The Clockspire, set by the Somerset’s borderline, was originally built by Sir William Medlycott in 1864 as a school. Now the building has been brought back to its former glory creating a warm and welcoming restaurant and bar.
The striking exterior is more than matched by a stunning new modern interior with bare stone walls, exposed oak roof beams and a polished concrete floor.
The menu is all about seasonality and using locally grown produce at its prime. The approach is ingredient-led with an emphasis on flavour, harmony and balance.
Add to that a wonderful service team offering warm and welcoming hospitality, and the result is an exceptional restaurant, a sophisticated bar and a new landmark in the heart of the community.
Where is The Clockspire located?
The Clockspire, set by the Somerset’s borderline, in the village of Milborne Port, just 5 minutes from the market town of Sherborne, Dorset. Home to Sherborne abbey and its brace of castles.
Also located within the village of Milborne Port, is Ven house where you can find the beautiful kitchen garden producing much of the ingredients used in the restaurant. Historically the original inhabitants of Ven house, the Medleycott family built the Clockspire as a school for the village, after falling out of use through the years the new owners of Ven decided to reinstate this beautiful building as a restaurant, welcomingly received by the community around.
What cuisine is on offer at The Clockspire?
At the Clockspire their focus is ingredient led, seasonally driven dishes inspired from the surroundings of Somerset and Dorset, with a number of quality producers and suppliers on their doorstep that share this approach to create something that inspires.
The food style is modern British, keeping within the seasons and the available larder the country has to offer, the Winelist travels further afield to bring a worldwide selection to satisfy all tastes and budgets.
What is the signature dish at The Clockspire?
A dish that has grown and developed with the Clockspire is the delicious Barbers cheddar custard with cheese crisps, cider vinegar, fresh apple, seaweed and their own home made black garlic.
The concept of this dish was to showcase the best of ingredients from where they are situated on the border of Somerset and Dorset, bringing the flavours of Somerset, apples, cider and cheese with an unconventional twist of seaweed from the Dorset coast, the ingredients can fluctuate through the year depending on availabilty but the focus of Cheese, cider and seaweed remains.
What makes a meal at The Clockspire unique?
The team lies at the heart of The Clockspire, they drive the business, which separates them from their competitors and the team is who welcomes their guests and creates an unforgettable experience, this is what makes The Clockspire great.
If the team is the heart then the shared passion for greatness and quality is the soul of The Clockspire, The team is committed to working with the best of fresh and seasonal produce with locality at the source as this connection with nature is something they are not only inspired by but proud to promote.
These are the ingredients to a long and sustainable business.
Other Information
They set out to create a restaurant they would want to eat in ourselves. A place where what’s on your plate depends on what is absolutely in season, and one that uses the best ingredients from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible.
The room itself is spectacular, with large windows casting dappled light across the original features of the building. The service is also first class, but the feel is definitely unfussy. At its heart it is a beautiful space to relax and enjoy wonderfully made food.
Set on a mezzanine level over the main restaurant, the super chic bar is a destination in itself. The ultra modern marble topped bar and velvet covered bar stools contrast beautifully with the building’s newly revealed oak beams and beautifully restored stonework.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of Champagne or an expertly made cocktail before your meal while watching the theatre of the dining space below.
