The Barrington Boar

Crowd‑pleasing contemporary pub dining

‘Refined comfort food’ is how Alasdair Clifford describes his style of cooking at this contemporary country pub near Ilminster. The chef, who previously worked at Chez Bruce and The Glasshouse, returned to his home county in 2018 to take over The Barrington Boar with his wife Victoria Collins.

The duo refreshed the pub’s interior and menu to create a stylish setting in which to feast with friends and family. Working closely with local farmers, foragers and cheesemongers, Alasdair crafts gratifying dishes that offer a taste of the local terroir.

He and Victoria also collaborate with regional breweries and offer an ever‑changing collection of ales and ciders. South West spirits such as Wicked Wolf Gin and Somerset Cider Brandy also feature, along with Smith & Evans sparkling wine which is made less than ten miles from Barrington.

The delights extend beyond the food and drinks as there are four contemporary bedrooms on‑site, making this a fantastic base from which to explore the east Somerset and Dorset countryside.

Trencherman’s tip: Sunday lunch at The Barrington Boar is pretty special. Choose between slow‑roast Somerset sirloin, Yarrow Hey Farm pork belly and broad bean and grelot onion vol‑au‑vent, all of which are served with roasties cooked in dripping, sky‑high yorkshires, glazed carrots and cauliflower cheese.