A WEEKEND IN BRUTON
- Prudence Henderson
- Oct 23, 2022
- 3 min read
One of my favourite places in the UK, Somerset ticks all the boxes and Bruton might just be its crown jewel. Close to London, excellent food scene, orchards galore and let's not forget that sensational local accent. Keep reading for some recommendations on things to do, eat and see while you're there.
THINGS TO SEE / DO
Hauser & Wirth Gallery
On the edge of Bruton, this is one not to be missed. The gallery has free entry to a rotating set of exhibitions from industry heavyweights with staff that really know their stuff. Once you're done inside you can wander through the award winning garden out the back and browse the shelves of the Durslade Farm Shop on site.
Take a walk
The North Bruton Circular starting from the top end of town and (you guessed it) circling through fields and hedgerow lined paths is a great way to get out and be with nature.
Less time intensive but with a great view is the stroll up to the Bruton Dovecote for expansive views over town and a close up glimpse at a structure that's been standing for the best part of 500 years.
North Bruton Circular AllTrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/somerset/north-bruton-circular
Bruton Dovecote: https://goo.gl/maps/DVSjBzK3cyKuVitMA
Taste some cider
There are more cideries in the area than you can poke a stick at but the one I keep returning to is Burrow Hill Cider. Founded and still run by Julian Temperley, a £10 tour will see you wandering around the farm listening to the ramblings of the man himself while he doles out very generous pours of the Cider Brandy distilled on site. You can have a picnic in the orchard and trek up the top of the hill to spy an incredible view over the acres of apple trees and Somerset horizon.
Also worth visiting are Perry's and Pilton's.
Pilton Cider:
Perry's Cider:
Burrow Hill Cider:
Have a picnic
While this can be done anywhere, my favourite place to pull out the picnic rug is in the orchards at Burrow Hill. Kick aside the fallen apples, crack a cider purchased from the onsite shop / garage and spend the afternoon gazing up through the branches at the sky above. If you're lucky you might even be visited by the resident Border Collies.
THINGS TO EAT
At the Chapel
Situated on the high street of Bruton, it feels like the whole of Bruton centres around this place. Head there for breakfast to sip on espresso while basking in the sun streaming in through the large chapel windows.
You can also grab pizzas to takeaway or any of the goodies available at the onsite bakery.
Roth Bar and Grill
Roth Bar and Grill is located onsite at Hauser & Wirth so makes for an excellent stop post a peruse of the gallery.
Cocktails are made behind the custom bar/art installation (highly recommend the bloody mary) while meat is cooked over fire on the grill outside. If you can, try and get a table in the Orangery for a sunny lunch or Sunday afternoon roast.
The Old Pharmacy
The Old Pharmacy has that rare capability to chameleon from morning coffee spot into nighttime wine bar with the customer none the wiser that it could be the other. Head here for a pre-dinner drink and a few share plates. All food is driven by whatever local produce is available at the time and the wine list is varied but not intimidating.
Teals Farm Shop
A fairly new addition to the many farm shops that dot the countryside around Bruton (opened 2021), Teals provides a one stop shop for everything you might need or want. There is a bakery on site churning out fresh bread and a rotating selection of fresh sandwiches (think think slices of fresh bread stuffed with egg and cress, or Mediterranean veg and mozzarella) and all the Somerset cider you could ask for.
A great place to stop for some foodie souvenirs to bring a little of Somerset home with you at the end of the weekend or to stock up for that picnic you'll be having in the apple orchard.
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