Dine out in the countryside this Christmas
Gateway to the West Country, Somerset is abuzz with agriculture and industry, offering visitors a thriving slice of English culture and countryside. Home to world-famous cheeses and cider, it’s a go-to destination for all things food – especially when winter rolls around. From traditional pubs hidden deep in the countryside to glamorous restaurants serving up champagne and caviar, take a look at some of the best spots for Christmas Day lunch in Somerset.
The Pig and Fiddle, Bath
© The Pig and Fiddle via Instagram
An iconic pub sat in the heart of the city, this dog and child-friendly watering hole serves up delicious food alongside live music. With plenty of space inside to rest your legs, there's also a courtyard beer garden for fans of al fresco dining. Popular attractions such as the Roman Baths, Theatre Royal and Bath Abbey sit close by so there's plenty of time to enjoy the city's stunning light display before sitting down for lunch.
With plenty of options to choose from, highlights include salmon and Brixham crab salad, roast Kelly bronze turkey breast and British artisan cheese with caramelised apple chutney.
Accessibility notes: This pub is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp to the main entrance.
The George, Backwell
© The George via Instagram
Surrounded by rolling green pastures, this traditional pub in north Somerset is perfect for enjoying great food with your family and friends this Christmas. Featuring a suntrap courtyard and lawn, rest and recharge after exploring the Mendip Hills at The George.
Catering to an array of different palettes, you can expect to find plenty of meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Serving a three-course menu from midday onwards, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne on arrival, perfect for sipping on while you make those all-important foodie decisions.
Along with some less-traditional options including pan-fried salmon and crab linguine, you can expect to find roast turkey with pigs in blankets and classic festive desserts including Christmas pudding with brandy butter ice cream. If you’re visiting with little ones, there’s a specially designed menu featuring burgers and ice cream sundaes too.
The Clockspire, Milborne Port
© The Clockspire via Instagram
Highlighting flavour and balance, this beautifully modernised 19th-century schoolhouse is ideal for those who appreciate chic surroundings as much as the food. Filled with twinkling lights and sparkling service, ascend to the mezzanine floor for a glass of champagne under vaulted ceilings adorned with chandeliers before settling in for a festive-themed set menu.
Perfect for those looking to take the stress out of every aspect of the day, the only decision you'll have to make is what tipple to pair with your food. The celebrations are £160 per person and you'll be treated to Cready carver duck leg to start, followed by roast turkey and all the trimmings for mains. When you're almost ready to retire to your sofa, tuck into a chocolate delice with cranberry and orange ripple for the perfect end to the day.
Accessibility notes: Access to the bar is up a steep set of stairs but everywhere else is on the same level. This restaurant offers table service.
The Castle, Taunton
© The Castle via Instagram
Step through the doors of this family-owned grade I-listed building for a dreamy evening under the lights. As you head inside for the main event, stop to admire the 18-foot Christmas tree for a true festive welcome before taking your seats with a glass of fizz. For £150, four delicious courses, tea or coffee and petit fours are all included and you can arrive anytime after 12:30 - just make sure to secure your slot online.
We recommend the goat cheese mousse as a starter, followed by roast Somerset turkey for the main course, before taking a tour of the grounds and enjoying a generous helping of Christmas pudding.
Accessibility notes: The main entrance has a set of revolving doors and a ramp put in place to allow access for wheelchairs.
The Pig near Bath
© Pig Hotels via Instagram
Get yourselves in the festive spirit and book a table at this country-chic hotel, renowned for its 25-mile radius menus and proximity to the Mendip Hills. Start the day with a mulled cider and a serving of pork crackling, then get stuck into a Christmas Day menu with grilled pork collar, Haywood Farm turkey breast and the self-titled Christmas pudding served with cider brandy sauce, mimosa jelly and chocolate tart for afters if there's room for more, round off your meal with a mini mince pie and espresso.
Accessibility notes: At The Pig near Bath, there's a small lip access to the hotel, through either the front door or the private dining space. Small ramps are in place for wheelchairs, with access to ground-floor rooms and the hotel's garden.
At The Chapel, Bruton
© At The Chapel via Instagram
Just a 20-minute drive from Frome, At The Chapel in Bruton offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully converted chapel. With an in-house bakery and wine store, your yuletide celebrations couldn't be in safer hands, with every meal cooked from scratch. Carefully curated for the day, the three-course menu features delicious dishes, including venison carpaccio, poached figs, ox tail Wellington, and Black Forest baked Alaska. If you're dining with your four-legged friends, dogs are welcome in the Gallery, Clubroom and terrace but aren't allowed in the restaurant.
Accessibility notes: There's a step up from the High Street to the entrance foyer. Once in the foyer, there are no steps through the ground floor and into the restaurant, bakery shop and hotel reception.
For more tasty recommendations, take a look at our 'Where to eat in Frome' and 'The best country pubs in Somerset' blog posts.
Where to stay nearby
Nestled in a wild spot deep in the Somerset countryside, surround yourself with acres of rolling pastures with a stay at Upcott Farm. Comprising a spacious barn conversion and a beautifully restored hayloft, the neighbouring Nightjar (sleeping eight) and Willow’s Rest (sleeping four) occupy an enviable position on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Dog-friendly and set amongst stunning countryside, it’s perfect for lovers of the great outdoors.
Image credits: © The George via Instagram | © The Clockspire via Instagram | © The Pig and Fiddle via Instagram | © The Castle via Instagram | © Pig Hotels via Instagram and © At The Chapel via Instagram.
