Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1198" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118953" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405-800x639.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405-1000x799.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405-400x319.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7405-768x613.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>With its sharing plates menu full of delicious fish, seafood and meat, as well as a fantastic array of seasonal vegetable dishes, neighbourhood restaurant <em><a href="https://www.rootwells.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Root</a></em> is proving itself to be a stalwart of the Wells dining scene, recognised with the accolade of a Michelin Bib Gourmand.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1126" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118957" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7428-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Head chef Rob Howell (formerly head chef at Michelin-starred pub The Pony &amp; Trap) is back to his own roots, as he was born and bred in Wells. Running the restaurant with wife and manager Meg Oakley, the focus here – as with sister restaurants Root Bristol and Root Bath – is on bringing top quality local, seasonal produce to the table in all its forms. Bring it on!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1047" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402-800x558.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402-1000x698.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402-400x279.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-MG_7402-768x536.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A relaxed, modern and friendly restaurant in an elegant space, it has a light and airy, Scandi feel with wooden floors, mid-century furniture and a cool palette of pale greens and natural earthy materials.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1188" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403-800x634.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403-1000x792.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403-400x317.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7403-768x608.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>The house cocktails (including non alcoholic), wines (including orange), craft beers and ciders from local suppliers are there to tempt but we started with The Pony x Wilding Perry – a fruity and delicious perry created in collaboration with Wilding Cider to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Pony – and a delicious glass of Lebanese Rosé (Ayn, Beqaa Valley).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118958" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7416-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Advised by Rob and our charming waiter, we chose a selection of small plates from their ever-changing menu, wherever possible showcasing the best local produce. There are lots of veggie options, like grilled hispi cabbage with caesar dressing, pickled shallots and croutons, and roasted cauliflower with almond sauce cashew curry sauce and dukkah. But meat also features on the menu, with dishes like BBQ pork belly with pickled cabbage, and chicken hearts and livers on toasted focaccia, as well as fish and seafood. Dishes are designed to be shared; so a good excuse to choose lots! </p>



<p>Asparagus from UBB (a local supplier in Butleigh), was lightly charred and came with a beautiful crispy egg, spring onion mayo and toasted hazelnuts.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118961" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7421-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sweet and sour beetroot was delicately sliced with Chew Valley stracciatella (similar to burrata), herbs and pumpkin seeds, making a subtle and well-balanced dish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118959" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7417-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Grilled crevettes in a lightly piquante Romesco butter were delicious – huge – and messy to eat (don&#8217;t choose on a first date).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118960" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7419-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Cornish mussels with cider, crème fraiche and spring onion was soooo good,  and loved mopping up all the juices with the amazing house bread.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1126" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118962" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7423-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Whole lemon sole (from Flying Fish in Cornwall) was cooked to perfection with an intense langoustine sauce, agretti (Italian greens) and spring herbs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1126" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7424-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Brined, steamed and grilled BBQ chicken leg was served with slaw, pickles and a chunk of lime.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118955" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7425-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For dessert, a lovely, light summery strawberry pavlova with custard, ice cream and almonds, and a dark chocolate mousse with caramel, sea salt and honeycomb – perfect flavour combos.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-default"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1126" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426.jpg" alt="Root Wells Somerset" class="wp-image-118956" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/ROOT-BIG-2-IMG_7426-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We finished, replete, with Root x Wogan Espressos. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-child-friendly">CHILD FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>No reason why not.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs">DOGS?</h2>



<p>If you let them know beforehand, they&#8217;ll try to ensure you get a suitable table with your pooch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s all on one level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re in the middle of the city (England&#8217;s smallest) with the stunning <a href="https://www.wellscathedral.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Cathedral</a>, historic <a href="https://bishopspalace.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop’s Palace</a> and Vicars’ Close (the oldest surviving residential street in Europe), indie shops and galleries like <a href="https://www.heritagecourtyardstudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios</a>,  <a href="https://cedarhouselifestyle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cedar House Lifestyle</a> and <a href="https://www.amba-wells.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amba</a> fashion, round the corner. Or you could just wander around spotting the locations for <em>Hot Fuzz</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Those who enjoy good quality local ingredients, freshly prepared to a deliciously high standard. Vegetables can be the star of the show but, equally, fish or meat lovers will not be disappointed.</p>



<p><strong>Not for: </strong>Formal fine dining.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Very reasonable for the quality and the small plates are generous: nibbles £5-9; veggie plates £8.50-15; meat and fish dishes; £12-24; puddings £8-9; wine £8-10 per glass.</p>



<p></p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.rootwells.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Root</a>, 12 Sadler St, Wells, Somerset BA5 2SE. <a href="tel:01749672887">01749 672887</a>. <a href="mailto:team@rootwells.co.uk">Team@roo</a></strong></em><a href="mailto:team@rootwells.co.uk"><strong><em>twells.co.uk</em></strong></a></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-the-old-granary-wareham-dorset/">Review: The Old Granary, Wareham</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-pubs-gardens-dorset-somerset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">20+ local pubs with cool gardens</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-sunday-lunch-at-platform-restaurant-railway-carriages-west-bay-bridport-dorset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review:  Sunday lunch at Platform, West Bay, near Bridport</a></li>
</ul>


Review: Root Wells

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