Being just a stone’s throw from Coco & Wolf HQ, we’ve long championed Bruton for its quirks and charm. Over the last couple of years this tiny town in Southern Somerset has evolved into a firm favourite for weekends away, especially since the arrival of the sumptuous Newt, and so the time has come for us to share our local insider tips for places to stay, eat and explore in beautiful Bruton. Despite being one of the smallest towns in England, Bruton has a vibrant arts culture, plenty of fabulous places to eat and architectural gems to explore and it’s located perfectly for exploring surrounding towns and villages including independent-championing Frome, historic Bath and wonderful Wells. We’re sure you’ll fall in the love with Bruton’s vibrancy and cannot wait to hear all about your trip.
Stay
Number One Bruton
https://numberonebruton.com
Number One Bruton is an elegant Georgian townhouse, medieval forge and row of cottages carefully converted in to a twelve-bedroom hotel set around a pretty private courtyard. At the heart of the project is a devotion to Somerset’s craft heritage, artistry and culture. A true retreat from city life. Number One Bruton's design aesthetic is easy to love with and bursts of fun and colour are carefully woven in to the details of each room. The architectural features and swoon-worthy crittal windows are softened by jute and wool rugs and bountiful Morris textiles which evoke the arts and crafts movement and a return to nature.
The Newt
https://thenewtinsomerset.com
Now firmly secured as a jewel in Somerset’s crown, the golden-stoned Hadspen House has been restored and transformed into The Newt, a sumptuous and visionary garden-plus-hotel estate. Less than five miles from Bruton and surrounded by 800 acres of orchards, ponds and formal landscapes, The Newt feels like a charming, magical escape from everyday life from the moment you arrive. While the traditional English country house is the heart of the estate, with absolutely stunning bedrooms, there’s so much more waiting to be explored; The Farmyard, museum of gardens, the spa overlooking the vegetable patch, an incredible cheese room and exquisite restaurants. The gardens are a real highlight and perhaps the best in the UK. A feast for the eyes, with picturesque ornamental elements and productive kitchen gardens juxtaposed against ancient woodlands and the multitude of apple trees which produce the fruit for the on-estate produced cyder. Don’t forget to look at out for the sculptures of the local Great Crested Newt, the namesake of the estate.
Honourable Mentions
At The Chapel - Tranquil, contemporary luxury with marble-wrapped bath, REN toiletries and croissants from the on-site bakery delivered to your bedroom door each morning.
Caro B&B - Caro has brought so much to the town of Bruton, a gorgeous lifestyle shop offering objects for life and home sourced from around the globe, an event space come natural light photographic studio, and a secluded garden house which can be hired on a bed and breakfast basis and is a fabulous, super stylish place to base yourself for your Bruton adventures.
Eat
Osip
https://osiprestaurant.com
Farm-to-table cooking meets innovative refined dining in this gorgeous restaurant, homed in a former ironmonger’s shop. The intimate, bistro-style dining space has a natural, pared-back look which is welcoming and informal, and the organic, home-grown food is downright delicious. You’re in chef Merlin Labron-Johnson’s very safe, Michelin starred hands, and he champions local ingredients and seasonality to perfection. Booking is essential.
Images by Frank and Faber.
Salt & Malt
https://saltandmalt.co.uk/chew-valley/
A little further afiel, but as it serves the best fish and chips in Somerset, the 40 minute drive to Salt & Malt is well worth it. Sitting proudly on the bank of the stunning Chew Valley Lake, Josh Eggleton’s Salt & Malt perfectly situated for a great, family-friendly meal after some outdoor exploring. Relaxed and informal with fab service and a great menu of English wines, what more could you ask for?
Honourable Mentions
At The Chapel - visit the on-site bakery of this stunning, light filled former chapel and stay for a Mediterranean inspired lunch.
The Lazy Lobster - despite being a little further afield in Chew Magna (approx. 50 minutes from Bruton) you won't want to miss The Lazy Lobster. A charming seafood restaurant serving everything from shellfish platters to tapas style small plates with some of the best service in Somerset.
Explore
Yeo Valley Organic Garden
https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/the-organic-garden/
Laid out over 6.5 acres at Yeo Valley Organic’s family farm in Blagdon, North Somerset, the Yeo Valley Organic Garden is a stunning mix of ornamental and kitchen garden, laid out in a seasonal patchwork which constantly evolves. The inspiration behind the Yeo Valley Organic Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2021, the working farm’s garden is the perfect place to explore with the entire family. Open to visitors between April and October, with entry tickets needing to be pre-booked.
Hauser & Wirth
https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset
Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a pioneering world-class gallery and multi-purpose arts centre set on Durslade Farm, a working free-range farm. The centre acts as a destination for experiencing art, architecture, and the remarkable Somerset landscape through new and innovative exhibitions of contemporary art. An impressive landscaped garden sits behind the gallery buildings and includes a changing programme of outdoor sculptures. On-site restaurant, Roth Bar & Grill, serves seasonal, locally sourced produce. Entrance is free but you are encouraged to donate to local charities when booking.
Images by Haarkon.
Honourable Mentions
The Dovecote - Originally a watch tower which sits overlooking Bruton, The Dovecote was later converted to house hundreds of doves and is now the perfect ruin to take a walk to, explore and look over the stunning Somerset countryside.
Stourhead - Just five minutes drive from Bruton, this iconic National Trust estate is a must visit when in Bruton. Meandering paths offer vistas through trees to classical temples and surprises at every turn.
Frome - Hop on a train from Bruton and discover this charming market town just ten minutes away. Well known for championing the independents housed in its picture-perfect lanes, you'll find something for everyone - a must visit is our favourite artisan florist, Bramble and Wild.
We will be sharing more of our favourite places for a weekend away very soon, and sharing insider tips for places to stay, eat and explore, so do keep your eyes peeled!
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