Great Lunch Spots in South Somerset and West Dorset
Make lunch the main event; enjoy dining out on our recommendations for tasting the best of the West.
The White Hart, Somerton
The vision of the team behind this popular gastropub is to demonstrate “just how good west country food can be”. The White Hart is steeped in history, having been trading in various guises since the 15th century. Situated in the market square of the ancient capital of Wessex, the architecture creates the ambience of a traditional inn. Step inside, and you will find the zeitgeist mix of old and new. From your dining table you can watch the chefs as they work to create dishes that vary from the rustic ‘Gloucester old spot pork belly’ to the more exotic flavours of ‘oyster mushroom and za’atar’. There is a wood-fired oven for pizza (with vegan adaptations) or ciabatta options and salads on the bar menu with food available all day. There is an emphasis on using seasonal produce and full details of the provenance are listed on the website. The bar/kitchen dining area has a lively vibe, there is also courtyard and garden for al fresco dining on sunnier days.
Lavender Keeper’s Cafe, The Story Pig, Sandford Orcas
You can find the Lavender Keeper’s Café situated within the rolling hills of Dorset, just outside the pretty market town of Sherborne. This café comes highly recommended by our care professionals due to its rural setting (there is a Tipi to provide shelter) and the connection with the land. The café is one arm of a business venture The Story Pig that celebrates Tamworth pigs, so expect to find Tamworth pork on the menu in the form of homemade sausage rolls, scotch eggs, sausages, cured bacon and more. You can watch the red-haired Tamworths roaming free range on the family farm, alongside a collective of Indian runner ducks. A stunning lavender field provides the perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity. We love this spot for its sustainability and commitment to preserving the heritage of ancient British breeds.
The Newt, Hadspen, Bruton
The Newt is a luxury working 300-acre country estate that positions itself as showcasing Somerset’s industry and agriculture to a discerning clientele. With that in mind, the Newt is more than a bite to eat, it offers an immersive Somerset experience, whether that be ‘‘Cyder’ Tasting’, ‘Bee Safari’ or the ‘Roman Villa Experience’. Attention to detail courses through the owners’ vision, to cement the farm to table movement firmly within the public consciousness. This is clearly exemplified by The Garden Cafe with its wonderful vantage point over the kitchen gardens and orchards. It is one of our top picks due to the fresh, flavoursome ingredients – many of which are sourced from within the grounds. Vegetables are celebrated in dishes such ‘chilled cucumber soup’ or ‘new season leek hearts’. The less-veggie options include ‘spring lamb’ or ‘braised beef’, and there is a definite slant towards the more unusual with nasturtium, labneh and seed head dukkah all featuring on the menu. This lunch choice is for a special day out with the people you love and cherish. It is located here between Bruton, Castle Cary and Wincanton.
The Old Dairy, Bower Hinton, Martock
A working farmyard and tractor machinery create the backdrop for this rustic venue tucked away at the top of Bower Hinton. Part of the charm of The Old Dairy Cafe are the sloping tables and slightly ramshackle appearance – it is a former dairy after all. There is a small, seated area inside, and the under-cover outside seating, is all easily wheelchair accessible. The essence of the food here is non-fussy and informal to match the environs. The owner says that they focus on homemade quality boards such as mezzes, ploughman’s, and afternoon teas. We are big fans of the easy-going atmosphere and the cheery staff. We also love the support between local businesses; in the farm shop you can find produce from different suppliers within a tight radius. Located here
Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock
The Hive Beach Café is located right on the beach at Burton Bradstock on the Jurassic Coast, with far-reaching views across Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach. It’s the perfect location to enjoy fresh, local seafood, homemade cakes or just a simple cup of tea. Open all year round – their walls disappear in the summer so you get best of both worlds whilst enjoying delicious food. In the winter heating gets cranked up, creating a cosy environment with the sound of the waves crashing on the beach in the background. Whether inside or out, you are unmistakably at the beach.
Few activities bring people together quite like sharing a good meal, and this is even more important in our post-Covid world. Food is often at the centre of the service we provide – whether that is assisting with grocery shopping, meal preparation, or being a companion at the dinner table.
If you would like to find out more about our home care services in Yeovil, Sherborne and Bridport then please get in touch on 01935 577030.