Osip, Bruton's acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant, recently welcomed Times food critic Giles Coren, joined by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and former Manchester United CEO Ed Woodward.

The restaurant, run by chef patron Merlin Labron-Johnson, is celebrated for its farm-to-table ethos and exclusive dining experience. Situated in a renovated 18th-century country inn on Kingsettle Hill, just outside Bruton, Osip has become a destination for food lovers since earning its Michelin star in January 2021, only eight months after opening.

In his review for The Times, Giles Coren described Osip as a "top place," praising its stripped-back aesthetic and attentive young staff, which he said epitomise "World's 50 Best" standards. The critic sampled a range of dishes from the £95 lunch menu, including a beetroot taco he called "lovely and earthy," lobster claw with scallop and pumpkin foam, and a venison quail pie.

Coren noted that Osip's success lies in its ability to combine refined cooking with a deep connection to its surroundings. "It's a former 300-year-old country inn where you can stay the night, explore the gardens, take a tour of the kitchen, and relax fireside for an after-dinner drink," he wrote.

The critic also revealed personal connections, sharing that he's known Labron-Johnson since the chef's early days at Portland in London, which Coren once declared "a perfect restaurant."

Gary Lineker, part of Coren's party, dined on the lunch menu alongside Ed Woodward and mutual friend Jonathan Downey. Coren joked about the football pundit's recent career announcement, saying, "You didn't ask," was Lineker's reply when asked why he hadn't mentioned his departure from Match of the Day during their meal.

The visit highlights Osip's status as a culinary gem in the South West, consistently recognised in top restaurant lists and the Michelin Guide.

Osip is located at 25 Kingsettle Hill, Hardway, Bruton, BA10 0LN. Lunch costs £95, with a full tasting menu available for £125.

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