The Castle at Taunton, Taunton, Somerset
Of the plentiful places to eat in Taunton, one of the best is the award-winning Castle at Taunton, right in the heart of town. This family owned hotel is now in its third generation and continues its excellent reputation for a warm welcome, outstanding service and very good food and wine.
At the side of The Castle is Brazz, a fashionable and sophisticated restaurant that starts service with breakfast, going through to brunch, lunch, cocktails and dinner, with coffee and cake available all day. The kitchen is passionate about showcasing the abundance of top quality food that’s sown, grown, raised and made in the West Country; the main menu shows how local produce is put to its best possible use in dishes like Fillet of Brixham sea bream with potato gnocchi, spinach and basil, Slow cooked pork belly with Pomme Anna, crispy skin, tenderstem broccoli and burnt apple puree, and Juniper roasted venison loin with venison faggot, cauliflower purée, mash and kale. The sandwich menu, available from 11-4, follows the same principles.
If you like the traditions of afternoon tea, you must book a table at Castle Bow. You’ll like it a lot – the elegant Art Deco setting, the polished wooden floor, the crisp white table linen. And the loveliest teas, of dainty little sandwiches to nibble, homemade cakes and pastries from the in-house Patisserie, freshly baked scones with Somerset jam and clotted cream. It’s absolutely scrumptious! Have it with a pot of tea or coffee, or with bubbles, love the luxury and the glamour.
The Castle at Taunton also has a very civilised Drawing Room for quieter moments, open to visitors as well as hotel residents. It’s where one or two of you might go when the rest of your party are shopping or playing on the high ropes at Vivary Golf & Adventure Centre.
The Castle was built as a Norman fortress and what Norman fortress would be complete without a 12th century walled garden? The backdrop is borders full of flowers and the beautiful historic castle, such a peaceful spot for a light lunch in the sunshine.
You can also book private dining at The Castle, served in The Penthouse at the top of the hotel, where a roof terrace has the most fantastic views across the Somerset countryside, taking in the Blackdown Hills and The Quantocks.
You’d be wise to book in advance.
T: 01823 272671
All information correct at the time of writing