The Luttrell Arms hosted the official launch of Exmoor Food Fest, so Charlotte Skidmore thought she’d see why it’s at the forefront of the area’s food and drink scene
The Luttrell Arms is one of those places I have admired from afar for some years, but never actually experienced first hand.
Even in the dingiest of weather it has always looked warm and inviting from the outside and so on a cold winter’s night, with rain lashing down in Dunster, I sought sanctuary at this hotel, which has featured highly in lots of regional awards this year. Indeed it was as I expected, a warm, cosy ambience, roaring fires and a welcoming shelter from the storm – literally.
It’s easy to see why The Luttrell Arms hosted the official launch of Exmoor Food Fest in January this year. It epitomises all things Somerset – local produce on the menus, cosy, warm and friendly, small (ish) but classy.
On arrival we were shown to our room, number 14, otherwise known as Grabbist and it certainly had the ‘wow’ factor. A four poster bed, dark wood and velvet furnishings gave it a country house feel. A flat screen television added a modern touch and a separate sitting area gave us extra room to relax in. The real defining feature of the room was the small vestibule type room off the main bedroom that has been converted into a small study/library. Overlooking the main cobbled streets of Dunster it is a real sanctuary to escape to.
We ate in the restaurant that evening and the menu was extensive with another comprehensive specials menu alongside the regular one.
I opted for the pan seared scallops with pea & truffle puree to start. They were beautifully cooked with the earthy flavours of the puree complementing the soft texture of the fish fabulously.
Both my dining partner and I were tempted by the beef wellington for main course. While the meat wasn’t the most tender in the world, it was extremely flavoursome and the delicious, rich, creamy mushroom sauce was delicious and so moreish. I must get the recipe! The truffle mash that accompanied it was a nice alternative to the usual chips. I could have eaten that with the sauce over and over.
It was, of course, cheese for dessert, which the staff very kindly delivered up to our beautiful room. We wanted to make the most of the fabulous surroundings while we could!
What really makes this venue is the cosy, welcoming feeling you get as soon as you walk through the door. I have wanted to visit for some time and it didn’t disappoint.
The Luttrell Arms will be running a special menu as part of Exmoor Food Fest
