News and Features

Michãela Deasy-Smith's Foodie Trail

around Weston-super-Mare

Many of the best recommendations come from the restaurateurs themselves, so as a former writer and broadcast journalist we asked Michãela Deasy-Smith of The Alasia Cafe Restaurant to take us on her own foodie trail around Weston.

As a newbie “Westoner” and a lover of all things considered food, I walked the streets in search of the best of the best. Christmas is just around the corner and it’s a time to catch up with friends after long days of shopping for unique gourmet goodies, or treats for entertaining.

After an afternoon spent shoe shopping I quickly dropped my new purchase at home in the back of the cupboard and met Mr Smith at the newly opened Bottle Bar on the corner of West Street. The Bottle Bar is just that – bottles. A clever concept, a fresh interior, relaxed and charming customer service and NO ridiculously oversized TV screens blaring out sport. They sell miniature bottles of wine, many beers including Poretti, and various ciders including local favourite Thatchers

The next West Street success story is The Food Den. Owners Lesley and Paul have put their years of catering experience into creating gourmet take out solutions, hampers, and other goodies to wow your guests at your next dinner party. They will also provide external catering for private and corporate functions. On my travels I have walked past their door during lunch time trade to see a queue of Food Den lovers indulging in take-away and always home made sandwiches, soups and other savoury goodies - not to mention their divine cakes and slices. I love their to-die-for chocolate brownies which are gluten free, and their hampers of artisian chocolates, wines and seasonal syrups, cheeses and olives, and their gift voucher ideas make great Christmas presents for my friends. Pop in during December to see their gorgeous artisian white and dark chocolate Christmas trees. Imagine that as the centre piece at your next festive dinner party.

Next on West Street – Let me introduce you to Astill & Sons Bakery who after just over 40 years are still making the best bread around. Being Coeliac I can’t eat anything at all, however what I do like and why I recommend Astill’s on this foodie journey is that they bake incredibly good white, brown, multigrain and fruit bread for our restaurant. So, if this is good, then everything else must be too.

Astill & Sons also supply bread to The Heritage at number 3 Wadham Street. The Heritage is all about rustic and relaxed dining. During the day you could be sharing a table with a complete stranger and be made to feel very welcome. The environment is cosy and the food is simple, fresh and home cooked. They are now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings and plan to open Sundays in the new year for lunch. The Heritage is the result of dynamic duo Terry Reynolds and Amy Hunt. Terry runs the front of house at The Heritage while Amy brings her Michelin Star training to preparing the menus and daily specials.

Amy is also credited with owning and running Oak and Glass located at 1 Uphill Road. Trying to book in for Sunday lunch has been near to impossible due to its popularity, however it is worth persisting. Oak and Glass is set in Amy's parent's original home which started it's life as a B&B and to this day continues to offer luxury accommodation with three beautifully designed bedrooms. Diners are made to feel very welcome in the restaurant's famous oak panelled room with open fires. During the day the light streams in through the glass conservatory.

Amy returned to Weston after spending valuable time away learning from the likes of Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons.  Both Amy and Terry grew up in Weston and are passionate about creating a unique dining experience fopr their customers.

After a really lovely meal with Oak and Glass, it's time to take a walk back into the town to a little discovery called Munch Deli which opened it's doors two weeks ago on The Boulevard.  Here you will find gourmet sandwiches ready-made and to order, freshly made red pesto, marinated olives and my favourite Habas Fritas lap snacks from olives Et Al, oil and balsamics, cheeses from Bath's Fine Cheese Company and a lot more.  Like us, they do wonderful take out coffee and won't charge extra for soya milk.

Congratulations to all of the above for breathing life back into Weston and being part of a culinary sensation.

Michãela Deasy-Smith