WORK has begun to turn the Toby Carvery on the Taunton outskirts into a brand new Miller and Carter steakhouse restaurant.

The site has been cordoned off and scaffolding has been placed up to get the work underway.

An exact date of the restaurant opening is yet to be set.

Permission was granted for the extensive alterations earlier this month.

Mitchells and Butlers are converting the premises, which are currently closed, into a Miller & Carter Steakhouse.

Somerset County Gazette: Toby Carvery, Blackbrook ; closed

As well as carrying out a complete refurbishment of the interior of the building, the company is planning to:

  • enlarge the main kitchen area;
  • replace the "outdated, poor quality toilets";
  • instal a new bar servery;
  • change storage and staff facilities;
  • add a new double door to the cellar;
  • raise a flat roof over new steps;
  • adjust the car parking facilities;
  • and remove timber pergolas across the rear of the premises.

It also wants to put in a large bull statue, a new entrance porch, a giant parasol and a replacement kitchen ventilation system.

The nearest Miller & Carter Steakhouses are in Exeter and Weston-super-Mare, and the company offers "the best British and Irish cuts".

Mitchells and Butlers also has plans to put up new signage outside the pub reflecting the changes.