A Somerset restaurant has been included among the 100 best local ones as part of the Good Food Guide 2023.

The Exmoor Forest Inn in Simonsbath was included in the list which was made after months of nominations, inspections and deliberations.

The awards were created 13 years ago to "celebrate the places that are the beating heart of communities around Britain".

The website adds: "This year, we received more than 37,000 nominations from diners advocating their beloved local haunts. It turned out to be the strongest field of contenders we’ve ever seen.

"So, alongside our national and regional winners, we are recognising an extended list of venues offering brilliant, creative, personal hospitality in all corners of Britain."

What does the Good Food Guide say about The Exmoor Forest Inn?

When discussing The Exmoor Forest Inn the Good Food Guide said: "When a Farrow & Ball palette and open fires meet the huntin’, shootin’ and fishin’ set, visitors can expect gutsy dishes, confident cooking and a cosy welcome." 

It is also well-received on Tripadvisor, earning a score of 4.5/5 from 538 reviews.

The estate and farm surrounding the inn are linked ensuring minimal food miles for the venison, beef and lamb used in the dishes.

Chef Ben Ogden's "daily changing, cooked-to-order menu" was also praised.

It is described as having "something for everyone" with it offering "hearty" food that's full of flavour.

One dish mentioned in particular was the pink hogget rack with "crispy potatoes, pickled cabbage and a punchy salsa verde".

Plus, desserts range from a light milk ice cream with homemade wild strawberry and elderflower condiment to the "comfort-laden" fried bread pudding with butterscotch and foraged local blueberries.

It adds: "With the owner’s family connections to the drinks industry, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the wine and bar offerings punch above their weight. A benchmark for honest rural hospitality."