Tucked away in the eponymous village of Bridge, The Bridge Arms is a grade II-listed 16th-century coaching inn and pub. In the warmer months, there is an outdoor bar and tables in the garden, while in the winter the original fireplaces keep diners warm. Daniel and Natasha Smith are in charge here, both boasting Michelin-starred pedigree. Daniel started with the likes of Jason Atherton's group before settling at The Clove Club for five years and was integral in earning the star there. Natasha, meanwhile, has worked at Chapter One in Kent and One Leicester Street which both have stars, as well as at Rocket, a top-end events company based in London.
Start off with a classic cocktail like a bloody Mary or Negroni, or sample one of the various summery spritzes, including a rather tasty blood orange number. Whisky lovers shouldn't miss the Woodford Reserve old fashioned, aged in a wood barrel for 30 days. Elsewhere you'll find a sturdy selection of draft and bottled beers and ciders, as well as plenty of spirits to peruse. The wine list features plenty of English bottles, alongside a mixture of old and new world wines.
Daniel and Natasha's menu is truly something to behold. Start off with oysters, either plain, Josper grilled with pickled ginger or crispy deep-fried. After that, try the buttermilk fried chicken with tandoori mayo, whipped cod's roe with tapioca crackers or grilled potato flatbreads with mint and house ricotta. When it comes to starters (yes, those were all just snacks), expect the likes of raw Orkney scallop with green strawberry and almond or Gloucester old spot and black pudding sausage with broad bean and madeira. The mains, however, pull out all the stops, with options like whole native lobster, A5 wagyu sirloin or south coast turbot with seaweed butter for two.