Podshavers restaurant reopens in Pound Lane, Bishops Lydeard

Podshavers reopened in Bishops Lydeard last weekend following a few weeks' break - only for road closed signs to appear at both ends of the village.

But Jenny Tucker is keen to let prospective diners know the road to the popular eaterie at East Lydeard Farm, in Pound Lane, is most definitely open.

Jenny fell in love with Podshavers the first time she set eyes on it, but due to lockdowns it was only open for nine days after she and her former partner took it on in 2020.

The following year customers flocked to the venue, which earned five-star reviews and a number of awards for the phenomenal food produced by trained chefs Jenny and her former partner, who later upped and left without warning.

"That was quite problematic," said Jenny.

"Then in December quite a few thing broke, including a dishwasher and ice machine.

"We decided to take a wall down in the kitchen when we were closed last month, but it proved to be a much bigger and more expensive job than expected.

"The electricians finished work at 5pm and we reopened at 6pm last weekend.

"When we reopened, I counted six signs saying road closures, which has caused us many issues.

"We spent a lot of money and expected to hit the ground running. My message is we are open and yes, you can still get down Pound Lane."

Former sous chef Barry Phipps has returned as head chef and Jenny is promising the quality of the food will be as good as ever.

Podshavers has won a clutch of awards in recent years and is in the running for further accolades.

"The food and the ambience makes it feel like a family," added Jenny.

"We've been jinxed, and some days I've just cried, but this is very much my dream.

"When I first saw the place, I just fell in love with it. I had a vision of what it could be and it's something I've always really wanted.

"It's such a special place. So many people have pulled together in just getting the kitchen up and running and the place back to where we want it to be."