ABOUT US

“As an Italian immigrant in Switzerland, my grandfather always said that ‘countries don’t make homes, kitchens do,’ and throughout my life, tables have always been for food and family stories.” Iwan Wirth

The sign to the entrance of the Rivamonte Agordino in Italy in the Dolomites.

HISTORY & INSPIRATION

Da Costa is named for and inspired by Artfarm co-founder Iwan Wirth’s maternal grandfather who originated from the small mountainous village of Rivamonte Agordino in the Veneto region of Northern Italy.

He emigrated to Switzerland in the early 20th century, where he opened a restaurant. Quickly becoming the village and community hub, this small restaurant was much loved for its simple, honest fare. A century later, and some 800 miles from that first restaurant, Da Costa continues this glorious culinary adventure on the site of Hauser & Wirth Somerset.

Radicchio on a chair in a box in the sunlight.

TO LEARN ABOUT A PLACE, START IN THE MARKET

Amid Somerset’s rolling farmlands and grazing livestock, including our own farm and estate, Da Costa cooks earthy, homely food using Italian techniques and inspiration. Much of our vegetables, fruit, and herbs are grown in our walled garden. We work with the countryside, letting the seasons and availability guide our menus.”

Da Costa acknowledges the similarities between the two regions, from their relative distances to the sea and subsequent use of salt cod, to our home grown radicchio, otherwise known as ‘Italian chicory’ and game (such as venison and rabbit) that is much prized in mountain regions.

A group of cows walking on a path under a tree
A man holding a tree with fruit in it

Our Farm & Walled Garden

Da Costa sits at the heart of Durslade Farm, our 1,000-acre working farm in the Somerset countryside. Here, we raise cattle and sheep, and grow crops to sustain them through the winter months.

On a gentle south-eastern slope beside the River Brue lies our vineyard, home to 25,500 vines. These grapes are used to produce our Maid of Bruton wines. We also tend orchards for our cider apples and manage woodlands where wild ingredients are foraged for our dishes and charcoal is produced to fuel our fires.

Just up the road from Da Costa is our walled garden, cultivated by head gardener Fran. This vibrant space is home to everything from heritage Italian squash to over 30 varieties of tomatoes.

Art & Design

Da Costa features a range of artworks, including pieces from Hauser & Wirth’s family of artists and Italian treasures. From Lakeside III, created by Catherine Goodman, which references a vibrant Italian landscape she regularly visits, to Phyllida Barlow’s untitled: rockpompom2015, there is much to discover in the space. Other artists include Fabian Peake, Bharti Kher, Umberto Manzo and Francesco Vezzoli.

Bruton-based artisan Richard Drescher, together with locals Rob and Sam Moorse, created the centrepiece wood-fire stove and BBQ. The reimagined restaurant space and stunning courtyard garden was created by long-time collaborators Piet Oudolf and architectural practice Laplace.

VIEW OUR ART COLLECTION

The Good Company Bruton logo, a community group in Bruton, Somerset.

Charity Partner

Good Company Bruton is a not-for-profit community interest company, set up by and for the people of Bruton, Somerset. They support causes (both old and new) that bring people together, including those that help Bruton’s most disadvantaged people, creating a greater sense of belonging, and making Bruton an even better place for all. Current causes include Laptops for Learners and Brue Larder, a food bank that delivers to your door. 

In support of our charity partner Good Company Bruton, we have an optional £1 donation on our bills.

Find out more

A statue of a being with arms in the air on a plinth.
A group of people standing around a large bar made of scavenged materials.
A garden in bloom in summer with buildings in the background.
People walking past a store with large doors open to show the produce.
A person walking away from an open kitchen.

A day at Durslade Farm

Visiting Da Costa is just part of your experience at Durslade Farm; a great destination in Somerset for food, art and a family-friendly experience.

Alongside enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner at our restaurant, why not explore the Hauser & Wirth Somerset exhibition, relax with a drink at Roth Bar, browse local produce in Farm Shop, and wander through Oudolf Field a perennial meadow garden.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend escape, or looking for unique things to do in Somerset, Durslade Farm offers something for everyone from art lovers to foodies or curious explorers

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Purple and green figs on fig leafs.