LIFESTYLE: BEST HOTELS AND PARTY VENUES IN SOMERSET
I have spent a lot of time in Somerset over the years, with family and friends living locally and beautiful weddings at private homes throughout the countryside in the South West of England. There have been some seriously brilliant restaurants and luxury hotels opening in the area over the last few years, and is definitely a location to plan a weekend break, private party or destination wedding.
Whilst I live in the Cotswolds myself, I do love the slightly more laid back and less London centric feel of Somerset. It's elegant and refined when it wants to be, but never over manicured or with any expectations of you as guests or visitors.
Below I have listed some of my own favourite places to stay in Somerset, even if it's just a wonderful day trip for lunch!
The Newt
This fast became once of my favourite new hotels in the UK, opened by Karen Roos and Koos Bekker (the couple behind Babylonstoren) it opened in 2019 with high expectations, and did not disappoint! to lots of buzz. It's so much more than a hotel – there's a farm, gardens, orchards, a bakery, a gelateria, a restaurant and even a museum. The hotel itself is set in a stunning Georgian country house, with a library and drawing room and stylish bedrooms set in the old stables.
Number One
One of the most talked about new openings in Somerset, a beautiful Georgian house that was left derelict and brought back to life as part hotel and restaurant. Inside the Grade II-listed building London studio Frank & Faber has used lots of colour with a modern twist on classic countryside style. The townhouse bedrooms range in size and grandeur, and there are more private cottages with larger rooms available for families too. The food here is exquisite, definitely visit!
Babington House
Part of the Soho House collection, I have been lunching, partying and taking spa breaks at Babington House for many years now. It has a much more relaxed and traditional countryside feel than the other Houses, and is also smaller and more intimate. A fabulous wedding and event venue with so many great places locally to stretch out a destination or long weekend celebration.
The Pig near Bath
The Pig hotels have been favourites for a while now. The Somerset addition near bath is a Georgian house in the Mendip Hills, with a walled kitchen garden. Before it's reincarnation it was actually a very formal hotel, but now has a far more laid back luxury style with relaxed settings and wonderful food too of course. Unpretentious and fun, a proper country house experience.
Lord Puolett Arms
The Lord Poulett Arms is a refurbished and stylish 17th-century inn set in a very pretty Somerset village. This is definitely a pub with rooms rather than a major hotel - there are just four small bedrooms but it's perfect for a weekend stay. The restaurant is fantastic and always packed with the local crowd, which is comforting as to the quality and atmosphere.
Some Somerset fine dining and excellent restaurants I would also recommend:
To enquire about hosting a wedding, private party or celebration in a Somerset venue, please email us at info@studiosorores.com
