantly changing selection featuring around six starters or mains, and fresh breads baked twice daily. In a selection drawing heavily on seasonal British produce, you might find cannelloni of chicken & field mushroom with butternut squash puree and cep veloute for starters, followed by braised ox cheek with snails, potato puree and sauce bourguignon.

WALNUT TREE HOTEL
North Petherton, nr Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6QA
Tel: 01278 662255, web: www.walnuttreehotel.com
This hotel offers a choice of dining experiences. The team of chefs at the award-winning Lemon Tree Restaurant have been recognised for their culinary talents with RAC and AA rosettes, and whether you’re after a quiet evening for two, special celebration with friends or champagne breakfast meeting, the warmth and ambience of the place ticks all the right boxes. For more informal dining, the bistro serves up delicious freshly prepared dishes with a European flavour, plus daily specials.

WHATLEY MANOR
Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wilts, SN16 0RB
Tel: 01666 822888, web: www.whatleymanor.com
Exclusive, luxurious hotel in a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house voted ‘Best for Rooms’ by Condé Nast Traveller. Aquarius, the award-winning spa, offers a host of day spa experiences. There are two superb restaurants: the Swiss chalet-style Le Mazot brasserie serves lunch and dinner daily, with main dishes around the £17 mark and monthly Sunday lunchtime jazz sessions. The Dining Room serves dinner Wed-Sun, with an a la carte menu at £65 a head and an exquisite tasting menu at £80. Everything is freshly prepared and locally sourced, and the game is superb. Make the most of the gorgeous kitchen garden terrace for alfresco dining during decent weather.

WILD DUCK INN
Drakes Island, Ewen, Glos, GL7 6BY
Tel: 01285 770310, web: www.thewildduckinn.co.uk
Fabulous restaurant set in a historic building (dating back to the 1560s) in the midst of Gloucestershire’s glorious countryside, with a warm, inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The dining room menu is always changing, and caters for vegetarians and those with special dietary needs. Food is produced from as much local organic produce as possible (all meat comes from their local butcher, not a wholesaler) and head chef Richard Mann designs his menu around modern British and European food, with the occasional nod to the Far East. The lunch staple of beer-battered cod is also available at dinner, along with anything from Aberdeen Angus steaks to grilled sea bass or poached salmon, and one of their drop-dead desserts is a must.

WOODFORD LODGE
Chew Valley Lake, Chew Stoke, Bristol, BS40 8XH
Tel: 01275 331365
Next to the stunning Chew Valley Lake, Woodford Lodge is a true countryside escape, with superb views, sailing boats, bird life and patient fishermen creating the most picturesque of settings. It’s open daily for breakfast and lunch (closed Mon during winter), dinner (Tue-Sun) and delicious Sunday roasts. The lunch menu offers a varied selection, from jacket potatoes and sandwiches to lasagne, trout and sole. Dinner prices are reasonable, considering the backdrop and the quality of fare on offer, with a la carte mains averaging around £13 (although there’s a cheaper bar menu option, too). A popular place, especially in the summer, so booking is advised. Open From 8am during fishing season, closed Mon in winter

WOODLANDS COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL
Hill Lane, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4DF
Tel: 01278 760232, web: www.woodlands-hotel.co.uk
Eating out at the Woodlands Restaurant, nestled in the Somerset countryside, offers the chance to sit and sample the finer things in life. Owners Peter & Glenda Botes and their team pick only the best and freshest locally produced ingredients, offering seasonal menus and high-calibre cuisine. The restaurant at this charming hotel is open to non-residents for dinner seven days a week, as well as for Sunday lunch, but you’d be well advised to book.

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