Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol

A Muddy favourite for long lazy lunches and nights out, turns out Wedmore&#8217;s best pub makes for a luxury night or more away for you (and your dog)&#8230;
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THE VIBE
Former coaching inn now village-cum-dining pub with luxury rooms on the edge of the Somerset Levels.  Locals and visitors hang out, drink and eat around the expansive L-shaped bar or dine a bit more formally in a high-ceilinged restaurant. Big garden out back and tables at the front to sit and watch the world (well, a few people) go by.
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Style note: if I tie a load of old lampshades together will it look like that? Methinks not.
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SCOFF &amp; QUAFF
With Tom Blake from River Cottage in the kitchen, you can expect unusual flavour combos, like tandoori scallops coated in a coconut crisp with salsa, ginger, crème fraiche; smoked haddock arancini with curried mayonnaise and celeriac remoulade.
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They know how to cook a steak – the ribeye steak (rare please) was perfect, and came with a Dorset Blue Vinney sauce, large hand cut chips, crispy onions and roasted tomato. The slow cooked duck leg with crispy pork belly, beetroot, lentils, kale and celeriac puree was rich and consoling.
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Desserts are delectable. This is the creamy and nostalgic crème caramel with toasted pecans and candied orange.
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SLEEP
There are seven en suite bedrooms.  No 1 is large and well-proportioned bedroom, all soothing neutrals and French vintagey furniture, with a super king-sized bed with white Egyptian sheets and super super sized headboard.
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The shutters and claw foot bath creates a bit of a continental feel, n&#8217;est pas? There&#8217;s also an en suite shower room with a properly powerful shower if you prefer.  Either way, you&#8217;ll enjoy the fluffy white towels and Bramley smellies.
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All the usual tea and fresh coffee making facilities with fresh milk and mineral water, flat screen TV&#8230;
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BREAKFAST
Help yourself to fresh croissants, vanilla yoghurt pots with berry compote and granola.
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The cooked breakfast is awesome. Here&#8217;s the avocado, harissa and roast tomatoes with poached eggs and bacon, and The Full Swan – Old spot sausage and bacon, roast tomatoes, black pudding, smokey beans and eggs. Fresh coffees, juices, natch.
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AROUND ABOUT
Wedmore&#8217;s shops are worth a gander: <a href="http://www.trugflowers.co.uk/site/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trug</a>, cut above flower shop in a former Masonic Hall; Scandi interiors stuff in <a href="https://www.melissahill-homestyling.co.uk/new-wedmore-shop-coming-soon" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Melissa Hill;</a> gorgeous, ethical (but not cheap) hand crafted jewellery at <a href="https://www.ericasharpe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Erica Sharpe</a>. Walks in the nearby <a href="http://avalonmarshes.org/explore/things-to-do/walking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Avalon marshes</a> (home to the famous <a href="http://avalonmarshes.org/the-avalon-marshes/wildlife/starling-spectacular/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">starling murmurations</a> Oct to early March ), <a href="https://somerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/cheddar-gorge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cheddar Gorge &amp; Caves</a>  and the <a href="http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/walks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mendip Hills</a> Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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MUDDY VERDICT
Good for: Relaxed, heartwarming food throughout the day, into the evening  – and beyond.  Pampered night away, with or without your pooch (dogs are welcome in the bar, down stairs rooms and bedrooms). Rooms can be converted to twins;  kids squeezed in on extra beds or cots.  Easy weekend from London (it&#8217;s under half an hour from the M5).
Not for: People who want bog standard pub grub or formal dining: this sits comfortably in between.
The damage: Not bad. Starters £6-10; mains £15-24; puds £7. Rooms: large double room from £135.
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The Swan, Cheddar Road, Wedmore BS28 4E. 01934 710337.
<a href="https://www.theswanwedmore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">theswanwedmore.com</a>

Sleepover at The Swan

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