The Restaurant at Cadbury House Hotel offers a truly gourmet dining experience and, with an interior as stunning as the food, you have the perfect setting for enjoying the exceptional cuisine. This first-class venue holds two AA rosettes and is no doubt set to win more accolades in the future.

Head chef Mark Veale and his dedicated team craft dishes that showcase the bounty of seasonal ingredients. Mark formerly worked as sous chef for Gordon Ramsay and is passionate about the use of fresh local ingredients, reflecting the best that the West Country has to offer. His menus offer a combination of traditional favourites and imaginative new dishes. The daily-changing table d’hote menu is £28 for three courses while the seasonal à la carte menu has starters from £6 and mains from £13. There’s a distinct French and Mediterranean twist to the cuisine, although local influences remain a key element.

It is no exaggeration to say that the à la carte menu has the ‘wow’ factor. These elegantly prepared dishes are rich with local produce that fuse unexpected flavours and textures. Begin with apple, celery and Somerset goat’s cheese samosa, brought to life with its contrasting tangy bite and sweet ingredients, artfully presented with a mango and chilli salsa. Alternatively, try the sensuous cured salmon with Dijon and honey mustard mayonnaise. One notable main dish, pan-fried Wrington fillet of beef, is outstanding and comes served on a butter fondant with wild mushrooms, confit of garlic and shallots and watercress purée. Other excellent choices include the magret duck breast encircled with a rich jus, on a bed of red cabbage and pommes Anna. Exquisite flavour combinations continue with the desserts; the plum and aniseed parfait is a silky, light round, which was highly refreshing; or try the espresso creme brulée with caramel snaps.

The Restaurant really shows commitment to fresh, ethically sourced ingredients and nothing less will do. The food is superb and I’d go back in a heartbeart. And, with the adjoining boutique hotel offering luxury comfort, there’s every reason to let your dining experience linger.