There's probably no better place to unwind after a day spent exploring the beauty of south Somerset than the pretty Haymaker Inn. Just minutes from the centre of Chard and a short drive from the coast, this inn is ideally located to welcome the weary traveller, or anyone looking for a warm ambience in which to enjoy some really excellent food.
We arrived on a summer evening and were instantly impressed by the lovingly-kept garden, already tempting us to return for a leisurely alfresco lunch. Stepping inside, we were warmly welcomed and guided from the cosy bar area through to the restaurant, where rustic brickwork, comfortable furniture and flickering candles create a relaxed dining environment. To begin, I opted for the grilled goat's cheese, which arrived on a bed of salad with cherry tomatoes and a delicious balsamic dressing (£4.95). My companion chose the chicken paté (£4.75), and could find no other words to describe its grouping with the spiced apple chutney and granary toast than simply 'perfect'. For my main course, I eagerly enjoyed baked aubergine topped with feta cheese and surrounded by a tomato Provençale sauce (£10.50) - a mouth-watering dish bursting with flavour. My companion tucked into confit leg of Barbary duck resting on sautéed celeriac batons and chilli plum sauce (£11.50). Each dish included a choice of one side dish, with any extras at just £1.25 each, so we chose homemade chunky chips and a mix of perfectly-cooked vegetables to accompany our meal. We could only find room to share a dessert, and found even half of the warm chocolate fudge cake, with chocolate sauce, raspberries and refreshing vanilla ice cream, scrumptiously satisfying.
Adam Parry runs the Haymaker with a warm friendliness and does all the cooking himself with the assistance of Daniel Richardson. He emerged from the kitchen whenever he could and made guests feel entirely at home. Five beautiful en-suite rooms offer the chance to linger within this charming inn, but watch out' you may find it hard to leave.
