Michelin-starred Somerset pub to celebrate 10th anniversary with tasting menu
Diners at brother and sister duo Josh and Holly Eggleton's pub the Pony & Trap, in Chew Magna, will be able to try a 10-course tasting menu inspired by a decade of food from the pub's kitchen.
Chef-patron Josh Eggleton told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser (PMA): "When we took over the Pony & Trap, we had no idea where we would be today thanks to our locals and regulars who are fantastic support to us.
Brilliant
"Our suppliers are also brilliant, giving us insight into ingredients and how we can use them and helping us to be more sustainable, sourcing things from the Chew Valley."
The Pony & Trap was awarded a Michelin star for its cuisine in 2011, which it has retained ever since. It also came fifth in this year's Top 50 Gastropubs awards.
Top 50 Gastopub place over the years:
- 2012: 13
- 2013: 12
- 2014: 3
- 2015: 2
- 2016: 5
Josh Eggleton featured in the finals of the most recent BBC2 Great British Menu, competing against some of the country's top chefs.
He added: "The team we have built is amazing and we have been working hard to create a tasting menu that will celebrate some Pony favourites and rework some of our original dishes.
"We're looking forward to another 10 years of continually improving the pub. There is so much we still want to do."
Salt & Malt
Last year, Eggleton opened stand-alone fish and chip restaurant the Salt & Malt on Chew Lake, serving a range of classic fish dishes, as well as some more experimental and seasonal options including monkfish curry and smoked haddock chowder.
He told the Bristol Post he was eager to see if it was a concept that could be replicated.
He has also been vocal about the need for more young people and apprentices to join the hospitality industry, and launched a scheme in 2015 called Josh & Holly's 50, aimed at recruiting 50 new apprentices across Bristol.
You can read Eggleton's comment piece for the PMA on the chef shortage here.
The PMA caught up with Eggleton for an exclusive look inside the Pony & Trap ahead of this year's Top 50 Gastropubs. Click here to watch the video.
