The Swan Wedmore, Wedmore, Somerset, UK - Explore & Book

"When owner Rob Greacen spotted The Swan in the heart of pretty Wedmore, its historic grandeur was sadly faded. Harnessing the talents of a local interior designer and a first-rate architect, he spent a year remoulding and furnishing the imposing white Georgian building to perfection, and it finally opened its doors to drinkers, eaters and sleepers. For those who want a relaxed rural break in the Somerset Levels, it’s a perfect base. Downstairs it's an easygoing haven of wood floors, leather chairs, local ales and an open fire. Upstairs, the quirky rooms are exactly what you'd want: stylish and calming yet unfussy and practical. Walls are painted in soft neutrals or stony grey, and natural fabrics are offset with splashes of colour from cushions or pictures, and intriguing pieces of furniture skilfully foraged from eBay and auction rooms. But the heart of this place is the kitchen, led by Tom Blake from River Cottage. His gutsy country cooking, with its scrupulously sourced ingredients, has really put The Swan on the map. The result is a genuine community hub with a loyal local clientele and lashings of atmosphere - a rare thing indeed. Highs Great West Country food: Tom cures his own hams and bacon, fresh fish is delivered daily from Brixham, ciders and ales are locally produced The gorgeous rooms are more hotel than pub: claw-foot bathtubs, Bramley toiletries and each uniquely decorated Cycling through the flat Somerset Levels, hiking in the Mendip Hills and watching incredible murmurations of starlings: this is a beautifully peaceful part of England Fantastic value. All booked up? Try their nearby sister properties The White Hart Somerton and Timbrells Yard Lows When we last visited we thought some of the rooms were looking a little tired The Medium and Small Rooms have bathtubs only (rather than showers) This is a busy and popular pub, so don’t expect total silence in the rooms; Large and Loft Rooms are the quietest The food is a little pricey, but it's delicious and you're paying for the expertise of a former River Cottage chef On subsequent visits, we have found service to be patchy at times" - Clare Hargreaves