Somerset food and drink guide

One of the main highlights for many enjoying a holiday is the food and drink. Whether you’re one to dine out each evening or cook your own using ingredients bought locally from your destination, we can assure you that Somerset won’t disappoint your taste buds. Boasting a handful of Michelin starred restaurants, over 20 breweries and some of the finest cheese in the world, there’s plenty of Somerset food and drink to experience while staying in the county.

There are also plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and pubs throughout the county meaning that your four-legged friend will be catered for too!

Markets:

With agriculture still a pivotal industry in the county, you can expect a wealth of fantastic produce during a holiday in Somerset. With a variety of traditional market towns throughout the county, you’re bound to be located close to a farmers’ market, where you can pick up a whole host of local goodies. Often fresh from the farms or hot out the oven, you’re sure to taste Somerset’s finest products at their very best.

Local produce:

Food to look out for in Somerset ranges from well-known cheeses and ciders to fine meats such as Exmoor lamb and even eels! Many famous brands also make their products in Somerset, for example, Cathedral City, Yeo Valley and Thatcher’s, with the latter even sponsoring the Glastonbury festival. As the county is famous for its apples and ciders, we highly recommend a visit to Sheppy’s Cider Farm in Taunton, where you can stroll through the orchards, before enjoying a tipple yourself.

Cheese:

Cheese is another product which is often associated with the county and for good reason too, as it is home to arguably the country’s favourite, Cheddar, as well as a further selection including Ilminster and Somerset Blue. A trip to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company allows visitors to see how the dairy delicacy is made, while for those that would like to combine the two, why not coincide your visit with the Somerset Cheese, Cider and Moozic Fest, sure to be the ultimate Somerset experience!

Pubs:

A wonderful way to experience some of Somerset’s cuisine is to head to one of the traditional pubs that dot the countryside. On a summer’s evening, relax in a beer garden with a pint of scrumpy, or during the winter month’s cosy up beside a roaring log fire with a hearty meal. Make sure you take time out to watch the world go by from a quirky café when you explore one of the many quintessential villages, you’ll be surprised how many of the cakes include an apple related ingredient!

Fine dining:

If you’re looking for an extra special treat, you’re in luck as Somerset is home to a handful of Michelin starred restaurants. Located in the cosmopolitan city of Bristol, Paco Tapas, Casamia and wilks all offer up fantastic culinary treats, while the Pony and Trap in Chew Magna has been awarded a star every year since 2011 and showcases local produce at its tastiest. In another of Somerset’s cities, and for those that enjoy something a little more unusual, you’ll also find the Bath Chilli and Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things spicy and sweet.

Whether you wish to make the most of the fantastic dining establishments, learning how products are made or simply enjoy a refreshing cider of an evening, the food and drink in Somerset is guaranteed to impress.