There are only a few pubs in the UK that possess a Michelin Star, and the Pony and Trap in Chew Magna joined that exclusive club earlier this year.

Don’t be put off by the rhyming slag connotation – there is nothing pony about this place.

We went there with friends Lewis and Elly this weekend, getting there early evening which allowed us to appreciate the views across the sweepingly hilly fields.

You may think of it as a pub, and the food and wine prices certainly are closer to nice pub than a good restaurant and the service unfussy, but the dishes aren’t your average pub nosh.

Our starters of River Axe mussels and roasted plaice with butter and capers were simple but well executed. As for my main of scallop, pork belly and turbot on a bed of samphire, everything was perfectly cooked from the sticky belly to the just-cooked seafood. My orange and polenta cake was nice, but the shortbread and strawberry milkshake that came with the pistachio parfait were the stars of the dessert course.

I’ve seen mixed reviews. From our visit though I’d say that if you aren’t worried about formal dining, and you want good food that isn’t too fussy but well cooked and exceptional value in a rural setting, you should try out the Pony and Trap.