How to spend a weekend in Bruton

A small market town in rural Somerset might not be the first place that springs to mind when searching for world-class food, art and design… but Bruton really does have it all. Home to an internationally renowned art gallery and one of the U.K.’s most talked-about restaurants alongside gorgeous country landscapes, when you can’t decide between a city break or a countryside escape, spend a weekend in Bruton to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Where to stay

At the Chapel

For the perfect base in the heart of Bruton look no further than former 18th century chapel, At the Chapel. Upstairs, all eight rooms are chic and minimalist, with period features seamlessly blending with modern design elements. Wake up each morning to fresh croissants from the on-site bakery downstairs waiting just outside your door – a very nice touch. Speaking of downstairs, a striking central restaurant space isn’t just the heart of At the Chapel, but the heart of the high street too, serving everything from breakfast through to dinner (the pizzas are great) and late-night cocktails.

Rooms from £113 per night

28 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AE

Number One Bruton

Check into Number One Bruton for a stay filled with character and colour. This lovely little boutique hotel is made up of a Georgian townhouse, medieval forge and row of cottages, with just twelve rooms that each boast their own distinct style. If you don’t fancy venturing far for dinner (not that anything in Bruton is a million miles away), head downstairs where you'll now find ingredient-led small plates restaurant, Briar where Osip once lived.

Rooms from £170 per night

1 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AB

The Newt in Somerset

For a special occasion, I couldn’t recommend a stay at The Newt enough. Dating back to 1687, this vast country estate became the award-winning hotel it is today back in 2019. A true celebration of Somerset, you’ll find everything from an expansive deer-filled woodland and spectacular formal gardens to an elegant dining room and cyder press, as well as seventeen beautiful rooms. Make sure to make the most of the spa during your stay too, with its great facilities including a salt infusion chamber, steam room and a feature indoor-outdoor pool. A place that celebrates its past while providing all the modern luxuries guests should need, spend a few nights at The Newt for the ultimate R&R.

Rooms from £785 per night

The Newt in Somerset, Bruton BA7 7NG

Where to eat

Osip

Since opening its doors along Bruton high street back in December 2019, Osip has garnered a reputation as one of the U.K.’s most exciting dining destinations. Having outgrown its smaller home and moved into a larger one just outside of town in September, Osip 2.0 feels just right. From the homely lounge into which you’re welcomed to the glass-walled open kitchen you can observe as you dine, the space delights with subtle style and sophistication... which is very much in keeping with the food. Centred around a farm-to-table ethos – a lot of the ingredients come fresh from the restaurant’s own land – head chef, Merlin Labron-Johnson and his talented team conjure up course after course of culinary magic. The menu changes with the seasons, although some Osip signatures will always feature. Having visited three times now – with each meal surpassing the last – I’d put Osip up there as my very favourite restaurant. Soon to be opening four rooms, I’m already looking for another excuse to revisit.

25 Kingsettle Hill, Hardway, Bruton BA10 0LN

The Three Horseshoes Batcombe

I’d been desperate to try The Three Horseshoes Batcombe for some time, so was pleased to finally get the chance during my recent trip to Bruton this September. Reopened in 2023 by Margot Henderson and team, take a seat in this charming 17th century pub in the village of Batcombe (just a ten-minute drive from Bruton) for simple cooking that allows the ingredients to take centre stage. The menu is a hearty one – we enjoyed Tamworth sausages and beef pie with a crust I’ll never forget as mains – so in a rare moment of defeat I couldn’t manage dessert. I guess that means I’ll have to go back…

The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet BA4 6HE

Matt’s Kitchen

Completely self-taught, Matt Watson of Matt’s Kitchen has been serving guests delicious food from his very own living room along Bruton High Street for over thirteen years. The menu changes each month, but you can always guarantee seasonal dishes that are full of flavour. A fun and wonderfully unique experience that everyone should try during their weekend in Bruton, bring your own bottle of wine and settle in for a night of great food and conversation from your host and chef.

51 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AW

What to do

Hauser & Wirth Somerset

When thinking about how to spend a weekend in Bruton, make sure to add Hauser & Wirth Somerset to the list. Situated across a former farm, the gallery hosts a rotation of exhibitions by international artists alongside events and workshops for the local community. Until 5th January 2025, you’ll find the exhibition, ‘unscripted’ on show celebrating the late, great British artist, Phyllida Barlow’s monumental sculptures. Make sure to step outside and wander through Oudolf Field too. There’s also a restaurant, bar, bookshop and farm shop on site.

Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL

Day trip into nearby Bath

Bruton is a pretty small town so if you’re spending more than a couple of nights there, it’s well worth heading into nearby Bath for a few hours of exploring its honey-coloured, cobblestone streets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, the city is also loved for its incredible food and design scenes… much like Bruton. For more inspiration, take a look at some of my favourite things to do in Bath.

Where to drink

The Old Pharmacy

Head to Osip’s sister spot, The Old Pharmacy to enjoy some lovely local wines and a daily-changing selection of small plates. Using local produce, the menu takes inspiration from the hearty, homely recipes of rural France and Italy – described as ‘Grandma cuisine’ in their Instagram bio. From the grocery shop, stock up on local goods like Roundhill coffee and Osip cider – the perfect souvenirs of your weekend in Bruton.

3 High Street, Bruton BA10 0AB

Roth Bar

After you’ve taken a look around Hauser & Wirth’s latest exhibition and strolled through its pristine Oudolf Field garden, take a seat at Roth Bar for a cocktail in the most artsy of settings. An artwork in itself designed by Oddur Roth and team, the bar is made up of salvaged materials from local reclamation yards as an ode to Durslade Farm’s history. Alongside signature cocktails like Roth’s Milk Wash Margarita or a Walnut Bloody Mary, there’s also wine from the farm’s vineyard, cider from the orchard and cordials using ingredients from the walled garden.

Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL

Where to shop

Durslade Farm Shop

Yet another part of Hauser & Wirth, pop into Durslade Farm Shop where you’ll find an incredible selection of produce from local artisans, growers and farmers. Award-winning honeycomb from the Farm Shop’s own beehives, a buttery Bruton Brie, fig and foraged elderflower chutney – the list goes on and you’ll want it all.

Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton BA10 0NL

New Romantic

Step into New Romantic and delve into a treasure trove of beautiful things. Within her store, founder Charlotte Melling brings together a wonderful assortment of pieces, from mid-century furniture and vintage homewares to hand-poured candles and locally-made fragrances.

The Wisp, 8 Patwell Street, Bruton BA10 0EQ

Planning a weekend in Bruton? Start your request for a bespoke itinerary, designed to the traveller you are and the trip you want.