TAUNTON LIFE MAGAZINE – RESTAURANT REVIEW

Linda Neill escapes the driving rain at the welcoming Bellplot House Hotel in Chard

Cheddar and pak choi in Chard

…the broth arrived and straightaway took me back to the Far East, a place I lived for many years. This was because of the combination of ginger, garlic, spring onion, pak choi and crab. It was delicate and delicious and yet the ginger made it very warming. Steve found his mushroom dish made the ideal starter as he likes the strong flavour of field mushrooms, and it complimented the chicken, which was crispy as promised. I tried a piece of the mushroom and thought it tasted exactly how a mushroom should taste (but so rarely does nowadays.)

Then the crab claws arrived – there were three large ones. The crab, straight from the historic fishing village of Beer just over the border in Devon (only a 20 minute drive away), tasted as fresh as if fished that morning (which it probably had been). It was sweet and succulent with the sort of flavour that soon vanishes when seafood has to travel inland.

Steve’s pot au feu proved to have a very strong and rich flavour – ‘which is exactly what you want on a teeming wet night like this,’ he said.

I decided to finish my rather delicious dinner with home-made vanilla pod ice cream while Steve had cheese – locally made Somerset Brie, a mature Cheddar and a Stilton which he said had a very full flavour, but I liked the Brie which was creamy and crumbly. A big Victorian comport of fruit came with the cheese so I ate all the cherries…….
 

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FOOD & DRINK (Somerset Food & Drink Guide)

Nestling at the top end of the High Street in Chard, Bellplot House is a charming Georgian House built on a ‘bell-shaped’ plot that gives the property its name. You can be assured of a warm welcome at this family run restaurant and hotel.

The menu changes seasonally and features produce from local sources. The summer menu features selections to suit fish, meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Head Chef, Thomas Jones may be young but he has a passion and ability beyond his years and this is reflected in the presentation and taste of the food he produces. His cumberland terrine topped with a beetroot sorbet offers a rich variety of tastes and textures.

The careful choice of seasonal dishes encompasses a spectrum, from a trio of summer fish comprising lobster, scallops and wild salmon to the succulent roast saddle of lamb. Vegetarians will be tempted by the red onion tart tatin. For dessert you could indulge in the rich terrine of serious chocolate or a selection of local cheeses.

If you like to eat good food in a relaxed atmosphere or you just want to spoil yourself, Bellplot House is the perfect place.
 

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SOMERSET LIFE MAGAZINE – CHARD CASTING A SPELL

Clare & Steve Blake visit Chard

Staying over night? Chard has a good choice of places to stay from cosy guesthouses to traditional inns and upmarket hotels, often in characterful buildings with a great deal of atmosphere. My personal choice would be Bellplot House Hotel with seven luxury bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant open to non-residents.
 

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AA PREMIER COLLECTION  uuuuu

Bellplot House named after the shape of the plot of land, on which it sits, is charming and elegant. This family home, close to the High Street, is ideal for exploring the local area. Bedrooms are equipped to a very high standard. The bar and restaurant offer a relaxed atmosphere and the carte menu offer innovative modern cooking.
 

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ETC SOMEWHERE SPECIAL  uuuuu

Grade II listed Georgian townhouse with traditional style drawing room and restaurant. Seven luxury bedrooms with every modern facility. Relax and enjoy yourself with friendly service whilst relishing the delights of drinking from fine Brierley cut glass crystal and large sociable wine glasses. Enjoy Dennis’s fine, high quality food and wines at affordable prices. Many excellent historic houses and gardens nearby, with easy driving distance of Lyme Bay. An ideal halfway stopover from Midlands/London to the Eden Project.
 

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AA BEST IN BRITAIN  uuuuu

This mid Georgian house is set in classic surroundings in the centre of town with ample parking provided. It is a family run establishment based on personalised service and the owner is an experienced chef. Facilities include a bar and restaurant where an innovative dinner menu is offered. The en suite bedrooms feature walk in power showers, and each room is equipped with a telephone, satellite television, video and computer workstation, hairdryer, trouser press, and tea and coffee making equipment. Email and fax are available at reception. Guests have full use of a nearby golf and squash club and a members only leisure club with pool, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness room and beauty treatments.
 

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MICHELIN RED GUIDE

Impressive mid Georgian house named after shape of original plot of land. Lounge with plush sofas and fitted bar. Bedrooms stylishly modern and bright. Warm welcoming Restaurant.
 

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