If you’re searching for the perfect sun-soaked spot in Somerset this summer, look no further than HOLM in South Petherton. This beloved local restaurant is reopening its terrace on Saturday, May 2, unveiling a vibrant summer program that promises to transport diners straight to the Mediterranean countryside.
To celebrate, chef-founder Nicholas Balfe is hosting a laid-back garden party that kicks off a season filled with open-fire cooking, live music, and a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
The festivities run from 12pm to 4pm and feature a relaxed BBQ instead of the usual formal dining. Guests can savor Slow-cooked Otter Valley lamb buns topped with crunchy pickles and slaw, miso-glazed aubergine buns (v), hot honey chicken wings, and fries served with garlic aioli.
Cocktail lovers will enjoy £7 drinks throughout the day, including summer favorites like Aperol Spritz, Peach Bellinis, and the signature “Balfearic” twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup.
Adding to the vibrant ambiance, the Millie Requelme Duo will provide live Cuban-inspired music with keys and percussion, followed by a lineup of local DJs—Nicholas Balfe among them—spinning “Balfearic” beats into the evening.
The terrace itself has been refreshed for 2026 with new garden furniture, a children’s sandpit, and lush, thoughtfully designed “softer” plantings by local landscape expert Charlie from Mimosa & Moss.
“The terrace works just as well for a quiet morning coffee as it does for a long lunch or an afternoon pint,” the HOLM team notes.
The menu will adapt with the season and weather, spotlighting lighter, sun-inspired dishes such as salt cod croquetas, burrata with grilled peach, and BBQ bream fillet served with fennel salad.
Whether you’re drawn by the wood-fired flavors or the enticing cocktail deals, HOLM is setting itself up as the must-visit destination in South Somerset this summer.