The best restaurants serving British food in South West

I have visited The Clockspire on several occasions with different family members and it never fails to astound me. From the moment you set foot through the door until you say your goodbyes, you’re met with welcoming, knowledgeable and highly professional staff. Even when the restaurant is unimaginably busy, the team deliver incredible service that will leave you and your guests feeling like the most important people in the room. And the food is just to die for. The quality of the ingredients is unmatched and the flavour combinations are innovative, whilst still paying homage to the classics - you can just tell how much thought and care goes into every dish. The Clockspire is a hidden gem that truly deserves every accolade they’ve so far acquired and I can’t wait to dine with them again soon!

They sell themselves as "A restaurant with rooms" and that gives a mere hint of what they're REALLY about here, firstly, the rooms are beautiful, clean, & well maintained, their location literally couldn't be any better, just on the edge of the very lovely hill-top medieval town of Shaftesbury, it's a two minute walk into town and we'll worth a visit in itself, now then, the nitty-gritty, the food, OMG! I'm based in Leicestershire, and now I know how good the food is here, I can tell you that I would drive the 161 miles straight there for a feed here, no exaggerating, all three courses of my evening meal were absolutely stunning, the aromas, the textures, the sheer depth of flavours, I'm not gushing am I ? LoL Anyway, Don't take my word for it, get booking! You won't regret it

As always Bates restaurant did not disappoint. The menu was varied and catered for all palates. The food was amazing, well cooked, well presented, hot and delicious. The service was excellent, friendly and efficient. I would recommend this restaurant for all types from ‘fussy’ eaters to fine diners. We will definitely be visiting again.

Super friendly and sells the best cheesecake I've eaten in my entire life!

New to the area and visited on strength of other reviews. Was not disappointed. Fish was tasty, batter not overwhelming and chips were excellent. Will undoubtedly be back.

Excellent value for money. Huge and tasty portions. Prompt, friendly service. Free parking around the corner.

Great local fresh food cooked to perfection at a reasonable price. We loved the place the food and had great service would recommend and we will go back.

Really busy Easter Sundsy but we managed to find a table and buy some drinks. Service was good and we loved the atmosphere/ambience of the bar. A lovely characterful pub. We will return.

We were directed here from a sales person in St Ives he told these were the best pasties in Cornwall It didn't disappoint

The food was delicious, i had a bacon baguette, everything about it was right

The coffee was nice and the cake was ok

Well what an experience! We were greeted by the very chatty Domino, cheeky little Whizzy and a very loudly purring Mango! Great start! Then we met the hoooman cat servents (amazing staff) who were lovely, so welcoming & very friendly. We met 9 of the 11 cats on our visit today and each cat was so lovely in their own way. The most relaxing atmosphere and we had a really lovely time. Glee has a beautiful voice and sang to us alot! Whizzy took me for a walk with his toy, Felix loved his strokes - everytime I stopped he would give me a polite headbut to ask for more love. Mango is like a real life teddy, always purring and such soft fur! We even managed to get Domino in a playful mood who then hunted and caught a toy and then proceeded to sing in the garden in proudness! What an amazing couple of hours at a place where the cats are truly happy, they have a great life at this place and they seem to love human interaction as much as us humans enjoy the love from the cats! Absolutely recommend supporting this worthy cause and what a great place the cafe is. Thank you for having us, we hope to be back soon!

Dog friendly, staff super friendly, great coffee. We didn’t eat there but judging from what was being served we definitely will next time. Good vibes!

THE BEST COFFEE IN THE AREA , BEAUTIFUL LOCATION food is fresh and excellent too , pitty no eggs !! Outside beautiful gardens fantastic on a summer's day , well recommended

Yummy! Must go here for breakfast if you are in the area. Such a lovely relaxed cafe with excellent service and reasonable pricing. Delicious coffee!