Horse and Groom wins Taste of the West award

The Horse and Groom in Charlton won gold, the top award on offer, in the Dining Pub category.

The Butcombe boozer, located on The Street, is run by general manager David Oram.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to have been awarded this incredible accolade, especially as it’s only six months since we were able to reopen after lockdowns," he said.

"The kitchen, under the leadership of Mo Farhan, is producing some wonderful and exciting food and we are looking forward to the year ahead.”

Jayson Perfect, group managing director of The Liberation Group who own Butcombe Brewery, said: We’re delighted that our teams and their passion for great food, drink and hospitality have been recognised by Taste of the West both here at the Horse and Groom in Wiltshire and at three of our sites in Somerset.”

“Exceptional hospitality and incredible food and drink is at the heart of everything we do and we simply couldn’t deliver without the care and dedication of our amazing teams and suppliers who share our vision. A huge thanks to them all.”

Taste of the West was established to promote and support local food and drink, and those that serve them, from across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Its award programme has been running for 30 years. All who enter are visited - without notice - by a judge. They look out for where ingredients come from, how well local sourcing is communicated to customers, the quality of service, atmosphere, ambience and value for money, as well as the quality of food and drink.

Speaking about their visit to The Horse and Groom the Taste of the West judges said: "The venue is lovely, there is an interesting menu, and well trained and polite, friendly staff.

"I would recommend a visit and would love to go back."

The Horse and Groom are not the only Malmesbury establishment to have been recognised by Taste of the West as Michael’s Butchers, Bistro & Deli also won gold in the Casual Dining category.