Notable neighbourhood restaurant Puro, Clevedon, has long provided the residents of the Victorian town near Bristol with high-quality cooking and fine wines, but the arrival of ex-Ethicurean chef Tommy Thorn launched the restaurant into an exciting new era.

The Masterchef: The Professionals finalist crafts beautiful dishes in his tasting and à la carte menus, which are paired with wines influenced by sister wine bar Vintage & Vine, found at street level above the cosy basement dining room.

Tommy’s 4/4/4 menus are built around local and seasonal produce and influences that span the globe. Explore his culinary talents in elegantly executed dishes such as beef sirloin with Roscoff onion, Tenderstem and ratte potato, or barbecued monkfish with sandy carrot, sesame and lemongrass sauce. The menus are pleasingly restrained but always include dishes for plant-based diners.

Sunday lunches are a find at Puro Clevedon and see the classics elevated in dishes such as ballantine of chicken with garlic and thyme, served with seasonal veggies, yorkshire pud and jus.

A sense of place runs through the entire experience – from ingredients and artwork to the way customers are looked after by owner Dom Lamy and team. The result is an unpretentious restaurant delivering smart food, service and surrounds.

Trencherman’s tip

Check out sister restaurant Escala nearby for excellent tapas with sea views.