Hidden lunch spots around Taunton and Wellington

Looking for a delightful place for lunch in Taunton that the locals always visit? Here are some lovely places recommended by our Clients and Care Professionals.

The Ring of Bells

The Ring of Bells is a pub in the heart of Taunton situated less than a minute from the Somerset County Cricket Ground on St James Street.

They sell a range of different Real Ales from around the South West, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits & bottled products. They serve classic authentic English cuisine using the finest locally sourced ingredients. All their food is made fresh to order to ensure you have the ultimate dining experience.

In the summer, it has lovely outdoor seating and continues it’s table service throughout seasons! So whether you are having a working lunch, a family get together, a drink after work or an evening out there is a part of the pub that will suit you. They have brought a country pub into the centre of Taunton.

You can find The Ring of Bells on the corner of St James Street.

‘What a lovely warm and friendly pub. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the food is delicious. I always swing between the pork belly or fish and chips. I think their fish and chips are better than from an actual chippy! Fabulous little pub, always highly recommended to friends and family.’ – John

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Odette's Tearoom, Wellington

Odette’s is owned by one of our Care Professional’s Nancy! In November 2013, Nancy took part in the community opera written for the town of Wellington called “The Wonderous Tales of the Whiteball Tunnel”. The performance intermingled the stories of the building of the Whiteball Tunnel and that of Odette Hallows, a member of the secret British World War II organisation, Special Operations Executive (SOE), who lived in Somerset at the time of her recruitment.

A short time after taking part in the production Nancy and her now retired (but still hands on friend!) Victoria decided that there was a place in Wellington for a traditional tearoom and the hunt for a premises, and a name, began.

On September 5th, 2015, Odette’s Tearoom opened its doors to the local community and people from far afield and, in addition to being regarded as a place of style, elegance and scrumptious food, it has also become a hub for the passing on of Odette’s story.

With something for everyone (we highly recommend Odette’s signature dishes!) and a children’s menu, Odette’s is really the treasure of Wellington. They are open Monday to Saturday and their peaceful, secluded garden is the perfect place to relax. Find Odette’s tearoom on Wellington’s high street.

‘From the time we rang up to reserve a table (advisable) to when we left was all a pleasure. They were happy to help and were patient when we couldn’t make our minds! All the little touches around the place made it feel comfortable and relaxed. It also felt that they was proud in the place  I could go on but just go and visit if you like your cream tea, cake, loose tea leaf and everything else on the menu’ – Simon

A wooden table with a teapot, two teacups, a vase of flowers, and a bowl of sugar cubes. - Home Instead

The White Horse, Bradford on Tone

The White Horse Inn is a family run free-house and its aim is to offer everyone the true “Country Pub Experience”

They serve traditional homemade food in a welcoming and relaxed environment. They offer an extensive menu with an ever-changing specials board containing fish, meat & vegetarian options to offer a range of exciting dishes for you to try. They also have Gluten free options available.

The restaurant has a spacious area with a separate area for large groups along with an atmospheric bar area where you can even bring the dog. They serve a range of exciting Real Ales along with traditional Ciders. They also have a large function room with a skittle alley and can cater for different occasions. You can even arrange a family and friends get together and enjoy a game of skittles along with a few drinks and a ploughman’s supper!

The Beer Garden is a highlight in the summer months and is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon or an evening relaxing, and during the autumn months the log burner will be burning on these chilly days.

To learn more about The White Horse or book a table click here. To get directions direct to White Horse click here.

“Went to the White Horse for my dad’s 63rd Birthday and had the 3 course lunch menu for just £9.99. Cannot believe the quality and quantity of food for such a low price! It was brilliant – homemade and presented like a posh restaurant. It really was outstanding. The service was great and the pub itself was immaculate. Will definitely go again and fully recommend.”

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The Anchor Inn, Hillfarance

The beautiful Anchor Inn dates back to 1737 and has always featured at the heart of the local community. The Anchor’s family is now in their 15th year and consider themselves the proud caretakers of this special inn.

Local, seasonal produce are at the heart of their offering. For which they are proud to have been recognised by the Taste of the West Gold award 2020 and inclusion in to the Good Beer Guide 2020. This restaurant’s approach to delivering only the finest service to the customers, starts and ends with constant desire to exceed expectations. The restaurant always offers fresh food, made to order, using the finest local produce.

Our Community Engagement Lead, Hannah got married there in October 2012 and it was their first official wedding! She speaks very highly of The Anchor Inn!

You will find The Anchor Inn nestled in the peaceful Hamlet of Hillfarrance.

A plate of fish and chips with a lemon wedge, mushy peas, and a small cup of tartar sauce on a dark wooden table. - Home Instead

The Stables at Hestercombe

The Stables offers visitors an historic space to enjoy a delicious, home-made brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. It’s free to enter (no gardens admission required), whether you sit indoors within the warm and welcoming original stables, or outdoors in the stylish, light, glass-covered courtyard. Perfect for a celebratory lunch, a special catch up with friends or just a casual brunch.

Their menu’s are regularly updated to reflect the season and their Sunday roasts are served throughout autumn and winter.

During the summer months The Sables sister cafe, just opposite, Caffè + Gelato (now located in the former Gift Shop) offers a varied assortment of sweet and savoury lunch options, hot and cold drinks and delicious, locally-made gelato by Baboo. It’s also dog-friendly!

You will find The Stables located in the courtyard near the car park. You do not need to pay admission to the gardens to visit The Stables.

‘Always so impressed by the food here! We’ve had many lovely lunches and today was no different. I had the seafood bisque with crab gnocchi which was divine, it was so refined it almost felt as though it could have been on MasterChef! It’s always nice to sit outside on a sunny day too, the courtyard is an amazing suntrap. Never disappointed, highly recommend!’ – Jane

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