The story
Josh, Holly and the Pony team have reinvented The Pony Chew Valley, introducing new menu concepts and dining experiences alongside a completely refreshed look inside and out. This destination just outside Bristol offers modern cuisine that has earned a Michelin Recommended award for 2026, marking it as one of the region’s most exciting tables.
The restaurant sits in Chew Magna, a short drive from the city, with ample parking and outdoor seating for warmer months. Inside, the space has been redesigned to create a setting that feels both fresh and welcoming – the kind of place where you can settle in for a leisurely Sunday lunch or an evening exploring the kitchen’s latest ideas.
The team has introduced several distinct ways to dine. Beyond the main restaurant, there is a Chef’s Table for those who want a closer view of the cooking, and private dining rooms for celebrations or corporate bookings. The cookery school offers a chance to learn from the chefs themselves, while the Pony Garden and shop extend the experience beyond the plate.
Menus change regularly, reflecting the kitchen’s commitment to seasonal, modern British cooking. Sunday lunch is a particular draw, requiring a deposit to secure a table – a sign of its popularity. Afternoon tea is also available, offering a lighter, more social way to enjoy the kitchen’s craft.
The Pony Chew Valley is open for breakfast, dinner and late service, and also offers catering and meal kits for those who want to take a taste home. Whether you are visiting for a special occasion or a quiet weeknight meal, the restaurant’s relaxed professionalism and clear sense of purpose make it a memorable stop in the Bristol dining scene.
Recognition
Details
History
Veterans of Josh Eggleton's original Pony & Trap probably won’t recognise this massively extended and remodelled version of the old place, which now boasts an event space and cooking school plus beautifully landscaped grounds and a kitchen garden. It's a multi-faceted and inviting prospect, so ask for a table in the enormous high-ceilinged, glass-fronted garden room or the outdoor terrace if you want to get the full benefit of the fabulous views. Head chef Jim Day (formerly of Casamia) offers refined and precisely cooked dishes that pair the restaurant’s home-grown herbs and vegetables with the best of British produce from further afield. Come in early summer and you might be treated to, say, asparagus with wild garlic emulsion and crispy egg yolk followed by an opulent main course featuring whole wild sea bass (to share) partnered by sauce vierge, Jersey Royals and a Pony garden salad. To conclude, perhaps plump for the chocolate gâteau with coffee crème patisserie or the lemon set cream topped with burnt meringue and a jelly made from local Cheddar strawberries. A short selection of ‘pub classics’ and several appetising bar snacks (local Westcombe charcuterie, Cantabrian anchovies et al) cater for more casual visitors, who are genuinely welcomed by the friendly staff. Midweek set menus and Sunday roasts are worth checking out too. Real ales, ciders, softs and artisan libations (all from local producers) figure prominently on the drinks list, which also features an inviting line-up of predominantly European wines at fair prices.
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