Adam Crookes, a Street resident with a passion for food, has captured the attention of over 2,100 Somerset foodies who have subscribed to his email newsletter, Somerset Dining Experiences. The free newsletter takes a unique approach to restaurant reviews, celebrating independent establishments across the county that source ingredients locally.

An admiration for the unique character of family-owned restaurants drove the 24-year-old to start the email newsletter in January 2024. "I've always had a soft spot for family-run restaurants and pubs", he explains. "They have a genuine charm and authenticity that you just don't find in chains".

Adam approaches each visit with quiet curiosity and a sharp eye for detail, dining just like any regular customer. His reviews offer honest, clear insights that capture the full dining experience, from the atmosphere and service to the flavour, quality and presentation of each dish.

"What I'm really interested in is the ripple effect these reviews can have", he says. "After a place gets featured, I'll often get emails from subscribers saying they've booked a table or are planning a visit that weekend.

"It's incredibly rewarding to know that a write-up can help shine a light on places that truly deserve it", he adds. "I see the newsletter as a bit of a community asset, especially at a time when things are quite bleak in hospitality. There's so much to be excited about locally, and I think people are really hungry for those positive stories".

A few local favourites that have been featured in the newsletter include The Loft in Street, The Lion at West Pennard and Queen of Cups in Glastonbury. Crookes says, "I love what The Loft is doing. It's completely different from anything else in Street".

Adam has reviewed restaurants across the county, from Bath to Taunton, making sure his newsletter highlights a diverse range of locations. "I'm trying to reach all corners of Somerset", he explains, "so that wherever you are in the county, there's a great local spot nearby waiting to be discovered".

Each edition of the newsletter begins with a curated 'Local Offers & Updates' section, featuring a handful of noteworthy bullet points before diving into the review of the week. "When there's a new menu released at a popular restaurant, I want my readers to be the first to know", Crookes explains, adding a timely touch to every edition.

"For me, the newsletter has to bring value to the reader. If people lose interest, they'll simply unsubscribe, but very few do. It's clear that people are sticking with this because they see it as a local resource and are finding it useful".

"Word of mouth about the newsletter has been really strong", he shares. "My ultimate goal over the next year or so is to grow the newsletter to 10,000 local subscribers. It's all about connecting more people with the amazing independent restaurants Somerset has to offer".

His enthusiasm for the project is infectious. "Imagine the impact 10,000 people reading the newsletter could have on a newly-renovated pub that's opening its doors again for the first time in a while. That's how I'm thinking about this", he says.

Adam is working his way through a growing list of restaurant and pub recommendations. "I've had over 100 people suggest places for me to visit so far", he says. "It's great to see that people are just as enthusiastic as I am about discovering and supporting local spots. That community passion really drives the newsletter and keeps it fresh".

Most recently, Adam has visited Bardacious in Bath, which is billed as a "Californian and Mexican restaurant", as well as Da Costa in Bruton. "Both offered something unique and memorable", he says. "I'm always excited to try new places and share those experiences with the readers".

Adam doesn't always go for the most popular dish on the menu. At the same time, he tries to keep things grounded. "I'm not trying to be clever with what I order", he says. "I want to experience the restaurant the way everyone else would. That's what makes the review more useful".

When he's not working on the newsletter, Adam runs an online business, helping local businesses show up more effectively on Google - something he's been doing full-time since 2019. "There's a natural crossover between the two ventures, as both are about helping independent businesses get discovered by the right people".

The newsletter's popularity reflects a growing desire to support local businesses and experience the unique flavours they offer. "I believe family-owned restaurants are the backbone of local communities", says Crookes. "I want to shine a spotlight on their hard work and dedication. There are unsung heroes in the kitchens, along with staff working front of house, who create incredible experiences for Somerset diners every night. These are the people I'm trying to celebrate".

He continued, "Several subscribers have personally contacted me with feedback on my reviews. This has helped to steer the direction of the newsletter and ensure it's a helpful resource for people locally. For some, little things like simply knowing where best to park, especially in a busy town like Glastonbury, can be the difference between booking a table or staying at home. I hope that the newsletter gives people the assurance they need to go out and visit independent restaurants themselves".

Adam hopes to continue visiting and reviewing independent restaurants across Somerset. "For as long as there's an appetite, I will keep making reservations! I think people in Somerset are genuinely looking for new restaurants to explore, and I look forward to introducing them to as many hidden gems as possible".

Subscribe to Adam's free email newsletter for the best restaurants in Somerset.

If you have restaurant and pub recommendations, you can share these with Adam by emailing him at [email protected].

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