The Bell Inn Broadway, Ilminster, Somerset
Broadway is a village with a big community on the edge of the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. Right at its heart is the Bell Inn, recently refurbished and word on the street is it's very good. It's certainly nice inside, much of the 18th century character has been retained and the general ambience is relaxing, as it should be.
The food is packed with local ingredients and flavour, and it's fair to say you get a lot of it. They kick off with a good breakfast menu from 9.00 am to 11.30 am, offering full English or delights like creamy porridge, and avocado on toast - and the thing with the bread is that it's a proper job, you know, thick cut and freshly baked.
At high noon the lunch menu comes into play with a choice of sandwiches, homemade soup of the day, trio of root vegetable fritters and roasted field mushroom thermidor. Mains are pub grub style - fish and chips, burger, beef and ale pie and the like, but what everyone is really raving about locally is the wood fired pizzas, made to traditional Italian methods and served with a selection of homemade oils, which you have to admit, is pretty authentic, and they serve them, along with light bites, all day.
The dinner menu is similar to the lunch menu with a couple of more fancy dishes; there's also a special menu for children and it's good to see that all sandwiches and pizzas can be done gluten free. Basically, they're such a friendly bunch here they'll help in whatever way they can, so if you need something changed on the menu just let them know.
The drinks are equally extensive and include real ales, local gins, Somerset ciders, selected wines and organic soft drinks. What else? They have regular charity quiz nights and live music, there's a nice log fire on chilly days, and outdoor seating for when the sun has come out to play.
Open: 9.00 am to late every day T: 01460 52343 All information correct at the time of writing