Not too far away from our hometown of Frome lies the small town of Bruton, a pretty unique place in the middle of the Somerset hills and flourishing with arts & culture. In recent times it has become quite the media favourite with newspapers tending to report on the influx of celebrities to the local area due to the art scene, beautiful scenery and buildings and of course the abundance of boarding schools. The direct train service from London has also helped, making it a top destination for weekends away in the country. We’ve rounded up our favourite parts below.
Hauser & Wirth Somerset
When Hauser & Wirth moved in back in 2014 so did many of the art world. With galleries in London, New York, LA & Zurich, the contemporary art gallery took over Durslade Farm which is a set of Grade II listed buildings and 100 acres of greenery – really quite beautiful! The gallery hosts a range of different art exhibitions as well as artists in residency, Martin Creed is showing currently. The selection of events they curate each month are definitely worth a look as there’s a little something for everyone. The farm is also home to gardens designed by internationally-renowned landscape designer, Piet Oudolf and the Roth Bar & Grill where you’ll find a fresh, locally sourced menu with plenty of meaty offerings and great desserts.
hauserwirthsomerset.com
Durslade Farm, Dropping Lane, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0NL
Caro Somerset
Caro Somerset is a stunning lifestyle store with a carefully selected range of homeware, stationery and other accessories you’ll find yourself needing. Owner Natalie Jones has curated the boutique with the likes of HAY, Wool and the Gang and Aesop as well as plenty of other brands with simple, clean design at their heart. We love the fact you can pop in for a coffee and a slice of cake while shopping and if you’re visiting for the weekend you can even spend a night in the Caro Somerset B+B.
carosomerset.com
9 Quaperlake Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0HF
At The Chapel
A restaurant, bar, artisan bakery, wine shop and hotel all situated in a beautiful church conversion. At The Chapel was the start of the uprising of Bruton, creating a central hub for gatherings and dining with a true artisan feel. The minimal aesthetic means the beauty of the church speaks for itself and the casual dining is an experience in itself. We always pop in here for some fresh bread from Tom Hitchmough as well as the occasional breakfast pastry too.
atthechapel.co.uk
High Street Bruton Somerset BA10 0AE
Matt’s Kitchen
Matt’s Kitchen is literally Matt’s Kitchen. Situated in his house Matthew Watson turns his house into an evening restaurant during the latter part of the week. With a simple menu of a single ‘dish-of-the-day’ along with a selection of starters and desserts, you can even bring your own bottle which is of course one of our favourite things to do. With it being his house and all, Matt can only seat about 26 so book ahead to avoid disappointment or if you’re looking to celebrate then rent the whole room for a private event.
mattskitchen.co.uk
51 High Street, Bruton, Somerset, BA10 0AW.
Bruton Farm Festival
On Friday 29th & Saturday 30th July 2016, Farmfest will be taking over Gilcombe Farm. With the focus on local creatives, the festival is offering a music line-up with a variety of genres as well as comedians, films, theatre, spoken word and plenty more. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in to the local beer and enjoying some of Bruton’s finest cultural acts.
farmfestival.co.uk
Gilcombe Farm, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0QE
