Briar, the debut restaurant of chef Sam Lomas, has opened its door at Number One Bruton in Somerset.
The restaurant marks a partnership between Sam Lomas and husband-and-wife team Claudia and Aled Rees, owners of the Number One Bruton hotel.
Briar is a “neighbourhood restaurant”, with a menu that celebrates hyper-local produce, foraged ingredients and is dictated by the growing seasons of the kitchen garden.
Serving a daily changing blackboard menu of small plates, snacks, sharing dishes and puddings alongside a drink’s menu, the food is a culmination of Somerset ingredients and food traditions with a focus on “craft cooking and unfussy dishes”.
The menu spotlights local producers with whom Lomas, a former River Cottage “Rising Star” and Roux Scholarship finalist, is developing partnerships such as Stavordale Dairy and local grain specialists, Landrace Milling, which is used in the chef’s baked goods.
Regarding the new opening, Lomas said: “I’m delighted to be bringing Briar into the beautiful space at Number One – we are flattered by the shoes we’re stepping into, and are looking forward to bringing our affordable and approachable Somerset fare to the table in Bruton.
“I am fizzling with ideas for Briar and can’t wait to share more details soon – we’re hoping to do regular weekend feasts in our ancient orchard, and host dinners and celebrations with our cherished suppliers.”