The Swan, Somerset

Overview

Serving the community for over 300 years since first opening its doors as an ale house, The Swan is part of the niche Stay Original group of pubs which boasts a winning combination of boutique swagger with a real sense of heritage and period charm.

Choose from a pint of locally brewed ale, an espresso martini or a classic cocktail at the bar and enjoy the interiors well-judged creative and quirky touches. The spacious bar is warmed by log-burning stoves and there's an ample restaurant out back that extends onto the terrace in the warmer months.

French doors open onto a gorgeous alfresco terrace that gets the sun all evening and there are bench tables dotted around the enclosed garden beyond. There's plenty going on at The Swan, from quiz nights, live bands and comedy nights in the clubroom, alongside regular village activities like creative writing or life drawing classes.

Rooms from

7 doubles: £85

Good to know

Most credit cards accepted (not Amex)
Disabled access
Private & alfresco dining
Parking available
Dog stay: £10

Outdoor adventures
The Mendip Hills draw walking enthusiasts from far and wide - a real challenge is the 50-mile Mendip Way running through Weston-super-Mare and Frome.

A touch of culture
With Wells and Glastonbury close by, there are plenty of historical cathedrals and abbeys to explore.

Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome in the bar area and garden and overnight in all the rooms - they will love the special 'woof box' filled with doggie treats, including food, poop bags and a ball.

Rooms

The six first-floor bedrooms and the seventh loft room are decorated with soothing contemporary tones, along with some pop culture references in the smaller rooms and vintage furniture adding a bit of luxury to the larger spaces.

Two of the bigger rooms have stand-alone claw-foot baths in the actual bedrooms, plus showers in the adjacent en suite bathrooms if the bathtub doesn't float your boat, while some of the slightly smaller rooms at the rear have views to the distant Mendip Hills. The spacious loft bedroom is decorated in dusky pinks, blues and greys with a king size bed and also features a claw-foot bath in the room. There are French antique milk glass pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and a free-standing marble topped dresser with a bowl sink sits in the bedroom.

Expect thick towels and handmade Lovegrove bathroom products flat screen TVs (with DVD), iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi access and freshly ground coffee and tea-making facilities.

Restaurant & bar

Tom Blake is the man charged with leading the brigades in the group (now five pubs) and with his experience at River Cottage it is not surprising that the team in the kitchen are passionate about seasonality and provenance.

Take your pick between the bar or restaurant menus, with both menus changing daily (crab & langoustine bisque, smoked mackerel toastie; hake, pork belly, lentils, capers and dill; spiced apple crumble with plum sorbet), as well as freshly baked bread and cakes on offer. There are fabulous roasts on Sundays, delicious breakfasts and come summer time, the enclosed garden comes into its own.

There's a little bit of metropolitan glamour to the drinks list with cocktails ranging from a trendy Aperol spritz to a classic Bloody Mary. The Meantime Brewing Company provides the beers, which sit alongside local ales such as Bath Ales' Gem. The wine list is sorted by style and has plenty of options by the glass.

Private dining

The Club Room can be used to host private functions all year round - and in summer makes full use of the enclosed garden, too.

Things to do

When visiting this part of the world, don't miss the stunning city of Wells. The jewel in the city's crown is undoubtedly its historic cathedral - a masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Look out, too, for the moated, 13th-century Bishop's Palace and many other splendid buildings and fascinating landmarks around the city.

You're also close to Glastonbury here, a charming town full of quirky shops and cafes. Visit the Grade I-listed Glastonbury Abbey. Set in 36 acres of parkland, the ruins include a museum featuring a model of the abbey as it might have looked in the past. Nature-lovers should explore Ham Wall Nature Reserve, a newly created wetland home to otters, water voles, bitterns and kingfishers and providing a safe environment for many rare species. Keep an eye out for special events held throughout the year.