The White Hart, Somerton, Somerset

The pub is one in a line of old buildings on the edge of Market Place in the town of Somerton. Within walking distance, visitors will find a 13th-century church, a buttercross, the town hall - which is now a gallery - and a handful of antique shops and craft boutiques. Glastonbury is 18 minutes by car. Somerton's most exciting address is 28 Market Place, a stylish but friendly restaurant offering delectable food, with an ice cream parlour, bakery and wine shop attached.

By car: around 1 hour 30 minutes from Bristol, 3 hours from London and 4 hours from Manchester. There is free parking available nearby.

By train: Castle Cary station is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, with services from London Paddington (1 hour 40 minutes), Exeter St. Davids (40 minutes) and Penzance (4 hours). Book trains to Castle Cary.

The White Hart has been operating since the 16th century and had a facelift in the 18th century. Expect a bar with a huge brick fireplace and seating in little nooks, plus dining rooms decorated in a simple, quirky style. Outdoors is a gravelled patio with olive trees and a lawn with fire pits.

The service at check-in was efficient if a little cold, waiting staff were much more friendly and keen to help. The only parking is outside Market Place, where there are a few free evening spots. Aside from the bar, restaurant and garden, there are no other facilities on site.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The eight upstairs rooms are cosy, with some interesting original features. Two have windows that face a wall and so are consequently a little dark and depressing, better to spend more on a room with a view. Bathrooms can be a squash but feature upmarket, traditional-style appliances and Bramley toiletries.

Room types: Small Double, Medium Double, Large Double, Super Double

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, king or superking bed, Egyptian cotton linen, smart TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Tom Blake used to work at River Cottage and now oversees the menus at this small chain of food-led inns. The dishes are well above-par for pub food, making good use of local produce with a few world influences thrown in. The White Hart has a wood-fired pizza oven too - try the Somerset sourdough pizza.

Restaurant: Relaxed atmosphere, refined gastropub food. Open daily 12-9pm (Mondays closed 3-5pm). Mains from £13.75.