The Bunch of Grapes

New-wave pub dining

A rural village pub may be the unlikely setting for cutting-edge cooking, but it’s where Tony Casey crafts intriguing compilations which play with flavour, texture and style. The talented chef skippered kitchens in Bath and Bristol before taking over The Bunch of Grapes in 2018, and the cities’ losses have been Bradford-on-Avon’s gain.

Kick off your visit with cocktails as you ponder the difficult choice laid before you: should you pick what you fancy from the à la carte, or throw caution to the wind and plump for the tasting menu? Either way, top-quality ingredients take centre stage in standout dishes such as brill with cockles, coconut broth, shitake and pak choi, and puds such as mascarpone mousse with miso ice cream, meringue and strawberry yogurt.

If you’re looking for something more casual, there’s also a bar menu which features the likes of salt and pepper squid, breaded chicken-breast burger with garlic mayo and cheddar, and cauliflower and truffle risotto. Whatever you order, keep your phone nearby so you can snap a photo before you dig in – Tony’s dishes are as pleasing to admire as they are to devour.

The interior styling of the ancient pub is equally photogenic: tables centre around an imposing bar featuring an impressive collection of spirits and glassware. On the first floor, striking blue walls and producethemed artwork set the scene for the eyecatching dishes.