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The Holcombe

Somerset, Holcombe - Modern British - Pub with rooms - ££

Enthusiastically run Somerset inn with the personal touch

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

Surrounded by a well-tended and very pretty kitchen garden with plenty of seating for summer visits, this handsome ‘contemporary British inn’ (the owners' words) promises ‘affordable luxury’ and, as far as the food is concerned, delivers in spades. The tastefully decorated dining room is spacious, comfortable and inviting (cream walls, exposed stonework, flagstones, bare wood tables), while a central woodburner creates a cosy vibe. Staff make you feel ‘like one of the family’ as soon as you walk in, and the service (led by co-owner Caroline Gardiner) is quietly friendly, professional and full of enthusiasm. In the kitchen, charismatic Alan Lucas creates sophisticated and technically accomplished modern British dishes inspired by bountiful supplies of Somerset produce and pickings from the kitchen garden – and he is rightly proud of his efforts. Our seasonally apposite dinner was bookended by courgette carpaccio with roast garden tomatoes and p...

Surrounded by a well-tended and very pretty kitchen garden with plenty of seating for summer visits, this handsome ‘contemporary British inn’ (the owners' words) promises ‘affordable luxury’ and, as far as the food is concerned, delivers in spades. The tastefully decorated dining room is spacious, comfortable and inviting (cream walls, exposed stonework, flagstones, bare wood tables), while a central woodburner creates a cosy vibe. Staff make you feel ‘like one of the family’ as soon as you walk in, and the service (led by co-owner Caroline Gardiner) is quietly friendly, professional and full of enthusiasm.

In the kitchen, charismatic Alan Lucas creates sophisticated and technically accomplished modern British dishes inspired by bountiful supplies of Somerset produce and pickings from the kitchen garden – and he is rightly proud of his efforts. Our seasonally apposite dinner was bookended by courgette carpaccio with roast garden tomatoes and pesto, and a pear crumble with custard made with fruit from the Holcombe's own trees. The endearingly enthusiastic chef often brings dishes to the table himself – perhaps confit duck leg with homemade redcurrant sauce or an 8oz Somerset sirloin accompanied by wild garlic pesto, onion tempura, pickled onion and fries. Accompanying vegetables, fresh from the garden, are beautifully presented and packed with flavour.

In addition to the carte, the Holcombe offers a terrific Sunday lunch and a good-value ‘midweek supper’ menu, while the drinks list includes a decent selection of wines by the glass, local beers and premium ciders from the Newt (a nearby country estate not far from Castle Cary).

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P Nicholson

17 December 2024

The Holcombe came up on The Good Food Guide and as it’s not far from us (20 miles) we thought we would try it out. In fact, they had a deal on staying so we stayed over night. The rooms are beautifully decorated and wonder of wonders - homemade biscuits! The meal later was superb and interesting. The service was understated but quietly attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal with good wines at a reasonable price. Finally surprise, surprise the breakfast was almost as beautiful as the dinne...
The Holcombe came up on The Good Food Guide and as it’s not far from us (20 miles) we thought we would try it out. In fact, they had a deal on staying so we stayed over night. The rooms are beautifully decorated and wonder of wonders - homemade biscuits! The meal later was superb and interesting. The service was understated but quietly attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal with good wines at a reasonable price. Finally surprise, surprise the breakfast was almost as beautiful as the dinner presentation. We can throughly recommend a visit to the Holcombe.
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VENUE DETAILS

Stratton Road
Holcombe
Somerset
BA3 5EBGB

01761 232478

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly, Credit card required, Deposit required, Pre-payment required

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