We'd heard quite a bit about the Lord Poulett Arms, so we decided to have a late birthday lunch for Graeme last weekend - to see what all the compliments were about!
It's in the incredibly pretty village of Hinton St George. The village is filled with stone thatched cottages, beautiful houses and a little village shop and if you're on the high street, you can't miss Lord Poulett! The pub sits perfectly in the heart of the village, tempting you in (we never need too much tempting where pubs are concerned though, to be fair!). We got there a little bit late (I'm always a little bit late), but it wasn't a problem and we were welcomed with beaming smiles.
The pub has cosy, traditional interiors - dried flowers, pictures in ornate frames, dark wooden tables and chairs - so if you're looking for ultra contemporary decor, you won't find it here. What you will find is a lovely laid back feel and the most amazing food, beautifully presented.
My Beetroot Carpaccio starter was described by the lady who brought it to our table as "a work of art" - and she was right!
Graeme had the equally tasty New Season English Asparagus with Lord Poulett Salad Cream and Soft Poached Egg, followed by a cracking Fish & Chips!
I plumped for the Fish of the Day - Sea Trout - with Warm Buttered Jerseys, Asparagus and Watercress. It was flipping delicious (that's a celebrated review phrase by the way!!).
The puds were wonderful too. Of course they were... it's no accident that this pub's won The Good Pub Guide, Somerset Dining Pub of the Year Award no less than 5 times (2009, 2012, 2014,15 and 16). If they knocked on the door right now and said I could sell my soul for their Chocolate Breton Shortbread with Banana Flambé Ice Cream, Chocolate Chantilly and Roasted Banana, I'd probably consider it!
What else? Well, if you want to sleep off all the fantastic grub, there are a handful of pretty rooms complete with antique beds and roll top baths - so you can!
Don't forget the charming gardens out the back too - a great spot to sip Sauvignon Blanc in the sunshine!
All in all, The Lord Poulett Arms is a lovely village pub dating back to 1680 - but it's really the food that steals the show now! :)
Our review in three words: Food glorious food