Leonard Sewell (24 October 2010)

We were recommended the Rusty Axe by friends who had traveled through Somerset earlier in the year. Typically, recommendations can be haphazard affairs that seldom live up to their billing, much to our surprise and delight. The Rusty Axe exceeded all expectations and provided us with one of the best meal experiences that we have had for a very, very long time. The restaurant on the outside is your typical country affair, cute cottage sized windows, thatched roof, wood logs by the entrance. But unlike your traditional fair, the interior is light, airy, clean and full of colour and somewhat took us by surprise. Sure enough, the fire is going and fills the dining room with aromatic smells and warmth. Rob and Terry, landlord and landlady, greeted us with smiles and sorted our immediate drink requirements, serving up a fantastic local cider and well chosen white wine for my wife. Promptly seated, we were then taken through the menu, which is a lovely mix of dishes that are made using the very best of the fantastic local produce. To start, I opted for Cornish crab salad and my wife, the local ham, egg and peas. Both were delicious, full of taste and freshness, a testament to all food being hand prepared on site - so I was told. For mains, one simply had to try the twelve hour slow cooked pork belly, whilst the wife opted for the rib eye steak - a sure fire test of a restaurants mettle! Again, both came up trumps and left us licking our lips discussing who we could invite for our next visit here. On this occasion we passed on the desserts through fear of remaining immobile for the rest of the evening and day after, however, I have to say the dessert menu was mighty attractive. In summary, great restaurant, great location, fantastic food, top class and knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere! We shall be coming back soon and with more guests.