Food/Drink South West

Food and drink in the south west is full of locally grown ingredients that can be sampled at farmers’ markets, farm shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars all over the region. It is a region that is famous for a number of delicacies, including Cheddar cheese which is grown in caves in Somerset, cider and ale produced by local fruit and of course, the Cornish pasty, though there is some debate over whether it should be attributed to Devon or Cornwall. Another staple in the south west is the cream tea, where jam and cream are served with scones and sometimes cake and sandwiches alongside hot tea. There is also some debate over how you’re supposed to eat a cream tea, depending on whether you put the jam or the cream on the scones first will determine which region your idea of a cream tea originated! There are also the historic Bath Buns which can still be tasted in Bath’s city centre.

Whether you are looking for something low key and informal or want to experience fine dining, you’ll find it in the south west. Historically, towns and cities in the south west were seen as fashionable places to visit by London’s aristocracy and you’ll find homage to this in various places across the area. It is a region that is rich with celebrity chefs and high quality produce, with many eateries and distilleries using the area’s natural larder for their ingredients. There are also plenty of rare breeds that are farmed in the west country, giving their dishes their own distinct flavour and charm.

In addition to the usual chain restaurants and big name coffee houses that you can find all over the UK, the south west is also home to a number of independent establishments that offer everything from traditional cuisine to international dishes and with regular farmers’ markets being held all over, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to taste some of the amazing locally produced foods that the region’s farmers and suppliers are so proud of. Big name food festivals are also popular in this part of Britain, with everything from seafood festivals to chocolate festivals and even vegan festivals being regularly held in all the region’s counties.

It isn’t just food that is produced to an excellent quality in the south west, it is also home to dozens of micro-breweries, vineyards and distilleries creating everything from cider to gin. You’ll find that CAMBRA have accredited several of the establishments throughout the region, so you know that there are plenty of well-made local drinks for you to try.

Wherever you are in the south west, you’ll find a dining experience that suits you, establishments all over the area are aiming to be as inclusive as possible and have lots of features to make their eateries and drinking places as accessible as they can be. Take a look at the list of establishments across the south west here, some of the smaller or more popular places are likely to be busy, so it is advised to book a table in advance if you’re planning on going there. If you have any additional questions or needs, be sure to speak to them before your arrival.