10 reasons why you should visit Bruton, Somerset

A Scandi design shop, brunch options and a world-renowned art gallery - there's plenty to more to Bruton than stunning Somerset countryside, says Kate Lough
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Kate Lough16 March 2017

A small farming town in South Somerset with a population of just 3,000 people is turning into a magnet for art lovers and weekenders. Here are ten reasons why:

1.It has a world-renowned art gallery

In the summer of 2014, Hauser & Wirth (hauserwirthsomerset.com), a contemporary art gallery with outposts in London, New York, Los Angeles and Zurich, opened another outpost in... Somerset. And thus, Bruton, which had always attracted artistic types was put firmly on the cultural map. It took over the group of Grade II listed stone-clad farm buildings and 100 acres of field and woodlands that made up Durslade Farm on the edge of the town. The stunning gallery and arts centre acts as a one-stop shop for art, architecture and landscaped gardens by international feted designer Piet Oudolf. Its restaurant Roth Bar & Grill (see below) attracts the hip crowd.

2. It has a Scandi design shop

Once you trawled through the coffee table books, sheepskin rugs and art postcards at the gallery's shop, design-conscious weekenders can drop into Natalie Jones' slick Scandi shop Caro (carosomerset.com). A former trend forecaster and Londoner, Jones sells on-fleek brands like HAY and Aesop, serves delicious coffee and cakes in the cafe and in November last year, opened a one-bed B&B above the shop. The room is filled with covetable Danish designs that Jone will help you to source, should you wish to replicate the look at home. It's a far cry from the usual antiques and charity shops in small West Country towns.

Caro design shop and cafe in Bruton

3. Cool stays

As well as Caro's new B&B offering with its super comfy bed and rolltop bath with views over the idyllic town, there are several cool places to stay for weekenders. You could also try one of the eight stylish rooms just up the road At The Chapel, or even stay on site at Hauser & Wirth - the six-bedroom 18th century farmhouse is available to rent as a whole. The characterful bedrooms are finished with unique artwork by the gallery's stable of artists, retro fittings and salvage yard finds and Eyptian cotton bedding. Babington House is merely a 25 minute drive, but more boutique offerings will surely follow.

4. The stunning countryside

Let's not forget the simple allure of the Somerset countryside. Not far from Glastonbury and its ancient ley lines, the honey-coloured stone town of Bruton gives off the same air of romantic mysticism - it's not hard to see why it's so popular with the Summer Solstice set. Stomp up to the 16th century dovecote (main picture) that sits above the town for a hyper-local jaunt, or jump in the car for four miles to climb the majestic King Alfred's Tower, a folly linked to the Stourhead estate built in 1772 - the 306 degree views from the top are breathtaking.

Picture perfect: Bruton

5. It’s just got a direct train service

Part of the reason Bruton remained off the radar for London weekenders for so long was its poor transport links – if you didn't have a car, the only option was a service to Castle Cary, a 15 minute taxi away. There are now two daily services between London and Bruton, making a car-less, flying visit that bit more do-able.

Miami restaurants

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6. A bit of celeb-spotting

Given the beauty of the landscape and the artistic vibes of Bruton, it's hardly surprising that a wealth of boho, fashion types are (second) home owners in the area. Fashion designers Phoebe Philo and Alice Temperley own houses, as do Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. We spotted up and coming actress Gabriella Wilde at Hauser & Wirth's Halloween pumpkin festival while we were in town.

7. It's a bit like Notting Hill

This may or may not be a plus point for you, but Bruton exudes the same kind of creative wealth that W11 once did. It's sort of like staying at Soho Farmhouse - but in a more organic way. You get all the benefits of a bucolic weekend in the countryside, with the trappings of the city - fine art, well-mixed cocktails and a good brunch...

The Roth Bar & Grill dining room

8. The party scene

It's part of the Hauser & Wirth offering, but really the Roth Bar & Grill (rothbarandgrill.co.uk) is a hot destination in its own right. The food is excellent and locally sourced - think Tomahawk sharing steaks and home-cured meats - often from the farm's own kitchen garden. At weekends, the bar comes alive with DJ nights that the local well-heeled flock to. If you thought you'd be leaving your dancing shoes behind, think again...

9. It has its own kind of religion

Before Hauser & Wirth came along, it was down to At The Chapel (atthechapel.co.uk) to give Bruton its buzz. Part restaurant, part wine store, part bakery and part hotel - this beautifully restored Medieval chapel has it all. Locals pile in for takeway stone-baked pizzas, film screening and author talks - apprently Dominic West often pops in for a cuppa.

The restaurant at The Chapel

10. If you like cheese...

The wonderful Westcombe Dairy (westcombedairy.com) is only a 10 minute drive away. If you're partial to a pint too, it puts on an annual beer and cheese festival with The Wild Beer Company in Bruton, with live bands playing and burgers on the grill.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough

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