Josie Gibson, a well-known British TV presenter, has once again won hearts with her latest ITV series, Josie’s Taste of the West Country. Known for shows like This Morning and How to Clean Up for Cash, Josie takes viewers on a culinary journey across the West Country, uncovering the region’s exceptional food and drink.
Inspired by ITV colleague Dermot O’Leary’s Taste of Ireland, Josie turned her attention to her native Bristol and surrounding areas to showcase local delicacies. “I’ve wanted to do ‘Taste of the West Country’ for ages because we’ve got so much amazing produce that comes out of my neck of the woods,” she shared with Woman magazine. “I thought, ‘I can’t let Dermot have all this fun!'"
With sponsorship from Rodda’s Clotted Cream making the programme possible, Josie visited Gloucester, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall, discovering culinary treasures along the way. She expressed surprise at some of the gems she found: “Would you believe in a million years that some of the best oysters in the world come out of Somerset? And obviously the organic cider, the lobsters – everything.”
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Somerset, in particular, is thriving with local producers. Harry’s Cider, marking its 21st anniversary, recently celebrated its taproom and shop’s first anniversary—a popular new space where visitors can relax and connect with the cider’s origins. “We wanted to create a space where people could slow down, enjoy great cider, and really connect with where it comes from,” said Harry.
Adding to Somerset’s vibrant scene, the local restaurant HOLM is set to reopen on May 2 with a fresh Mediterranean twist. Its 2026 revamp includes family-friendly features like a children’s sandpit and new garden furniture. To celebrate, chef and founder Nicholas Balfe will host an informal garden party, kicking off the summer season in style.
Fans of Josie will also be pleased to know she returns to ITV screens tonight (April 27) at 7.30pm with a new episode of How to Clean Up for Cash, continuing her mission to blend entertainment with practical advice.