Discover the Culinary Treasures of Somerset
Home to Cheddar Gorge, Thatchers Cider, and Yeo Valley, Somerset boasts some delicious and familiar big names. However, there’s also intoxicating cider brandy, ancient spelt, smoked delicacies, and grade-A oysters to be found among this county’s rollicking hills. Therefore, plan an indulgent weekend itinerary around these tasty treats to guarantee delightful memories.
Thatchers Cider
This stalwart of British drinks has been nestled at Myrtle Farm in Sandford for 116 years. A tour of Thatchers (Thursday-Saturday) starts in the fascinating ‘collection orchard’ which currently grows 458 types of apple for the master brewers to experiment with. You’ll munch on crisp, dry, and fizzy fruits while apple-whisperer Richard Morgan-Jones shares amazing insights into making a refreshing tipple. Emerging from a dark barn crammed with giant oak fermentation tanks, you’re mesmerized by a giant apple whirlpool, all before your first drink!
The on-site shop sells various Thatchers cider straight from the barrel, a popular choice with locals. Even if you’ve forgotten to bring your keg, you’ll still get to sample a range of ciders at the end of the tour in the Railway Inn.
Somerset Cider Brandy Company
Another great apple-squeezing institution is the inimitable Somerset Cider Brandy Company, which has been in Martock for more than 200 years. Nestled among 180 acres of cider apple orchards are 170-year-old vats, a labyrinth shop piled with twinkling bottles and humorous press clippings, and even a 90 million-year-old ichthyosaurus fossil (really!). The distilling operation here is what makes this enchanting location so famous. In 1989, owner Julian Temperley secured the UK’s first-ever full cider-distilling license, and the farm has been distilling award-winning, potent cider brandy ever since. The farm is free to visit Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm, or you can reserve a tour for £5 (€5.88) that lasts roughly an hour-and-a-half.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Carved by glaciers, Cheddar Gorge’s hulking limestone cliffs are home to Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. The village of Cheddar has been producing England’s famous cheese since the 12th century, and at this cheesemaker, you can watch the process from start to finish in the small public factory.
Once you’ve had a chance to appreciate how this delicious food is crafted, head to the cheese counter to taste various moreish morsels. Everything from mild to nettle-infused cheddar is on offer from the friendly staff. They make six to nine different types of cheddar each day, and the shop is open every day of the year except for three during the festive period.
Yeo Valley
Transitioning from a cheesy gorge to a yogurt-filled valley, Yeo Valley’s charming family farm welcomes public visitors, offering a lot to explore. The vast yet homely staff canteen serves fluffy pancakes topped with yogurt for breakfast or an organic, locally-sourced burger for lunch. The friendly staff can share the source and production details of everything on your plate, making for inspiring conversations around the large communal picnic tables. Furthermore, resident chef Paul Collins conducts informative in-house cooking demonstrations that can be booked through their website.
Brown and Forrest Smokery
This tiny family-run smokery outside of Curry Rivel enhances everything from salmon to lamb. Their shop offers over forty hot- and cold-smoked delicacies to try and buy. They specialize in small-scale batches, smoking to order, and you can find hampers brimming with beech and apple-smoked eel, oaky salmon, and even smoked local cheeses! There’s a small restaurant onsite, and you can tour the smoking facilities with one of the passionate staff members who will amaze you with the amount of research and experimentation that goes into this delicious craft.
Sharpham Park
Another surprising foodie revival in Somerset is that of ancient spelt. Sharpham Park’s owner, Roger Saul, began researching the grain as an alternative for wheat for a celiac family member and was astounded by the many health benefits of spelt. Subsequently, he restored the 300-acre farm, reintroducing deer and walnut trees while implementing an organic rotation scheme to protect the environment. Make a beeline for the Sharpham Pantry Restaurant to sample their delicious fare, or you can pick up their flours and pastas in Waitrose to try your hand at making your own recipes.
Porlock Bay Oysters
If you’d like to finish your trip on a romantic note, Porlock Bay Oysters has a grade A rating, indicating they are among the purest (and most delicious) shellfish around. Pop into the Porlock Weir Hotel and sample half a dozen for £12 (€14.11) while admiring views of the harbour, covered in unique purple-pink stones.
Where to stay
If super-swanky The Newt in Somerset is out of your budget, Double Tree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Yatton offers a welcoming alternative. With sprawling gardens featuring a huge plastic cow and live peacocks, the outdoors merge indoors with a warm, floral theme running throughout the hotel.
