In our Suite Staycation column, Gina Jackson – hotel expert and author of British Boutique Hotels – tours some of the best hotel suites in the UK. Next up, Number One Bruton.
Best for: a colourfully chic countryside stay
This verdant patch of the country is no stranger to a good hotel. In recent years, Somerset has become the go-to spot for chic Londoners in search of an out-of-town escape, beckoned by its postcard-perfect landscape.
Give us the lowdown
There are the signature hotspots that everyone flocks to: the chi-chi pubs and country house hotels that draw a celebrity crowd, along with destination restaurants pulling in visitors from across the South West. In fact, it’s this very allure that brought Claudia and Aled, owners of Number One Bruton, to Somerset from London. Back in 2020, the pair entirely transformed the honey-hued townhouse perched at the end of Bruton’s high street, injecting vibrant colour and bohemian flair into its Georgian bones.
Each space in the twelve-bedroom hideaway has been thoughtfully imbued with vintage trinkets, antique furnishings, and bold swashes of colour, resulting in a stay that’s effortlessly elegant and entirely unique. A far cry from the sprawling country estates and rustic pubs that dominate the landscape, this boutique sleepover in the heart of Bruton – arguably the chicest of them all – makes the ideal base for exploring the area.
What’s in the suite?
The hotel’s 12 bedrooms stretch across the original Georgian townhouse, adjoining cottages, and medieval forge. I stayed in Townhouse One, which is the largest of the rooms, and located on the first floor of the townhouse. Although there are no formal suites here per se, this room comes closest: a vast super-king bed commands the space, complemented by a generous sofa area and soaring windows that gaze out over Bruton’s historic high street. Plenty of Georgian flourishes have been proudly retained, from the elm flooring to the original fireplace, and are interwoven with rich fabrics and a curated mix of antique trinkets, all handpicked by Claudia and Aled. Notable among the collection is a colossal chest of drawers sourced from Syria, and adorned with intricate ivory mosaics.
There’s an unapologetic love of colour and pattern: pistachio-toned walls, fuchsia textiles, and bold artworks collide in a riotous rainbow that somehow makes perfect sense. Meanwhile, the bathroom features a generous walk-in shower smartly tiled in pastel shades, complimented by gleaming brass fittings and freestanding tub. In all rooms, there are flat-screen TVs, minibars for raiding, and fragrant body lotions that are bottled in-house. Pass through the townhouse and you’ll find a pair of slick crittal doors leading to a trio of cottages and the restored, medieval forge, all framed around a serene inner courtyard. Inside these rooms, exposed brickwork, and timber beams blend with softer, muted palettes and pastel tones.
How’s the crowd?
This is a relaxed, unfussy stay, mostly favoured by in-the-know Londoners who value Number One for its charming interiors and intimate size. While children are welcome, rooms primarily suit couples rather than large families. Most overnight guests visit for a weekend escape, but the restaurant is well-loved by locals, and busy most nights of the week.
Where can we eat and drink?
In-house restaurant Briar occupies the space that was formerly home to Merlin Labron-Johnson’s Michelin-starred Osip: the small, 18-cover dining room has already proven that its culinary finesse is not constrained by size. In fact, since opening in September last year, it has proven wildly popular, with head chef Sam Lomas scooping up a handful of awards for his seasonal, approachable cooking. Mustard-coloured walls, exposed brick, and scallopped banquettes make for a cosy setting, while the daily-changing menu centres around comforting sharing plates informed by the West Country.
You’ll begin with ricotta rhubarb toasts and airy gougère puffs, before moving onto larger dishes: tender courgettes in butter bean stew, and skewers of succulent lamb belly. For breakfast the next morning, roll downstairs and graze from a small (but tasty) spread of homemade granola, chopped fruit, cured meats, and pastries supplied from local bakeries.
Are there any stand-out touches worth mentioning?
Complimentary minibars in every room showcase the best of the West Country: think Somerset cider, Westcombe cheddar and crackers, and apple juice that’s bottled locally. There are also Canton Tea teabags, coffee by Cru Kafe, and jars of freshly baked shortbread that melts on the tongue.
What’s on the to-do list?
There’s plenty to explore in this corner of the country. Although arriving by car is useful, it’s not entirely necessary if you’re mostly staying put in Bruton. Swing by At the Chapel for pastries before strolling up to the Hauser & Wirth estate. You could easily spend the entire morning browsing the galleries and wandering the garden, before tucking into northern Italian fare at onsite restaurant Da Costa – alternatively, head back into town for lunch at The Old Pharmacy. Further afield, there’s plenty to see just a short drive away; roam the sprawling gardens at The Newt in Somerset, tuck into hearty pub lunches at The Three Horseshoes Batcombe (helmed by Margot Henderson) or for a special treat, book a Michelin-starred dinner at Merlin Labron-Johnson’s Osip.
What should we know before we go?
The Number One empire shows no signs of slowing down: having recently taken over neighbouring pub The Blue Ball, the former coaching inn is currently mid-renovation. Soon, guests will be able to sashay straight from the hotel into the pub and vice versa.
What should we pack?
There’s no formal dress code, but if you want to blend in with the eclectic interiors, opt for patterned frocks and bright colours: you’ll feel right at home among the well-heeled city crowd that descends on Bruton over the weekends. That said, jeans and cosy knits are equally as welcome.
All image credits: Number One Bruton
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Any Questions or Tips to add?