Taunton Deane
Guddi Gikki

Guddi Gikki

18 High Street, Taunton Deane, United Kingdom

Asian • Indian • Asiatic • Seafood


"What do you want me to say? there is probably not enough superlative to describe how delicious a food experience we had. how many people I wanted to eat here already, but last night all stared and we could get a table. the waitress who welcomed us was worried that the kitchen would not be able to cope with as they were a worker and the kitchen was busy with other tables. (we arrived at 21:30 on a busy Thursday without an extended booking after we checked with the kitchen that we showed on our table and warn that it was a 30 minute delay on eating. we ordered drinks and munched on Bombay mix while looking for the menu. nice not to choose from an enormous selection. I had garnel as starter and my partner had kabeljau. we also ordered our net. selection of chickens, lambs or vegetables thali with various beside dishes. I chose chicken partner to choose lamb....if the starter arrived (in less than 30 minutes we realized that we were there for something special. beautiful presentation and taste not disappointed. both cooked to perfection and full of aromas that did not mask the fish. then came the net. fabulous presentation of separate dresses that contain our chosen court and bombay aloo, raita, dhal and rice. there was a beautiful cone poppadom on the teller and we also shared a naan. it looked fantastic and tasted incredible. the dahl was so good that I had eaten a bowl of it alone. super delicious and beautiful spicy heat that does not exaggerate. our individual dishes were immediately shared with each other, as they were too good not to share. the poppadom was super crispy without fat and more taste than for a simple pop natural....a manifestation! lamb was melted in mouth and the chicken had a real chicken flavor. we have licked the bowls pretty clean. we had enough space for khulfi. 4 elections....Coconut, pistachios, rose and saffron and kardamom. we had two and were blinded by all. the pistachios and cocosnuss were really beautiful and the rose and juice card a really unusual joy, especially the rose. the whole experience was enchanting and we chatted with the cook (which was in the restaurant that talked to all the hunters and cook! how much we enjoyed the meal. Please visit this restaurant. it is worth every penny, and we look forward to going back and telling everyone we do the same."

The Rising Sun Inn Ph

The Rising Sun Inn Ph

The Street, Taunton Deane, United Kingdom

Arts • Steak • British • European


"We have moved to the area recently and were excited to have our Saturday lunch at the Rising Sun, especially that it has been recommended to us by several people. The starter was delicious and the waitresses were pleasant and polite, smiling away and making...us welcome. When my seared cod arrived, even though on the menu it listed with potatoes', there was about of a single potato cubed, hidden under fish fish and the dish was disproportionately overpowered by the salty meatiness of the cod. I asked the waitress in case I missed the accompanying garnish, but she explained that potatoes should be under the fish. I decided not to complain for the sake of the family's enjoyment and continued chewing on the very salty flesh of cod. Then my daughter said her chicken tasted funny'. The chicken smelt off, not fresh and definitely past its best. After the waitress took it to the chef, she informed me they will make a fresh children's dish. They produced a new chicken dish for my daughter, with no explanation, apology or acknowledgment, which my daughter ate long after we all finished our meals. The plates were not cleared away, no one offered anymore drinks or pudding. We sat for about minutes and then just decided to pay at the bar, where the waitresses were congregating, completely ghosting our table. Our treat of a family lunch was ruined. Having paid over which was for three adult size mains (all salty) and two children size meals (including the spoilt chicken), one soft drink each, and just one shared starter between us with no dessert, we left. We are disappointed, especially that we were in search of a good family regular and also on the look out for the places to recommend for our BnB guests. Sadly this will not be the one. Another pub, that tries too hard in being overly complicated gastro, and forgets about the value of a simple home-cooked food, charging restaurant prices. Also a note to the owners please remember to train your very nice staff customer service, including what to do when things go wrong. After all, things do go wrong and it's how you deal with it determines if the customer is coming back or not. We won't."

The Rising Sun

The Rising Sun

Lower Knapp, Taunton Deane, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • British • Vegetarian


"The Rising Sun, owned by Barry and Sarnia McGoun and managed by chef Olly Jackson and his charming wife, Rebecca, is one of the loveliest traditional pubs I've ever had the pleasure of visiting in England (the Highlands of Scotland where I live doesn't have pubs as such, just bars). This country pub with its 600-year history was completely and tastefully refurbished after it was purchased by the couple, who live next door. The Rising Sun retains much of its Elizabethan charm and features. As the owners point out, although a food-led pub, it's preserved as the village local. Drinkers are most welcome, for a night out with chums, popping in for myriad beverages and freshly baked pastries. Dogs are welcome with their well-behaved owners in gum boots or stilettos. We were a family party of ten last Sunday. The cuisine was second to none. Ollie is the consummate perfectionist. The food was not only a sight to behold, but also an exquisite taste to match. They work with Strode College to provide NVQ level qualifications in Front of House and Cooking. Most of the qualification is completed in house (the exception, if any assistance is needed, for mathematics and English key skills). They pay above the apprentice wage. This is a super opportunity to work alongside a very experienced team and gain qualifications that can take apprentices worldwide! I can always tell the atmosphere of anywhere the moment I set foot in the door. We were warmly welcomed. Sam is superb at the bar. Enthusiastic and gregarious, he's always developing new cocktails. Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, beers ales and gins are locally sourced. Mel and the other staff catered for our every need. There was no waiting for service. They appeared as if by magic. Their whole approach was genuine and professional without being sycophantic. They were good humoured and fun to be with. Compare that to places who offer service with a snarl and one has to spend so much time trying to attract attention to request items that should be there in the first place. One of the tricks I used when taking groups of friends to dinner in London was to give a substantial tip up front and say, if the meal was to everybody's satisfaction, I would double the tip...if not, I'd have the earlier tip back. It worked like a dream every time. After all, what is the point of waiting to the end of the meal, only to find everything is below par? The other thing I used to request was to provide a menu with no prices on it, which made my guests more comfortable when treated. The Rising Sun required no such shenanigans on our parts. We just knew the evening would be memorable and perfect in every conceivable way. This establishment has weathered the Covid storm and flourished. Long may The Rising Sun's good fortunes continue. Most highly recommended."