After relocating from central Bruton to a village on the outskirts of the artsy market town, Osip from chef Merlin Labron Johnson is in its latest chapter serving trademark dishes in an ultra-contemporary barn with an enormous window connecting diners directly to the land.

Devon-born chef Merlin Labron Johnson (known for achieving a Michelin star at London’s Portland within nine months of opening) launched Osip in 2019. In doing so, he unofficially crowned Bruton as the Somerset destination of choice for fans of the (very) good life.

Osip was soon awarded a Michelin star, but its Green Michelin star – acknowledging sustainable credentials – is just as pertinent as the chef is obsessed with the integrity of ingredients.

Merlin produces a gardening rota for his team and almost all produce is grown locally. As a low-meat restaurant, thought-provoking dishes centre around hero vegetables but when the team does serve meat they only use whole animals or birds – all of which are organic and prepared in-house.

The innovative dishes change from service to service so the menus are printed on a just-intime basis – don’t expect to be able to check it out on the website before your visit.

Trencherman’s tip

For full creative immersion, revel in the artwork of the yearly resident artists and stay at partner accommodation in nearby Number One Bruton.