Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://opabath.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opa</a>, Bath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-85994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Opa-calamari-1-394x525.jpeg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Calamari</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s easy to forget that Spanish tapas isn’t the only origin of small plate culture: Greek mezze has just as old and fine a tradition. Head to Opa for a riverside view, plenty of large tables to house a crowd, and calamari to die for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.rootwells.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Root,</a> Wells</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1249" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n.jpg" alt="root, wells sharing plates" class="wp-image-85999" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n-641x800.jpg 641w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n-801x1000.jpg 801w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n-768x959.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/root-wells-351753352_1121315062592493_1968477587052515104_n-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The offshoot of the original Root in Bristol&#8217;s Whapping Wharf founded by Josh Eggleton (The Pony Group) and Luke Hasell (Valley Fest), the Wells branch, under head chef Rob Howell, serves up a tantilising menu of veg-led sharing plates like grilled carrots, whipped homewood feta, salsa verde; buttermilk fried celeriac, Korean BBQ sauce with pickled red cabbage; and soy glazed aubergine, whipped tofu, chilli, sesame and lime, plus some meat and fish dishes too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-old-pharmacy-bruton"><a href="https://www.oldpharmacybruton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Pharmacy</a>, Bruton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="751" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos.png" alt="" class="wp-image-85982" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-800x601.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-400x300.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-768x577.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/osip-pea-hummus-Screenshot-2023-07-23-at-12-18-43-The-Old-Pharmacy-@oldpharmacybruton-•-Instagram-photos-and-videos-699x525.png 699w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Pea hummus</figcaption></figure>



<p>The pared-back simplicity of this small-but-perfectly-formed adjunct to Michelin-starred Osip next door, started life as a casual walk-in. Now you can book. Its very essence is the small plate culture, where you can pick at a caponata Siciliana or cold roast Tamworth, tonnato sauce and Calabrian anchovies with a glass of something Portuguese or Californian. The cooking is always seasonal and precise; prices reflect this.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://theollerod.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ollerod, </a>Beaminster</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod.jpeg" alt="the ollerod, beaminster" class="wp-image-85980" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod-640x800.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod-800x1000.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod-320x400.jpeg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/Ollerod-420x525.jpeg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For the summer only, The Ollerod will be firing up the BBQ every Sunday lunchtime and offering a small plates menu to go with the charred meats and veg. There’s the dining room or bar inside and garden and terrace outside. Booking essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.beckfordbottleshop.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beckford Bottle Shop</a>, Bath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-85977" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1-525x525.jpeg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-beckford-bottle-shop-331665703_2998940650408792_2053153419997526675_n-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sharing plates amid a fine wine shop: our kind of establishment. Hole up here for an afternoon, if you get caught in a thunderstorm, and you won’t be disappointed. Drink anything from the extensive cellar for a corkage fee and enjoy a courgette fritter or cured mackerel with black garlic on the side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Oyster and Fish House</a>, Lyme Regis</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer.jpeg" alt="Hix Oyster and fish house" class="wp-image-85983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/OysterandFish-House-fruits-de-mer-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Fruit de mer</figcaption></figure>



<p>We’ve raved about Mark Hix’s clifftop eatery before, but here we celebrate its special ‘Feasts to Share’ offering. If you’re a group of 16+, you can choose from three extraordinary, grand luxe sharing feasts from the Mixed Fish Feast (£55pp) to the range-topping Surf and Turf (£80pp). For us, you can’t beat the Mixed Fish and Shellfish Feast, with large platters groaning with lobster, crab, and scallops all fished out of the sea a stone’s throw from your table.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eightstonystreet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eight Stony Street</a>, Frome</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1240" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg.jpeg" alt="Eight Stoney Street" class="wp-image-85978" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg-645x800.jpeg 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg-806x1000.jpeg 806w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg-323x400.jpeg 323w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg-768x952.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/eightstonystreet_veg-423x525.jpeg 423w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This large and airy space at the bottom of cobbled Catherine Street is an all-welcome, all-day wine bar with a permanent offering of crowd-pleasers like burgers and pizzas. But the sharing plates ­– antipasti board, roast friggitelli peppers with almond ricotta and garlic – provide the perfect accompaniment to the extensive wine list. Closed Mondays/Tuesdays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thebradleyhare.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bradley Hare</a>, Maiden Bradley</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n.jpg" alt="the bradley hare" class="wp-image-85984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/00-bradley-hare-352746669_644495327597721_8970267429524896196_n-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Less than a mile from the Somerset border is the beautiful Georgian pub, the Bradley Hare, set in the middle of the Duchy of Somerset in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The food is modern British with an emphasis on local ingredients. Head there on a sunny Sunday evening and enjoy their special evening sharing plates menu with drinks. Dog-friendly.</p>


Pick ‘n’ mix: the best places to share small plates in Somerset and Dorset

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