HOTEL OF THE WEEK

THE LANGFORD INN Lower Langford, Somerset

WHERE & WHY: In the heart of north Somerset on the edge of the Mendips is the pretty, flowerfilled village of Lower Langford. Folk who live here should be chuffed to have The Langford Inn, owned by The Butcombe Brewing Co (HQ just down the road in Wrington), as their local.

It also offers seven boutique bedrooms. Recently refurbished, it’s the perfect rural spot for weekends away, with family suites and dog-friendly options.

We stayed in the Blagdon Suite, set in a former stable building, with a super king-sized bed and shower room on the ground floor, plus a sofabed on a mezzanine level for our two kids.

Decorated in a country-chic style, with heavy drapes, natureinspired artworks and velvet furniture, the suite felt luxurious.

The Langford is a beautiful dining pub with painted woodpanelled walls, exposed brickwork and beams giving it a relaxed, not-overstyled feel.

ON THE MENU: This is one of Butcombe Brewing Co’s 22 pubs with rooms in the South West and South East, so you get its own hand-pulled beers, including Stateside and Goram IPAS.

It makes my mouth water when I think of my hake with violet potatoes, cauliflower puree and saffron pickled courgette. The kids went for Langford burgers with smoked bacon, Monterey Jack and crispy onions. A sticky date and chocolate pudding was demolished. As were s’mores of chocolate ganache, toasted marshmallow, gingerbread and caramel.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: It’s 15 miles north to Bristol, with its art and music scene, Brunel’s SS Great Britain and We The Curious science centre.

And go for traditional seaside fun at Weston-super-mare, 10 miles west.

WAKE UP CALL: Signature doubles from £125pn, B&B. langfordinnsomerset.co.uk, 01934 446059.

By Vicky Lissaman