Podshavers Restaurant, in Bishops Lydeard, has reopened

Impressed diners have been returning to Podshavers, on the outskirts of Bishops Lydeard, since it started serving meals again following its temporary closure in December and January.

Steven Kiernan, who has worked for Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, has been installed by owner Jenny Tucker as executive chef.

"It's a lovely, unique place in a barn," said Steve, who has worked as head chef at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's The River Cottage Kitchen in Axminster.

"I went to have a chat with Jenny and thought, 'This place is different'.

"I was impressed by the attention to details, the great style and beautiful creativity.

"It's really quirky, but at the same time elegant and stylish."

Steven, who originally set up Silvers Pantry at Prockters Farm, in West Monkton, and has worked variously at Brazier and the Farmers Arms, in West Hatch, is employed along with head chef Jacques Ballinger.

Executive chef Steven Kiernan with head chef Jacques Ballinger.

He has been given carte blanche to ensure Podshaver isn't solely an à la carte restaurant.

"Jenny said to me, 'Whatever you want to cook, it's your kitchen," said Steven.

"We've got some great ideas for the future.

"There are other little barns here we want to develop into other things such as a deli farm shop, tapping into local producers and suppliers.

"We're serving brunches on Saturdays and we had a live music gin and fizz day last Saturday (April 22).

"We've got another one coming up soon and we're planning a rum and reggae day in the courtyard, along with long table feasts with tasting menus. Something a little bit different.

"This is the first proper restaurant I've ever cooked in in the Taunton area.

"The story is we're open and I'm not going anywhere. I;'m staying for quite a long time.

"We've been getting some nice feedback in the short time we've been re-opened."

Podshavers opens for lunch and dinner Thursdays to Saturdays, along with brunch on Saturdays, and lunchtime on Sundays.