TWO restaurants in Somerset have been judged among the best in the country.

The eateries, one in Bruton, the other in South Petherton, both appear in SquareMeal's UK's 100 Top Restaurants for 2024 list.

Coming in at sixth is farm-to-table Osip, based in High Street, Bruton, while Holm, in St James Street, South Peherton, is rated 49th.

Referring to Osip, the judges said: "Our top UK restaurant of 2021 is still flying high, and with Osip due to move to a brand new location in the near future, we’re expecting even bigger things from Merlin Labron-Johnson in 2024.

"Gentle, precise and elegant, Osip is still a must-visit restaurant."

Of Holm, they said: "Somerset restaurant Holm’s ethos is deeply rooted in nature, drawing on fantastic local farmers, fisherman, growers and butchers for its produce.

"While low intervention, organic and biodynamic wines are served alongside its seasonal tasting menus."

A SquareMeal spokesperson said: "It’s a chance for us to shout about the best-of-the-best in both emerging and established culinary roles and allows us to celebrate the incredible chefs and hospitality teams out there going above and beyond to give their diners top-class experiences.

"Whittling down the UK’s burgeoning dining scene into just 100 top spots was an excruciating job that took months of planning and deliberation by both our team, and you, our readers.

"Despite incredibly tough economic circumstances, our homegrown hospitality professionals have overcome it all and managed to deliver top-class experiences for diners, with flair, ingenuity and individuality."

They added: "Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes.

"It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions.

"We take huge care and pride in making sure only the very best in the industry find a place on the list, and have eaten at hundreds of restaurants over the past 12 months to whittle down the winners.

"Whether you’re looking for a special occasion destination or an all-new regular nearby, our list of the best restaurants in the UK offers up something for every occasion and every budget."