A NEW head chef has been appointed at Clavelshay Barn Restaurant in North Petherton.

Philip Verden has taken the helm and shares a passion for seasonal local food.

He was head chef at Ston Easton Park, Thornbury Castle, spent eight years at Summer Lodge in Dorset and latterly the Lord Poulett Arms.

Phil, who has been cooking at two to three rosette standard for the past 20 years, said: “I can’t wait to cook with the best produce that the South West has to offer.

“It is every chef’s dream to have a farm on the doorstep to source and forage from – this is what makes Clavelshay Barn unique.

“I will be using my experience of cooking in top hotels to make this restaurant the best in Somerset.”

Clavelshay Barn Restaurant has also received the highest possible rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA). It was rated three stars for the second year running.

The venue offers home-grown ingredients and a comprehensive selection of local beers, ciders and soft drinks.

Owner Sue Milverton said: “All of this really matters to our customers and it matters to us, so we are very proud to be rated as the most sustainable restaurant in Somerset.”

Clavelshay Barn has also celebrated its ninth anniversary by winning the Best Green Business Award 2014 from Sedgemoor Business Awards.