Claire's Of Ilchester

Nuova Italia

➤ 18 Church Street, South Somerset, United Kingdom, BA22 8LJ

Pizza • Pasta • Steak • Italian

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"The short-spell of warmer and sunnier weather continued; so we decided to take a potential 90 minute drive-out to visit the Somerset Levels. Our main destination was a National Trust property near Ilminster. It was however 11:30 when we got-underway, so we decided to have lunch first; before it became too late. As a result we rerouted to the town of Ilchester, to visit this highly recommended Italian ristorante. Ilchester itself is small and quiet, with a pocket-sized centre featuring three pubs; one is also a hotel, and there is a further hotel across the bridge over the River Yeo. Shops seem very scarce, but there is a convenience store near to the filling-station, otherwise it’s a shopping-trip to nearby Yeovil. The town is known for it’s classic cheese bearing the town’s name. Ilchester Cheese is a type of Cheddar (the town of Ilchester is, like the town of Cheddar, in Somerset). We called-ahead to ensure we had a table reservation, but that turned out to be unnecessary; because the restaurant was very quiet. During our visit, there was only one other couple dining. When we arrived we parked in a nearby (free) public carpark, not realising that the restaurant had it’s own carpark. The restaurant is moderately large inside with about 25-30 tables in a long, slender, but rather dark, dining area (maybe the lights were switched-off). As it was sunny we decided we would sit outside in the covered terrasse area, located at the side of the restaurant. Being well-sheltered here, we were quite warm from the sun shining through the clear corrugated roofing. The wooden side-walls facing the adjacent private carpark, and also the main through-road (the B3151), were unglazed. There was a tolerable degree of traffic noise. There were a lot of plants in the terrasse, including some climbing plants; once in full leaf and bloom, they will likely to become very attractive. Some of the plants however were a bit untidy, needing some deadwooding. We studied the menu and then the senior waitress told us about the specials; which totally changed our dining plans; there were Scallops available! For both of us the opportunity to eat King Scallops is a no-brainer. I also chose my main from the specials; being the ‘Filet Steak’, with the extra option of a mushroom and cream sauce. My Partner chose the ‘Penne Pollo’ main (chicken and pasta). We took drinks: my Partner choosing a white coffee, whereas I ordered an Elderflower Cordial. The coffee was good, and the cordial (my favoured ‘Bottle Green’ brand) was very refreshing served on crushed ice. The King Scallops (Capesante): were served with sea salt (or maybe rock salt) and freshly ground black pepper, and panfried in butter. The generous portion of six scallops each were browned and absolutely perfectly cooked. They were the very epitome of why we love eating these delicate molluscs. The beards (the roe) were on; they are part of the plate and can be eaten once cooked; having a slightly firmer texture than the scallop muscle. Beards are full of nutrients and minerals, and have a slightly richer flavour than the scallop muscle. Our scallops today did have a slightly gritty texture, but this was not due to insufficient cleaning; it was just the salt (however it initially felt wrong). The Filet Steak with Mushroom and Cream Sauce, and fries: I ordered the steak medium rare and when it arrived it was most certainly perfectly cooked. The good-sized thick fillet was pink and juicy; having a superb flavour and a firm texture. The perfect creamy mushroom sauce was so obviously homemade and delicious. The generous serving of fries were not overcooked and were unsalted. This suits me, as I believe salting can kill flavours rather than enhancing them. The fries were perfect and there were plenty in the serving. Penne Pollo: Seasoned chicken breast, mushroom and fresh penne in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce: the plate looked good and the generous serving of pasta was perfectly cooked, with just sufficient sauce to coat the pasta. Sadly the chicken was not very good, it had a slightly rubbery texture and reminded my Partner of cheap processed chicken. I had tried a piece of the chicken from my Partner’s plate and I agreed that it was not good; it was bland and definitely had an odd texture. I do regret having to mention this, but in my (circa 900) reviews here on TA I always “tell it the way it was”. My Partner queried the source of the chicken. I think our (senior) waitress was a little upset, denying that the chicken was anything other than fresh. Indeed the waitress returned a minute or so later with a prepared raw chicken breast to prove that the chicken used was anything other than a fresh ingredient. We accepted this. Later, following some research, I now wonder if the chicken was affected by “woody breast”. There is a lot of information on the web about this problem. It could be that the restaurant’s supplier is providing intensively-farmed chicken (such farming methods are a common cause of woody breast). We were driving, so a glass of wine with the meal was inappropriate. We were also quite full from our generous meals, so desserts were not required. We were pleased with the service and the ambience here, and we hope to visit again."

The Podymore Inn

➤ Podimore I-BA22 8JF, United Kingdom

Pub • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

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"They say the first bite is with the eye. In the Podymore Inn, your eyes will deceive you. The carvery looked pretty terrible, but tasted really delicious and not one member of our family of four was dissatisfied. We all had either beef or pork carvery and could not stop eating it. They also had giant yorkshire puddings which is always a hit with the kids. Service was friendly and prompt. It would have got 5 stars if: the food looked better (strictly carvery observations here, meat looked delicious but the veg, particularly the cauliflower cheese, looked a day old) there had been a greater variety of non carvery food (basically just pie and fish and chips on offer) they had something to occupy children while they wait (colouring or a menu or something to that effect) Pudding was more varied and also delicious, though the fudge brownie was closer to a chocolate sponge than a brownie. Still, it was VERY tasty. Overall? I was well fed, as was my family, with tasty food and the price was reasonable considering the sheer amount of food we were able to indulge."

The Ilchester Arms

➤ The Square, BA22 8LH, South Somerset, United Kingdom

Pub • Pubs • Steak • British

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"Having enjoyed a very nice meal here recently under the eat out to help out scheme, I had no hesitation in booking again for a special family celebration. What a mistake. The Saturday night dinner menu, only available on arrival, had been further curtailed and offered 2 only types of steak (or a choice of 3 specials) for main meals! Worse still was the fact that the prices had gone up by £5.00 for EXACTLY the same dish. Unfortunately this time the experience was much less impressive, making the price hike even more offensive. My drink arrived in a dirty glass (replaced) and the crispy duck pancakes starter was dry rather than crispy. The steaks were so heavily seasoned I couldn't face finishing mine and only brought it home from the restaurant as I didn't wanted to waste it, especially when I was charged £28 for it. I appreciate this may not seem particularly dear to some but for what we were served it was woefully over priced. I have been served much better steak for much less expense. The accompaniments were poorly cooked:the chips were not all cooked through; the tender stem broccoli was anything but and like the steak, it was choked in salt. The red wine list offered one much more expensive bottle, which was chosen for our celebration on its tasting notes even this was a let down and at double the price of almost every other bottle on the menu, this is NOT good enough. To say that I was disappointed is a huge understatement. When the bill came I felt so embarrassed, having recommended it so warmly to my family for our celebrations. £200 for what had been such a mediocre meal and drinks for 4. Oh how I wish we had gone somewhere else.."

The Kingsdon Inn

➤ Kingsdon, Somerton I-TA11 7LG, United Kingdom

Pub • Cafés • British • Vegetarian

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"This charming pub, nestled in a picturesque small village, offers exceptional cuisine from a talented chef. The hosts are the warmest and most delightful ladies, genuinely invested in their business. It is a family-run establishment, where love and care infuse every aspect, ensuring that guests leave with full stomachs and smiles on their faces. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options, and right across the track lies a lovely village playground! Parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it gets busy. I highly recommend visiting for an unforgettable dining experience and outstanding service!"

Cartgate Lodge Cafe

➤ Cartgate Picnic Area, TA14 6RA, South Somerset, United Kingdom

Tea • Cafe • Coffee • British

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"Horrendous coffee. Three of us ordered flat white coffees. The lady dispensed them into mugs from a machine. There was lots of white foam on top. When we started to drink them and stirred them, all there was appeared to be a lightly coloured liquid with no taste or flavour of any coffee added. After 3 sips each we left them in disgust. The cafe was very busy and the queue to the drinks was very long, so as we did not have much time we continued on our journey. I wish now we had complained about the quality. It reminded me of dish water or the coffee had run out whilst being dispensed. I wonder if whatever coffee you order, it all comes out of the same spout. Never again."