For the second year running, The Apple Tree Restaurant at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil has been awarded Gold in the Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards 2015.

Up against 300 other establishments judged in the restaurant category, The Apple Tree, which is part of The Gardens Group, was commended for its commitment to local-sourcing, provenance, understanding of allergens and its attentive and unflustered staff.

Quality of service and meal, as well as atmosphere, were among the criteria assessed and judges found the restaurant difficult to fault on any account with comments including; “relaxing, informal, attractive and welcoming with food that is locally sourced, seasonal, well presented and tastes very good.”

From a light bite to a substantial meal, the judges felt that the menu, which uses The Apple Tree Farm Shop as its larder, offered good value for money, as well as excellent vegetarian and gluten free options.

Cath Collins, farm shop and restaurant area manager, (above right) comments: “We did it again! The restaurant team works really hard to offer a welcoming and relaxed environment, with good honest food on the menu. We are absolutely thrilled that this has been recognised by the judges and it’s given the whole team a real boost.”

The Taste of the West Hospitality and Retail Awards provide an opportunity for businesses in the West Country to gain recognition for supporting and promoting local producers.