Review: The Bradley Hare
The Bradley Hare review - in a sentence:
This pub-with-rooms on the Somerset/Wiltshire border has impeccable design credentials, foodie flair and is and fantastic value for money.
Design: 4/5
The fact that design is at the forefront, here, is definitely what sets the Bradley Hare apart from its peers of the same (bargain) price point in my opinion - and has helped generate real buzz around this small, boutique property.
James Thurstan Waterworth (formerly of Soho House) is behind the reimagining of this countryside pub, and he has expertly mixed antiques and traditionally English elements with more design-forward pieces. The end result is an incredibly cosy and characterful refurbishment.
Bedrooms are individually designed and are spread across the main building and the separate coach house. I stayed in the latter, where the design schemes are more understated and modern.
Rooms in the main building, on the other hand, look to be more colourful and romantic. So depending on your personal preferred aesthetic I would book accordingly!
I won’t lie and pretend that the scene-stealing, free-standing tub wasn’t a maaajor factor behind booking the room I did… Stunning, and plenty of room for two (there’s little less romantic that cramming yourself into a teeny tub with your loved one, is there?).
Food & drink: 4/5
If Jay Rayner likes it, you know you’re in for a treat…
Food was a real highlight here, as you would expect from a property that markets itself as a pub with rooms. It’s not hyperbole to say that I enjoyed one of the best pies I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot of pies - they’re my fave!!). The wine list was also excellent and very affordable, which was a pleasant surprise!
The only thing that let the food offering down slightly was the breakfast, which was a continental spread - it was perfectly fine, it just didn’t live up to the same excellent standard as the main pub food.
Location: 3/5
Maiden Bradley itself is teeny, but you’re very well-placed to explore Somerset (and explore you should!)
Stourhead is literally a 5 minute drive away and is one of my absolute favourite National Trust properties. It’s probably up there with the most scenic walking spots, for me, ever - let alone in Somerset. For those with little ones, Longleat Safari Park is also super close.
Meanwhile slightly further away, Bruton is a 15 minute drive and is well worth a visit - check out my top things to do while in Bruton, here.
Stourhead, a 5 minute drive from the Bradley Hare
To-do: 3/5
This is a small boutique hotel, so there is little in the way of ‘amenities’, per se - but there is a lovely beer garden and a super cosy lounge area in the pub itself, complete with log-burner. I thought the in-room amenities were pretty good, too, with many rooms having their own free-standing baths.
Reasons to book:
Super affordable!
A fantastic base for exploring the best that Somerset has to offer
GREAT food
Lovely, lovely design schemes
Any negatives?
The only real negative for me is that this is definitely in “affordable boutique hotel” territory and so you can’t expect all the bells and whistles
The continental breakfast spread was a bit sad
The final word:
Beautifully designed with excellent pub food, fantastic service and gorgeous surrounding scenery, I thoroughly recommend the Bradley Hare as a great little staycation option for those into their boutique hotels but on a budget.