We consider ourselves super lucky to spend our working days nestled into the Somerset countryside, but beautiful Bruton isn’t only green and pleasant. An increasingly popular 'staycation' spot as an escape from the city, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a weekend or two.
Only a stone’s throw from our chocolate factory is the stunning Hauser & Wirth. The Somerset wing of the world famous gallery is set within the Grade II listed buildings of beautiful Durslade Farm. There’s a wonderfully landscaped garden by Piet Oudolf with an incredible outdoor pavilion by Smiljan Radic looking out over a flower meadow. Pretty idyllic, no?
Then, of course, there’s The Newt. A working country estate, sprawling across acres of farmland, woodland, orchards and gardens. Featuring restaurants, farm shops (where you’ll find plenty of our chocolate!), estate-made cider and produce in abundance; it’s also seen the traditional Georgian family home transformed into a luxury hotel and spa for a taste of luxury country living.
If you’re looking for a taste of the simpler life, a gentle hill wander will bring you to Bruton Dovecote, a really iconic piece of Bruton’s history. Owned by the National Trust as part of the Stourhead Estate. If you’ve ventured down south on the train, it’s likely you’ll have seen the Dovecote en route! With beautiful views of the town and free parking, it’s a super place to stop and explore the scenery for a brief leg stretch.
Super tiny, super special. Osip is a farm to table restaurant at the very top of Bruton high street. Sit down at Osip’s table and, unusually, you won’t be offered a menu. Every evening, the top chefs at Osip prepare either a three or six course dinner celebrating a moment in time in Somerset, featuring foods that have been grown by Osip themselves or their neighbours. They’ve even paired their recipes to small scale wine makers, west country cider makers or soft drinks that have been made in house with homegrown ingredients. Delicious.
A ChocSoc Team favourite. At The Chapel offer a ‘relaxed, Mediterranean approach to British food’. The huge, towering windows make for a light, sun drenched space. Absolutely perfect for cocktails and coffee alike. It’s also worth noting their custom built, wood-fired pizza oven makes for really delicious pizza, often an emergency provision after a late night in the chocolate factory!
For the perfect weekend souvenir, there's Caro, Somerset. A design brand nestled into the heart of the high street, looking to bridge the gap between the city and the countryside with a stunning selection of collaboratively made treats and homewares, including a delicious selection of chocolate bars that Natalie designed with us, special flavours that aren't available anywhere else.
If a taste of Somerset is what you're after, look no further than the delicious array at the Godminster Shop. Showcasing amazing, locally made goodies, Godminster Cheese are our neighbours here at The Chocolate Society. No trip to Bruton is complete without the obligatory purchase of a Godminster Organic Cheddar Truckle in their famous crimson wax to take home with you!
We count ourselves incredibly lucky to have such wonderful neighbours and friends local to us, we can’t wait for you to come and see what all the fuss is about!
