The Connection Restaurant

We’d been traumatised by travel, travelling en masse, tired with hunger taunting us in Taunton, we wanted something nicer than filling up at a roadside filling station.
We found a quiet atmosphere-​free Free-​house to decide on dinner. Bar-​side with sweet cider inside us, we made a connection with the frontage opposite.
A large comic font banner, a sticker in the window beckoned us to ‘The Connection’, but from outside we couldn’t be sure if it was a restaurant or a travel agency, or even a dating agency. Then a lit candle warmed the setting under the aforementioned confusing banner. It illuminated a double date just visible at the window table. With each person looking into the middle distance they were looking like they were making anything but a connection.
Hoping the food was more inspiring and afraid of the alternative offerings of only pizza or kebab, we edged cautiously over the double junction double quick to enquire.
A Sandwich board outside announced it was ‘Winesday’, a free house bottle for every table. We went in.
Entering we were heralded by pan pipes; a mix tape began swirling the comforting melody of The X Files theme tune around us. Before we had time to turn back our waiter appeared.
Looking surprised to see us form a crowd on a weekday night, our jolly characterful waiter with Fawltless formality apologised for an impending slow service. Not in our best bib and tuckers however, he did seem a little shirty. «Do you have a booking», he enquired taking a formal tone (where until our arrival the place was empty).
Grateful for the seats and that it was Winesday, too! The free house’s choice bottle for the table more than made up for our non trumpeted arrival. Pleasantly surprised by their Chilean, I’m more than happy to blow their horn for their choice of a bold tropically lush white which complimented our food beautifully.
It seemed we’d struck gold at the best place on the street.
The interior of this French place was pretty snappy, all muted tones that spoke volumes that this was the town’s ‘nice place’.
To start: My liver parfait was mousse like, light yet retained a rich smooth flavour, braced in crisp pancetta.
I’d have enjoyed the accompanying brioche more but I’d buttered too much pre dinner pre warmed pumpkin seed roll to stack up on more carbs.
The rest of the table were very happy with the beautifully fresh caught scallops to start, complimented by Southeast Asian spicing, but just a few of the blighters were a bit underdone for one of our likings.
Not undoing the enjoyment of our evening, Seafood crepes, covered in grilled cheese were delicious but sadly the salmon within was as mushy as the concept of Parisienne romance that this French inspired brasserie was trying to convey.
Also warned of the possible shot, the equally fresh duck dish sitting proudly in a pond of jus was rich and flavourful but as with any duck recipe it either needs long slow cooking to break down the tough meaty fibre or quick cooking to keep it rare as fine French food. Not offensive, but this duck was somewhat perched on the fence.
What stole the show was the firm and delicate delectable lemon sole and the passionate enthusiasm of our attentive waiter.
Not knowing what else Taunton had to offer, it was well worth one hell of a stopover. We wimped out at dessert, but it seemed that it was this course that kept the table adjacent to us who were out at at sea, back on course for a cheerful evening.

A lovely little restaurant so much better than you would expect in this area of town. Delicious food with a regularly changing menu and good vegetarian options as well as meat and game dishes. Lovely selection of wines to suit your budget. Friendly and attentive service without being in your face. Highly recommended.

Really tasty food, friendly atmosphere. the prices — it wasn’t really expensive but not cheap either. A great place for a special occasion. Haven’t been for a while must go back soon.

Perhaps not in the best location but once inside you forget that the area isn’t terribly scenic. Small and intimate with personal service from the owner (husband & wife team — she’s the chef). Modified French cuisine with a Brit twist (locally sourced produce, cheeses etc.). Everything we had (group of 4) was beautifully presented, great size portions (had room for dessert) and tasted heavenly. Several specials for the day (I had the sea bass) and a nice wine menu — nothing too overpriced and a solid basic selection (all French). From starters to dessert everything was very good and we had difficulties choosing so we’ll be making a trip back again. Great for a dinner with friends or a dinner for two — would make a nice place for a anniversary or birthday dinner. Reasonably priced for the type of items on the menu. Well worth a visit!