Seeking a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Then look no further than The Bradley Hare. Located on the Duke of Somerset’s Estate in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley, in south-east Wiltshire and bordering Somerset, this cosy inn and countryside hideaway opened its doors in June 2021, and has fast made a name for itself as the jewel in the crown of the local pub scene in the short time since.
But it’s more than just your average pub; it’s a gastropub, for starters, which means mouth-watering cuisine comes as standard for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only that, but it’s also home to a selection of luxury rooms for those seeking a relaxing break in the midst of breath-taking countryside, and with lots of great walks nearby, it’s the ideal place to check yourself in for a night or two if you’ve been dreaming of a digital detox or are craving a romantic escape for two.
The village of Maiden Bradley takes its name from the priory for maidens founded in the 12th century, and the inn itself is equally steeped in history. Exuding a real community feel, it’s always busy with locals, but it’s just as welcoming to guests who are visiting from further afield. Ultimately, it offers everything you could want from a country pub then steps it up a notch with lavish rooms, beautiful decor and even an on-site spa.
I was recently invited to experience The Bradley Hare first-hand to find out what it was all about, and jumped at the chance to escape for a few days of secluded bliss.
Hotel
The establishment has recently welcomed an exciting new addition to its team – new general manager Bjorn Annegarn, who brings with him nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and past positions have included Lodge Manager with Singita Grumeti Reserves in the Serengeti, Tanzania, as well as acting as a consultant within the marketing and hospitality spaces in the UK since 2020.
Formerly known as the Somerset Arms, the pub has undergone something of a transformation prior to its reopening in its latest iteration. The interior design was overseen by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European design director for Soho House, and F&B entrepreneur, Andrew Kelly in conjunction with the Duke of Somerset’s Estate, and with thoroughly stylish results. Modern British artwork hangs juxtaposed on the walls with post second world war paintings, blending tradition with more modern touches, and including multiple artists such as Roger Hilton, Prunella Clough, Sandra Blow and John Mclean.
A highlight of any stay at the Bradley Hare is The Potting Shed, a private and secluded boutique beauty studio hidden within the grounds of Bradley Park which offers guests an array of tempting vegan and organic beauty treatments, as well as holistic therapies in picturesque walled garden surroundings.
Rooms and suites
This stylish yet traditional inn comprises twelve unique bedrooms, five of which are located within the coach house. Each bedroom is beautifully appointed with 18th and 19th century antique furniture, and the help of local upholsterers and lampshade makers has been enlisted to bring in some lavish touches like the 19th and 20th century Persian and Kilim rugs, antique sarees from India for lamp shades and distinctive fabrics that have been repurposed and used for the headboards. To ensure you feel right at home from the moment you arrive, the large, comfortable handmade beds are ready and waiting for you with sumptuous linens, while vintage African textiles add character, and in the bathroom, a grand, free-standing bath tub steals the show and offers a welcome opportunity to relax, unwind and switch off from the world for a while.
My Church Street View room had a fairly neutral colour palette, but bold burgundy tiling made a statement in the bathroom. As well as two bedside tables and a chest of drawers, which was handy for putting clothing away for the weekend, there was also a desk and chair, so if you do need to get some work done whilst you’re here then it offers the perfect set-up. And of course, there was a TV for some light entertainment before bed after spending an evening down in the pub.
Some of the bedrooms in the main house feature traditional English wallpaper by Hamilton Weston for a nostalgic touch. In the coach house, bedrooms are slightly larger and feature more understated interiors. But even here, some contemporary twists have been carefully added whilst ensuring that the inn retains the spirit of the past that is felt throughout.
Food and drink
Foodies will be glad to know that you won’t have to venture far to get a good meal, because a delicious menu based around the best local and seasonal produce is served up downstairs in the pub. Featuring an array of modern twists on pub classics, as well as more refined dishes for the à la carte menu, highlights include the venison tartare with sesame, caviar and crispy kale or the haggis croquettes with onion purée for starters, followed by the duck leg with cime di rapa, lentils and anchoiade and the cod with romesco, tenderstem and salsa verde for mains, both accompanied by vegetables sourced from the community garden.
If you’ve got room for something sweet once you’re done with the starters and mains, then the pear and almond frangipane tart with creme fraiche is a must, particularly if you’re in the mood for something light – it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, if you’ll excuse the pun. Or, for something more decadent – no, thoroughly gluttonous – the chocolate crèmeux with sour cream and rhubarb will no doubt go down a treat.
And of course, there’s also an extensive wine list for your perusal if you’re looking for the perfect pairing to wash it all down with.
The menus are ever-changing, adapting to the seasons and the availability from the local greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher and game dealer.
The Bradley Hare’s ‘dine anywhere’ environment offers up a comfortable and relaxed setting that is also dog friendly, so it’s the perfect place to pause for a post-walk pint or a bite to eat.
The entrance opens into a traditional pub space, with antique chairs and tables set around the main bar, flowing through to a casual, lounge style setting and dining area called The Snug.
During the winter months, there’s nothing like cosying up to enjoy a good bottle of red by one of the pub’s roaring open fires, whilst during spring and summer, you can enjoy al-fresco dining in the pub’s glorious private gardens, surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetable patches. In fact, the gardens are open all year round for those willing to brave the cold.
Sustainability is a key consideration at the inn, with the team also hoping to champion the modern reawakening of ‘waste-not-want not’ with their ultimate aim being to run a zero-waste kitchen.
If you’re looking for a more intimate place to gather with friends or family for a meal, then ‘Skittle Alley’, The Bradley Hare’s light and spacious private dining room, is ideal and is available to book out in advance.
At breakfast, there’s a continental menu featuring a variety of fresh fruits and pastries as well as hot, cooked options like the classic Full English or the avocado and poached eggs on toast.
To do
Nestled amidst the leafy Wiltshire countryside, guests at The Bradley Hare can enjoy an array of countryside experiences and outdoor pursuits. From the inn, there’s easy access to several nearby walking trails and with a number of historical monuments, cultural landmarks, picturesque towns, and local areas including Bruton, Frome, Bath and more right on your doorstep, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re only here for a short stay.
The Stourton and Maiden Bradley Circular is a particularly popular walking route, and one that it’s worth making time for if you can. Taking you on a winding journey through scenic landscapes, if you’re a nature enthusiast, and are lucky, then you can spot red squirrels, red kites, and many native bird species along the way.
The romantic and world-famous 18th century Stourhead gardens are also nearby, as is the historic Alfred’s tower. Depending on the season, it’s also possible to forage for fresh blackberries and raspberries nearby.
And of course, after a day spent out and about, what better way to relax than with a luxurious treatment in the Potting Shed, The Bradley Hare’s secluded boutique beauty studio hidden within the grounds of the hotel?
In a nutshell
For the ultimate countryside escape where muddy wellies and dogs are welcome, food is delicious and service is impeccable, The Bradley Hare is the place to be – and it comes with the added bonus of beautiful, design-led bedrooms offering a luxurious place to hide away for a few days and immerse yourself in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Factbox
Midweek rates start from £150 per room per night including breakfast. Weekend rates start from £175 per room per night including breakfast.
Address: Church St, Maiden Bradley, Warminster BA12 7HW
Phone: 01985 801018
Website: thebradleyhare.co.uk
All imagery unless stated otherwise credit: Martin Morrell
