Restaurant/Gastro Pub suggestions - 40 mile radius of WSM

[AngryApples]

So,

its coming up to my birthday and I quite fancy trying somewhere new for a meal on the night

Criteria:

Somewhere decent, without requiring a suit and tie (smart casual - shirt and trousers - OK)
NOT curry
NOT fish
Within 40 miles radius of WSM (so Taunton, Bristol, Bath, etc....)

South West PH'ers, the floor is yours!

[AngryApples]

Oh,

I've tried...............

Alasia WSM
Oak and Glass WSM
Duets WSM
Severnshed Bristol
San Carlo Bristol
Castle Taunton
Jamies Italian Bath
Aqua Bristol/Bath
Glassboat Bristol
Spyglass Bristol
City Inn Bristol

[ewenm]

Current favourites in Bath:

Beaujolais - French restaurant with a good menu and good wine, just off Queen Square (SW corner).
Hall and Woodhouse - new gastro-pub just off the NE corner of Queen Square.
Moon and Sixpence - restaurant in Milsom Place (near Jamie's Italian).

[Shinobi]

Severnshed in Bristol is lovely, tried some of the others above but not to impressed tbh. The New Inn in Backwell is meant to have a great menu but not tried it yet.

[AngryApples]

Shinobi said:

Severnshed in Bristol is lovely, tried some of the others above but not to impressed tbh. The New Inn in Backwell is meant to have a great menu but not tried it yet.

Shin,

how long ago did you go to SevernShed?

We used to be regulars (especially on the Saturday early evening cheap deal - great value!)

Unfortunately they were recently bought out by the "Coal" chain and I'm not impressed with the effect on food quality and prices

[AngryApples]

ewenm said:

Current favourites in Bath:

Beaujolais - French restaurant with a good menu and good wine, just off Queen Square (SW corner).
Hall and Woodhouse - new gastro-pub just off the NE corner of Queen Square.
Moon and Sixpence - restaurant in Milsom Place (near Jamie's Italian).

[MartinM]

The Tollgate Inn in Holt, near Bradford on Avon.

[neil_bolton]

If you're into Organic masterpieces, Bordeux Quay on the Waterfront - top drawer food

Also:

1. Culinaria in Redland - but very hard to get a table.
2. Bells Diner in Montpelier - very fancy food.
3. The Carpenters Arms - Chew Magna way
4. The Pony and Trap - Chew Magna - absolutely awesome food, and stunning views while you eat a stunning roast.

ETA: New Inn in Backwell is lovely food, but took a while to arrive, and the decor is a bit new for my liking. Nice enough, and great parking (would actually be a great PH meet location).

Email me if you want more info - I have plenty more that aren't on your list, and are off the beaten path.

Edited by neil_bolton on Monday 12th July 08:51

[koolchris99]

My suggestions from around taunton:

The Rising sun
http://www.risingsuninn.info/

The Willow tree
http://www.restaurant-guide.com/willow-tree.htm

Castle Hotel is ok, Michelin starred, brazz on the highstreet is the same kitchen but bit cheaper.

[AngryApples]

Cheers all!

[GavGav]

So was my place top of the list because it was in alphabetical order??!

Another vote for Bells Diner and Culinaria mentioned earlier.

Casamia in Westbury-on-Trym is now Michelin starred and outstanding.

If you would prefer a pub, Robin Hood's Retreat on the Gloucester Road (Bishopston) is the best pub I've eaten in for a long time.

[Eviltwin]

A couple of sugestions for the Bridgwater/Taunton direction, both very good, out in the sticks a bit, but well worth a visit.
Usually need to book in advance for both, as they are quite popular for those special occasions

http://www.podshavers.co.uk/

http://www.clavelshaybarn.co.uk/

you won't find any Bridgwater neanderthal types there either, too expensive!

[T350 Al]

The Moody Goose @ The Old Priory is fantastic, very intimate but relaxed and stunning surroundings.

Linky

If you can, I highly recommend staying in the hotel overnight.

[AngryApples]

Wow,

thanks all, what an amazing list of places!

Hope this is of use to everyone

AA

[Japveesix]

Shinobi said:

The New Inn in Backwell is meant to have a great menu but not tried it yet.

This is 100% the first place I'd recommend around Bristol at the moment. Loved it, great cheese board

Although also consider:

Three coqs brassserie - ex Bell's diner/bordeuax quay chefs and a very different way of eating - lots of little dishes. The baked duck egg is utterly brilliant
http://threecoqsbrasserie.com/

Primose cafe, Bris - fairly casual but tucked away in a nice part of Clifton and the menu and food ae excellent:
http://www.primrosecafe.co.uk/

Edit to add that I also agree with the Pony and Trap - it's lovely. and some great driving roads and views around that area.

Edited by Japveesix on Tuesday 13th July 00:22

[AngryApples]

Japveesix said:

Primose cafe, Bris - fairly casual but tucked away in a nice part of Clifton and the menu and food ae excellent:
http://www.primrosecafe.co.uk/

Yep, done Primrose many times for Saturday breakfast, very nice indeed!

[TheDetailDoctor]

The Old House At Home - Burton

[anonymous-user]

same, same but different on sullivan street in bath is very nice
the star and dove in totterdown, bristol is great too
i also like 130 on gloucester road in bristol, its a very good, higher end tapas bar with a great wine list!

[AppleMan]

Mon Pleasuer in Clevedon....the one place I have never had a bad meal and the service is spot on.

Very good food indeedy

[AngryApples]