The New Inn, Halse, Somerset
Tucked away in the Somerset village of Halse, the New Inn follows all the traditions of a good country pub and restaurant - something it's pulled off remarkably well since it was taken over by the community in recent times; they've even incorporated a very cosy cafe during the day, which becomes a skittle alley by night, thus making the most of the space. At the forefront are a young and dynamic team who are very friendly and accommodating so a warm welcome is guaranteed to anyone who walks in the door, whether it's for coffee and cake, a pub lunch or an evening of restaurant dining.
As you'd expect from an 18th century coaching inn, The New Inn has stacks of character inside and out with big thick beams, brick fireplaces with wood burners, and original stone walls; out the back, there's a paved terrace so you can dine alfresco on warmer days - when it's chillier sit beneath the covered and heated loggia.
The food is very good, traditionally English with a continental twist, cooked with flair by a talented chef who likes to make good use of the abundance of produce that's grown and raised in the Somerset countryside. Go for lunch and you'll have a choice of dishes like Steak & Kidney pie with salt baked mash potatoes, buttered greens, and onion gravy, Beer battered fish and chips, posh mushy peas, tartare sauce and lemon, or Wild mushroom tagliatelle, truffled cream, confit egg yolk and gremolata. In the evening the pub favourites are still there alongside the likes of Pan roasted venison saddle with venison meatloaf, butternut squash, calvelo nero, blackberries and jus, or John Dory fillet with ratatouille, bouillabaise, roulle and sourdough. Go for Sundays and you can tuck into a particularly scrumptious roast.
The cafe is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.30 am-3.00 pm so if you're out for a stroll or a bike ride pop in for a sandwich, a baked potato or a slice of homemade cake.
Closed Monday. Tuesday - 5.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Wednesday & Thursday - 12 noon - 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm - 10.30 pm
Fri & Sat - 12 noon - 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm - 11 pm
Sunday - 12 noon - 3.30 pm
T: 01823 432352 Booking essential Dogs welcome All information correct at the time of writing