An evening on The Cotley Inn’s south-facing terrace provides a feast for the senses: bees buzz around lavender, delicious smells emanate from flavourful dishes and visual delight is provided by views of fields where many of the ingredients are grown or reared.

The Grade II-listed country inn sits in the heart of the Cotley Estate in the Blackdown Hills, Somerset, and has been exquisitely updated in contemporary farmhouse style by owners Maddie Beaumont and Ben Porter.

Four country-chic bedrooms accompany the restaurant and make it a delicious location for a stopover. In addition to the sumptuous feasting, guests can look forward to home-from-home luxuries and exploring the nearby Jurassic coastline and peaceful countryside.

Being part of an estate gives head chef Dan Brown access to an abundance of ultra-fresh produce such as Ruby Red beef, rare-breed pork and chicken, and veg from the kitchen garden. His nose-to-tail cooking style aligns with Maddie and Ben’s sustainability principles, so there are often home-smoked meats and less conventional cuts to try.

Modern interpretations of pub classics form a pleasingly pared-back menu. It includes dishes such as honey-roast ham hock terrine with pickled egg, Somerset cheddar and ploughman’s pickle; and tomato and roasted garlic orzo risotto with elderflower plum tomatoes, crisp goat’s halloumi, grilled yellow courgette and salsa verde.

Trencherman’s tip

Visit The Cotley Inn for alfresco dining in summer, when sourdough pizzas and small plates are served from a tin hut in the garden.