Wookey Hole Inn may seem like a conventional pub from the outside but step in and splashes of colour and Mediterranean tastes beckon. The walled garden, with bamboos, grass and herbs, resonates with a festive atmosphere at night with live musicians playing away and sculptures standing calmly in the backdrop.

The seasonal menu is amply supported by regularly changing board specials and the appetisers feature a spread of Thai style fishcakes with rosemary chilli jam and turmeric yogurt, and roasted red pepper and vine tomato soup. Corn-fed supreme of chicken baked over merguez sausages, braised butter beans and sun-dried tomato tapenade could make up the next course, or may be even a slow roasted duck confit. A dessert of strawberry and raspberry cheesecake and pears poached in port and honey could help in rounding things off.

With 8 Belgium beers on draught including Piraat at a mightily rich 10.5%, beer buffs have a reason to celebrate.