The Perfect Gluten Free Somerset getaway…
This blog post wasn’t originally going to be an Overnight Bites post but as my husband and i planned to stay here overnight for our anniversary this year (had to cancel due to other commitments at the time), i thought i should jolly well review The Swan at Wedmore anyway as one- it is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a B&B /pub with rooms that does exquisite gluten free food with plenty of options on site.
Lovely marketing lady Cassia invited myself and Abby from Bristol Eating Adventures to come have a look around this lovely gastro pub and the gorgeous garden and rooms. It truly is a great place to visit with friends and family as the surrounding offer plenty to do and food that is worth travelling the 40 mins from Bristol.
The rooms here were absolutely gorgeous, in particular i loved the ‘big rooms‘ which can offer elegant roll top baths – some next to the window so you can look out into the country surroundings and truly relax. The decoration of The Swan is extremely homely but luxurious and there is something very tranquil and romantic about the rooms above the pub and evidently why so many people also choose this as a great wedding venue too with their Club function room, something Abby was eyeing up as she’s currently planning a wedding herself!
We sat down for lunch, and although it was sunny outside there was a bit of wind so we thought we wouldn’t chance it! The bar dining area was lovely, surrounded by people chatting and nibbling away at bar snacks and cakes from a display table- any place with an array of cake stands gets a thumbs up from me, as i’m sure you all know.
Gluten free bread while you wait?! Surely not.
The menu came presented to me edited with what gluten free options their was written on top, which was particularly helpful and i was glad i didn’t have to prompt them on arrival- just notified the restaurant on booking- make sure this information gets to the chef when you book and all should be fine. Gluten free bread was served with some olive oil and butter while making our decisions. (i really wish more restaurants would do this for gluten free diners!)
We selected some starters to share as we just could not decide! The duck ham with spiced Rhubarb chutney, the beetroot pakoras, and the chargrilled asparagus with homemade ewes cheese. After speaking with the lovely head chef Tom Blake after our meal next to the herb garden it’s clear that The Swan are passionate about using, handgrown, local produce and suppliers which is truly shown from the high quality of food that arrived infront of us to sample. The menu also changes online daily.
I was amazed at how fresh this asparagus was, although chargrilled, this really didn’t overpower what so ever and the homemade ewes cheese was a match made in heaven. The duck ham was tender and matched the rather unusual combination of sweet spiced rhubarb chutney, something i just know many people would be a fan of. The beetroot pakoras were a very welcome starter, especially for a gluten free diner, in which most crispy things are banned- due to specific fryers being used for gluten prepared chips or tempura-ed creations. Sweet crispy and cooling with the kohlrabi tzatziki it was my favourite starter.
For my main i chose was Cornish pollack Steamed En papillote style in white wine, fennel, garlic with capers, jersey royals and a shellfish sauce. I have fish on a regular basis when i dine out, as it’s a common gluten free option and it’s something i hardly cook at home as i find really good fish out of my price range. This was cooked to perfection, lovely buttery jersey royals and the fragrant fennel topped everything nicely.
Gluten Free Cake Heaven
Just when i thought nothing could get better, i was tempted by a gluten free chocolate and almond cake with thick somerset cream for dessert, something i truly cannot resist. Cake and cream. I was pleased to not be offered a lemon and polenta cake or brownie which seems to be the standard choice for the gluten free option (hey š bit bored of it now!). After putting the following pic on Instagram, it really was as good as it looked. A mighty fine cake to top off a stunning lunch.
A simply amazing day with some lovely people visiting a fantastic place. The amount of people i have recommended to go here is an insane amount and i’m sure after this post a good few more gluten free diners will be heading to The Swan at Wedmore. The service, the food, the rooms, location and the atmosphere make this a winning gluten free escape.
Well go on then… plan your trip!
