Perennially popular, wisteria-covered Castle Hotel Taunton in the heart of town is renowned for its timeless elegance and smart cooking.

The Castle Hotel Taunton has had a number of talented and famous chefs behind the pass, and current head chef Andrew Swann oversees its buzzing restaurant and private dining rooms.

The hotel’s main restaurant, Brazz, is open to everybody and, while it’s popular for brunch and lunch, it really comes to life during dinner service when low-level lighting and leather banquette seating create an intimate atmosphere.

Quality South West ingredients form the backbone of the menu: guests can expect to find dishes such as skate wing served with Tenderstem broccoli, new potatoes and shellfish sauce, and thyme-and-lemon-stuffed chicken breast served with carrot puree, fondant potatoes and red wine sauce.

Beyond Brazz, the hotel has a relaxed lounge where hotel guests and visitors can partake in afternoon tea, light lunches and cocktails in the evening. Or book the elegant Castle Bow room with its glamorous art-deco aesthetic for private dining or celebrations such as weddings.

Trencherman’s tip

Visit Brazz at lunchtime between Monday and Saturday to enjoy the Market Menu. The set two-course (£15) and three-course (£20) options offer exceptional value for classic dishes such as cumberland sausage with mash and onion, or rigatoni pasta with homemade beef ragu.