Somerton Somerset The White Hart Way
I hope this is not taken as an insult but the small charming West Country town of Somerton Somerset reminded me of a time when pounds came in shillings. And meat and cheese in pounds too.
The White Hart in Somerton, Somerset.
There was something about this neat and tidy ancient town with its evenly faded forest marble stone walls. That had a look that seemed to echo back to my young school days of the late 1950’s. Certainly when traffic was much rarer and somehow this town just had that demeanor.
The Town Church Chimes
In my room the timely Westminster chime of the church clock rang out throughout the day and the night. With a muffled sound of banter filtering through from the pub bar below my room. Which subsided nicely at a civilised hour!
The chiming clock of St Michaels and All Angels opposite the White Hart in Somerton, Somerset.
In fact the only noisy clue that it was the 21st century and not 1958 was when the infernal cash machine at the Barclays bank across the market square beeped. Rather incessantly as customers drew cash for a Friday night out and luckily not all heading to the White Hart !
Cosy up at the White Hart in Somerton, Somerset.
Although a very popular pub and restaurant in the town the customers did not seem to be ready for a rowdy alcohol-fuelled, fun filled evening. They were saving that for another club or hostelry and my sleep was only then jogged by the pin number pressers over the street.
The Buttercross at Somerton, Somerset.
The market square was dotted with some small shops. A cafe, a hairdressers, a bespoke tailoring shop another pub and the Buttercross meeting shelter at its centre. It was easy to see that 60 years ago it could have been similar.
Tea time or hair design in Somerton, Somerset.
Time Stood Still In Somerton Somerset
Of course the signage would be of their time. But one could almost imagine Capt Mainwaring or Sgt Wilson and Private Pike being at home there. Almost a Warmington on Sea as featured in Dad’s Army TV show.
Williams an independent supermarket at Somerton, Somerset which really appealed to me.
Although a little out of place in this day and age nearby a modern but fully independent supermarket! This is an independent affair from the Williams family which, I found refreshing. Well stocked with local produce, coffees roasted in the area and a wine selection of which a biased owner or buyer seemed to be in love with French burgundies!
I never did work out what this was all about at Somerton, can anyone explain?
Although keeping up with the trends it had a neat little cafe and its own designed range of reusable shopping bags for life. Next door a very traditional bakers. That also helped to paint that time travelling to the past picture too!
A Stay Original Group Property
Part of the Stay Original pub and hotel group. The White Hart, is one of four other premises that are to found fairly close by around the West Country.
Bath with a view if you like at the White Hart in Somerton, Somerset.
The boutique style hotel using the best of modernity but paying homage to the architecture of the building. Maximising it for both customer comfort and I guess a sensible return on investment. A large garden makes it a very complete package for summer or nice winter weather alfresco dining or drinking.
Toiletries a plenty at the White Hart in Somerton, Somerset.
I had a quality double bedded bedroom, with a spacious well presented bathroom. Cast iron Victorian bath and a featured multi-coloured tile wall, underfloor heating and wooden shutters to preserve my dignity. And on the plus side for the residents of Somerton saving them from the shock of my naked form being spotted by shoppers around the market square.
Haynes Motor Museum a short drive from Somerton Somerset.
Their in-house well respected chef likes to source local ingredients for the menu. The pub has a spacious bar, kitchen and dining area together along with 8 en-suite rooms.
Somerton Somerset With The White Hart At Its Centre
Market Cross Antiques a few steps away will keep shoppers interested. As will the 13th century church of St Michael and All Angels. The stunning carved wooden roof should be checked out.
Kilver Court Designer village at Shepton Mallett near to Somerton Somerset.
Somerton Somerset is perfect and centrally located for visiting such tourist attractions as The Fleet Air Arm Museum, Clarks Shopping Village, Haynes International Motor Museum or Kilver Court Designer Village. All of which, are within 20 miles of the town.
The White Hart and Somerton complement each other. The two work well to provide their guests with a charmingly comfortable place to stay with the convenience of being so centrally located. Perfect to savior the delights of central Somerset.
