OWNERS of a restaurant in the Mendip Hills used the Covid-19 lockdown to renovate and rebrand.
Alan Lucas and Caroline Gardiner decided to put their own stamp on the 17th century, Grade II Listed restaurant, The Holcombe - with a big focus on sustainability.
The pair are passionate about growing food, sourcing from the local area and protecting the environment.
They work with suppliers to reduce plastic packaging, and try to reduce food waste as much as possible.
At The Holcombe, there is a kitchen garden and poly tunnel to grow food served in the restaurant. Alan and Caroline try to use all produce - if it is not on guests plates, it will be added to stocks and homemade infusions for gins and vodkas are also produced using ingredients from the garden.
After 30 years spent running London-based catering and events companies, Alan and Caroline decided to move to the country and bought The Holcombe Inn in 2019.
While they were closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, the pair renovated and rebranded to The Holcombe.
Recently opened, the restaurant in Holcombe (a small parish northeast of the Mendip Hills) has also been given a new look inside, with all the rooms slightly different in style and size.
“The Holcombe is all about affordable luxury and is a great location for exploring Somerset," said Caroline.
"Through our recent redecoration we not only offer great house amenities but focus on a garden to plate dining experience.
“On purchasing The Holcombe, our vision was for it to be a beautiful country Inn, concentrating on affordable luxury and delicious food, home grown in our kitchen garden and sourced from local suppliers.
“We are delighted to now be open and certainly hope visitors to The Holcombe can have an unforgettable stay and enjoy seasonal contemporary dining in our beautiful setting.”
As well as focusing on sustainable produce, the pair are also making sure they buy all their furniture, linen and tableware from the UK.
Prices at The Holcombe start from £170 for a night for two people.
The Holcombe is set on the highest point of Holcombe in the Mendip Hills, with views across to Downside Abbey.
For more information visit theholcombe.com.
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