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Nestled in the heart of Somerset, encircled by sweeping countryside vistas, lies a town that's earned itself quite the trendy reputation for its shopping and culinary scene. Branded as "the new Notting Hill", Bruton in Somerset is well worth a visit, situated just 45 minutes from Bath and a two-hour train journey from London.

It's become amagnet for creative souls, boasting an array of top-notch dining destinations, independent boutiques, galleries and regular pop-ups and artistic partnerships throughout the town.

The River Brue, from which the town takes its name, meanders through its heart, while the surrounding rural landscape is dotted with numerous heritage buildings. Notably, it once served as the residence of celebrated American writer John Steinbeck, who characterised the town as possessing "goodness" and "something that clears your eyes".

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Visitors regularly descend upon Bruton to sample its regional cuisine, with an impressive collection of Michelin-recognised eateries in its centre. There's something to satisfy every taste, from upmarket dining to relaxed breakfast venues and classic pub fare, suitable for any occasion, reports the Express.

Osip is one such establishment, offering intimate "farm to table" dishes, all sourced from their own farm, utilising seasonal produce. At the helm is Merlin Labron-Johnson, one of Britain's youngest Michelin-starred chefs, driving the venue's success.

One recent visitor enthused on TripAdvisor: "Really rather fantastic. Truly exquisite food: very special, very delicious. Gorgeous setting, lovely decor, amazing staff."

Also earning Michelin recognition is Briar, housed within Number One Bruton hotel, which currently holds the title of the town's highest-rated eatery based on customer feedback. A satisfied diner remarked: "I've been twice now, and both times have been exceptional! I couldn't fault any of the food, drinks or service! All of which was a 10/10. We will be back again."

Beyond its upmarket dining scene, Bruton boasts numerous charming cafés and traditional pubs, perfect for afternoon tea or a casual daytime meal. Wandering along the high street reveals plenty of choices, ranging from the Stripy Duck Café & Bookshop to Dessi Cafe, alongside eateries such as Matt's Kitchen and The Old Pharmacy.

Despite being deeply nestled within the Somerset countryside, this remarkably rural town features several notable historic structures scattered throughout for heritage enthusiasts to discover. Among these landmarks is King Alfred's Tower, which rises dramatically and somewhat imposingly above the surrounding landscape, now under the care of the National Trust.

Crafted by Henry Flitcroft in 1772, the structure was erected to mark the cessation of conflict, positioned on what's thought to be the precise spot where King Alfred mustered his forces. The building serves little practical purpose; rather, it stands as a monument and has subsequently become a popular walking destination in Somerset, offering sweeping panoramic vistas.

Another towering landmark that draws visitors to the town is the Bruton Dovecote – a limestone structure that was once part of Bruton Abbey. During the 18th century, it was repurposed as accommodation for pigeons and doves, with its considerable height proving ideal for this function.

One guest remarked: "An interesting old dovecote with various stories of who, what, and when it was used for/as. Nonetheless, good views and good access for those able to climb, as there's a small hill."

Evidence of the town's thriving artistic community can be found in the internationally acclaimed Hauser & Wirth gallery, which launched in Bruton in 2014. With locations spanning some of the globe's most significant cities, including New York and Hong Kong, Somerset's hosting of a branch here has helped attract creative minds to the area.

Like any artsy town worth its salt, Bruton boasts a diverse array of independent retailers lining its bustling high street. Numerous charming boutiques stock everything from homeware to fashion, handicrafts, provisions, literature and beyond, with the businesses combining harmoniously to create an inviting community focal point.

Several of these properties house farm shops, offering delicious locally-sourced products at reasonable prices. Whether it's Durslade Farm Shop, Godminster Cheese or The Farm Shop on the village outskirts, residents have access to an extensive selection of goods.

Among the retail treasures are The Record Room, a classic vinyl shop, and Rose & Lyons, stocking carefully curated clothing and accessories. Beyond this, shoppers can visit Spirals, the fashionable homeware boutique, and BelovedBruton, a vintage emporium specialising in pre-loved fashion pieces.

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