One of the things that makes this coast really special is the people behind the businesses. They’re passionate, creative, and genuinely care about what they do – whether it’s serving up fantastic food, curating the best local art, or offering experiences you just won’t find anywhere else. This selection has been judged by independent experts and awarded for doing what they do exceptionally well.

Restaurants

Fine Dining Overlooking Porlock Bay

Locanda on the Weir, Porlock Weir – Elegant, peaceful and perched looking over the coast, Locanda is a boutique Bed and Breakfast where guests and non-residents (you will need to book) can enjoy a superior dining experience. Chef Pio is originally from Naples and creates a delicious four or five course set dinner menu, which changes daily, using only the best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, some grown in the garden or foraged from Exmoor. Everything is made in-house, from the bread to the chocolate, with a zero-waste approach. They have a fine wine collection and Pio is happy to advise on pairings for each course. They are one of only 15 restaurants and pubs in Somerset that have been named in the 2025 Michelin Guide.

Casual Dining at a Traditional Somerset Cider Farm

Rich’s Cider Farm, near Burnham-on-Sea – Enjoy a taste of Somerset at Rich’s Cider Press Restaurant, where freshly cooked, locally sourced food is served every day along with their famous award winning tipple. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, a carvery, light bites, cakes and cream teas, all made on the farm. Rich’s is family-run and they have been making cider here for generations. They offer tastings and tours (must be booked) and a farm shop packed with local goodies. Dogs are allowed in the outside seating areas. Gold winners in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards for Casual Dining.

Pubs

Campaign for Real Ale South West Pub of the Year

The Crossways Inn, West Huntspill, is a traditional 17th-century pub full of character. It has been named CAMRA’s South West Pub of the Year and was one of just 17 finalists for the UK National Pub of the Year. You’ll get a lovely warm welcome at this lively inn, with food and daily specials always on offer. But it’s the pride and passion the owner puts into the care of the beer and cider that really stands out. This pub is always packed with locals and visitors (special offers for CAMRA members) enjoying a pint or taster board from the outstanding choice of ales and cider on offer. Lots of cosy seating, along with a sunny garden (complete with a trampoline) and a warm welcome for dogs.

The Only Somerset Finalist in Countryside Alliance Pub of the Year

The White Horse Inn, Mark, sits in a peaceful village overlooking open fields, surrounded by gardens, with plenty of space to sit inside and out. Family-run for over a decade, what really sets this place apart is how much they care about what you eat. Their focus is simply to offer exceptional food and drink, and they do. They use only the best local produce to create delicious meals – the best gluten free Sunday lunch I’ve ever had, with thin slices of delicate Aberdeen Angus beef from local farms, creamy cauliflower cheese, and perfectly cooked, crunchy, colourful seasonal veg, followed by a huge Black Forest sundae, also gluten free. They are the only Somerset finalist for the Countryside Alliance Pub of the Year and have already picked up Somerset Wedding Venue of the Year and a Good Food Award for Gastropubs – Blue Ribbon.

Cafes and Cake

Bespoke Cakes, Cupcakes and Elegant Afternoon Tea

Dusicake, Burnham-on-Sea, has a whole wall dedicated to their awards. Owner Dusica Roberts is a multi award winning cake designer, with accolades including Best in Show at Cake International and finalist in the D’licious Magazine Awards ‘One to Watch’ category. With its cosy, stylish interior, this café is a must for cake and coffee lovers. Everything tastes as good (if not better) than it looks, which is fabulous. Indulge in cupcakes to your heart’s content, order a bespoke handcrafted celebration cake, or enjoy treats such as an afternoon tea – which must be pre-ordered (all with delicious gluten-free and vegan options). Takeaway available too.

Dog Friendly Canalside Café

The Purplespoon Café, Bridgwater, is tucked away in a peaceful spot by the canal. The colourful interior is bright, welcoming and full of personality. Everything is homemade using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with brilliant veggie, vegan and healthy options plus plenty of indulgent treats. There are special meals for children and they even have a menu for dogs. Booking is advisable as this café is incredibly popular with locals and visitors, coming for all-day breakfast, brunch, lunch or coffee and a great choice of cakes. Look out for their popular evening events, including comedy nights and themed dinners. Winner of the Sedgemoor Business Excellence Award Food & Drink Business of the Year.

Food and Drink Experiences

Family and Dog Friendly Food Festivals

eat:Festivals were named Best Food & Drink Event Organisers in South West England by LUXlife Magazine – just one of more than 30 awards they’ve picked up. Bev and Sarah, the dynamic duo/organisers, arrange the best foodie events, bringing together the best artisan food and drink from across the West Country, with regular events in Burnham-on-Sea, Minehead and beyond. Add in free entertainment and a supremely dog friendly atmosphere, these award-winning events make a brilliant day out for all the family.

Four Unique Gin Experiences with Award Winning Distiller

Dryad Gin is distilled with oak from the Quantocks, crafted in traditional copper stills and brought to life by distiller Becky’s passion, creativity and love for nature. Since launching just a few years ago, they have won Gold at Concours Mondial, three Gold Taste of the West Awards, a Great Taste Award, as well as a Highly Commended from The Gin Guide. Whether you’re a gin lover or looking for a new adventure, Becky has curated unforgettable experiences that bring nature, fun and gin together- a perfect combination. Choose from Botanical walks on the Quantocks, a Couples Gin Experience, Friendship Gin Making or a Guided Gin Tasting – the last two can be hosted where you’re staying, so no driving involved.

Stock up on Award Winning Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate

Miles Tea and Coffee, Porlock, have just picked up seven Gold Taste of the West Awards for their hot chocolate, teas and freshly roasted coffee. Blending tea since 1888, this long-standing family business is still run by people who taste the teas daily, drawing inspiration from the Exmoor landscape around them. You are likely to find a cup of Miles at any of the cafes and hotels along this stretch of coast (or further afield), or pop along to their roastery shop in Porlock for supplies. While you are there, why not pop next door to the award winning Porlock Information Centre to discover more about this beautiful area.

Taste Internationally Award Winning Wines at Family Run, Eco-Friendly Vineyard

Oatley Vineyard, near Cannington, has been winning National and International awards since their first vintage in 1990 when they beat some of the best European wines, before English wine was even a thing! Since then, they have consistently appeared in medal tables and all their current wines have won either National Independent English Wine or Regional WineGB Awards. All can be ordered online, or from May to September, you can either book a private guided tasting and tour with one of the owners or enjoy a DIY tasting and picnic in this peaceful vineyard – dogs and children are welcome.

Enjoy Award Winning Oysters Fresh from the Sea

Porlock Bay Oyster Farm is situated in Porlock Weir’s historic harbour, an area with a proud tradition of oyster farming going back more than one hundred years. They were the first site in England and Wales to attain the top ‘A’ classification from the Food Standard for pacific oysters and have gone on to win many awards for their quality. For the oyster connoisseur, why not send a gift box or Porlock Bay Oyster Gift Card or enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at the Kitchen dining on Porlock Bay Oysters as well as locally sourced shellfish.

Galleries

Discover Local Artists in Bridgwater’s Award Winning Gallery

Bridgy Gallery – Tucked away in the historic town of Bridgwater, Bridgy Gallery may look small from the outside, but step inside it is like a Tardis and is making a big impression. They have been named Luxury Travel Guide’s Art Gallery of the Year for two years running. This colourful, community-focused space is home to resident artist Bridget Penn-Berkeley, who champions the best of local talent across painting, sculpture, photography and more. It has three intimate gallery rooms, a bijou walled sculpture garden and a year-round programme of workshops and events. Bridget is on hand with a friendly welcome and a tea or coffee is always on offer, the first cup on the house.

Community Led Gallery, Nationally Recognised for its Unique Design

East Quay, Watchet is run by Onion Collective, a local female-led, not-for-profit social enterprise and is located beside the harbour. This remarkable space is home to two contemporary art galleries, 11 artist studios, a paper mill, a geology workshop, print studio, restaurant and shop. Perched on top of the building are five individually designed pods, offering a really unusual, special place to stay. They also host regular events, talks, children’s events, workshops and all kinds of creative activities. They won the South West Building of the Year and were awarded the national RIBA Client of the Year, which celebrates the best in architecture across the UK.

 

On this remarkable coast you are spoilt for choice with so many award-winning things to see and do. To find out more contact our friendly, knowledgeable teams at the tourist information centres who will be happy to help.

• Burnham Information and Rescue Support
• Bridgwater Town Council
• Watchet Visitor Centre
• Dunster National Park Centre
• Porlock Information Centre

 

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Somerset Council being the lead local authority for UKSPF in Somerset.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, click here.