Newly launched restaurant on Somerset estate looks to reinvigorate the local food scene

Newly launched restaurant on Somerset estate looks to reinvigorate the local food scene

A new restaurant at the heart of a Somerset estate is set to open in March as it bids to reinvigorate the local food scene – creating a new dining experience that’s rooted in food provenance and locally sourced ingredients.

Orchardleigh Estate, a 500-acre country estate located a 10-minute drive from Frome, is set to launch its new ‘Peacock Steakhouse’ to provide nearby residents and those from further afield with a new food offering centred around steak, using estate farmed and estate reared produce to formulate an array of delicious dishes.

The restaurant is set to offer a mix of casual and formal dining options, catering to a range of tastes but with a distinct Somerset flavour, thanks to the locality of its produce including beef from the estates herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and hung for 35 days before serving. As well as juicy steaks, the restaurant will have vegetarian and gluten free options available.

With several working farms located within the estate’s borders, Orchardleigh benefits from home-grown produce in abundance, which will form the heart of the new restaurant’s menu, while any additional ingredients will be sourced from local providers wherever possible.

Already boasting a varied portfolio, including two-luxury wedding venues in the form or Orchardleigh House and Elmhay Park, formal gardens, an 18-hole golf course, a lake with luxurious boathouse and even a castle in the grounds, the newly launched restaurant is the latest addition to the estate’s broad and varied offering.

Chris Vincent, the owner of Orchardleigh Estate, said: “We’re delighted to be enhancing our hospitality offering in the form of the new Peacock Steakhouse. Although we’d pondered opening a restaurant on the estate for some time, we decided to bring forward the endeavour following the closure of La Bisalta in Frome. My wife Heather and I were regulars of the restaurant, and it was with great sadness that we saw it shut its doors for good upon the retirement of its owners, Luigi and Susan.”

He continued: “While not wanting to attempt to recreate La Bisalta’s unique approach, we wanted to create a restaurant offering that tapped into the type of cuisine we ourselves value and appreciate. We’re sure there are many others in the local area who are already missing La Bisalta’s offering, so we’re hoping to entice them out to Orchardleigh to enjoy the approach in our own restaurant.”

Chris Vincent concluded: “Being a working estate, we’re in a fantastic position to create something that uses the best of our produce and, indeed, the best that Somerset has to offer, rooting our cuisine in the provenance of the region. It’s a very exciting time, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new diners to the Peacock Steakhouse.

The restaurant, which features a stunning terrace perfect for enjoying a drink or dinner whilst overlooking the vast estate and golf course, is set to open on the 6th March 2020 and will welcome diners Thursdays-Saturdays from 6-9pm. The restaurant will be able to accommodate bookings of all sizes, from diners looking for a delicious meal for two to large tables for gatherings, get-togethers and celebrations. The restaurant will also be available for exclusive hire, private events and functions.

For more information and to book, please visit www.peacocksteakhouse.co.uk or call 01373 454200.