When Alasdair Clifford returned to his home county of Somerset from London in 2018, he brought with him a host of skills honed in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Chez Bruce. They’ve been put to good use in the friendly environment of this contemporary country pub, The Barrington Boar, which he runs with his wife Victoria Collins.

On taking over The Barrington Boar, the duo refreshed the pub’s interior and menu to create a stylish setting in which to serve ‘refined comfort food’ – a modest description of cooking that’s nudged its way into the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs, received a mention in the Michelin Guide and been included in The Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurants 2024 list.

The dishes offer a taste of the local terroir and include the likes of barbecued shoulder of lamb glazed in rose harissa with smoked aubergine and pistachio dukkah, and roast loin of sika venison with smoked game sausage, spiced carrot puree, fondant potato and creamed cavolo nero.

As well as working closely with local farmers, foragers and cheesemongers, the couple collaborate with regional breweries to stock an ever-evolving collection of drinks.

Trencherman’s tip

Keep an eye out for updates on the opening of further luxury accommodation, a bakery and a market garden (including native Somerset fruit trees) next door.