The Barrington Boar Hotel

Somerset, UK

Think Somerset and a few things spring to mind: Cheddar cheese, the Levels and villages framed by West Country orchards. Nestled between the thatched cottages and historic churches of Barrington, the county’s rich culinary heritage comes to the fore at The Barrington Boar.

Led by chef-patron Alasdair Clifford – of Michelin-starred Chez Bruce and Harwood Arms fame – comforting, modern British dishes are a given here. Be it slow-cooked pork belly from nearby Yarrow Hey glazed in smoked apple caramel, or shallot soup with foraged black truffle, no ingredient has travelled far. Come Sunday, specials such as slow-roasted rump cap of Somerset beef with red wine gravy and Ogleshield cauliflower cheese are best enjoyed by the fireplace, beneath a bold palette of country- home reds and blues. Finish off with vanilla crème caramel steeped in Somerset cider brandy. The local influence continues in four renovated garden-view rooms in the converted Victorian skittle alley, including soaps made from beer and cider by-produce.

A full English will set you up for a wander up to Burrow Hill, home to a cider farm with great views across the Levels. Or take a tasting tour of the Temperley family’s cider apple orchards.

Doubles from £220. 01460 259281, thebarringtonboar.co.uk

Words by Jasmina Matulewicz