The best hotels in Somerset

The slender Georgian house that once languished, derelict, in the heart of Bruton was brought to life in 2020 as a gorgeous, arty collaborative project that is one part hotel, one part standout restaurant, Briar. Its addition to an already stellar local line-up – Roth Bar and Grill, The Botanical Rooms at The Newt, At The Chapel – means the town’s foodie options could now be reaching a critical mass to rival Padstow. River Cottage ‘Rising Star’, Roux Scholarship finalist, and former Glebe House chef Sam Lomas heads up Number One Bruton’s farm-to-fork restaurant, Briar. It’s a charming, cosy and buzzy spot, with a casual menu of small plates, snacks, sharing dishes and proper puddings. Everything is fresh, flavourful and, of course, super seasonal.

Fermoie fabrics and Morris & Co wallpaper lend the Townhouse bedrooms – from the grand drawing room to the compact attic – a romantic air, while bold raspberry tiles quash the idea that bathrooms must resemble a Victorian butcher’s shop. The more private cottages have exposed stone, pristine tongue and groove, jute textiles and quarry tiles, and the forge rooms are the best for families. Don’t leave without popping into the Blue Ball – Number One Bruton’s pub next door. Open daily for drinks, owners Aled and Claudia host weekly games nights and local darts championships for anyone feeling particularly competitive. Sarah Allard