The Barrington Boar

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, which he runs with his wife Victoria Collins.

On taking over the 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 homegrown veg from Alasdair and Victoria’s market garden. Expect to feast on the likes of barbecued shoulder of lamb glazed in rose harissa with smoked aubergine and pistachio dukkah, or roast loin of sika venison with venison and bacon sausage roll, venison fat mash, damson ketchup and a red wine and peppercorn sauce.

The pud line-up features such delights as chilled vanilla rice pudding with poached Yorkshire rhubarb, gingerbread crumb and hibiscus sauce.

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

Check out the team’s new opening next door: The Barrington Bakery at Two Bakers Farm. Further dine-and-stay opportunities have also opened up with the addition of holiday lets.