Wiltshire is known for its iconic prehistoric monuments, picturesque villages, market towns, world-famous gardens and rolling landscapes. Forty percent of the county is classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It will now also be known as the birthplace and the home of the UK’s newest cosy country inn, The Bradley Hare – set to open in June 2021.
The Bradley Hare, situated in the beautiful village of Maiden Bradley in southwest Wiltshire, is located on the Duke of Somerset’s Estate and has twelve homely and unique bedrooms, seven in the main house and a further five in the Coach House. The inn will offer delicious dishes using the best local and seasonal produce and all year round al-fresco dining in glorious private gardens, surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetable patches.
The property is being launched by James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-European Design Director for Soho House and F&B entrepreneur, Andrew Kelly in conjunction with the Duke of Somerset’s estate. As well as working on various Soho House projects around the world, James has most recently completed his latest project with the Joël Robuchon team.
The village of Maiden Bradley takes its name from the priory for maidens founded in the 12th century. Staying true to its roots and like every good inn, The Bradley Hare aims to be at the heart of the village and local community. Radiating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, where locals can meet and mix with the inn’s guests, The Bradley Hare will offer a comfortable and relaxed setting.
The Bradley Hare has a ‘dine anywhere’ environment. The entrance opens into a traditional pub space, with antique chairs and tables set around the main bar. This flows through to a casual, lounge style setting, and dining area called The Snug. For those looking for a more intimate gathering, there is the option of the ‘Skittle Alley’, The Bradley Hare’s light and spacious private dining room. All public rooms have roaring fires and the large private garden will be in use all year round.
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The food echoes The Bradley Hare’s ethos and promises local and seasonal ingredients which will be used to produce exceptional pub classics, as well as more refined dishes for the à la carte menu. The menus will be ever-changing, adapting to the seasons and the availability from the local greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher and game dealer. Guests can be sure to enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as succulent lamb loin and crispy pork belly from the estate farmers as well as smoked haddock, barbequed asparagus with ricotta and wood-fired shallots. Vegetables will be sourced from the community garden. This will be accompanied by an extensive wine list designed to perfectly complement the cuisine and featuring traditional stalwarts alongside some more adventurous bottles.
The culinary operation will be overseen by Head Chef, Jake Shantos. Jake has been passionate about the culinary world from a young age. He developed his love for cooking at home and has worked at some of London’s best restaurants, including The Five Fields and The Havelock Tavern. His extensive experience has taught him how to produce exceptional seasonal dishes to a very high standard. With sustainability at the forefront, the team are also hoping to champion the modern reawakening of ‘waste-not-want not’ with their ultimate aim being to run a zero-waste kitchen.
With James overseeing the interiors, each bedroom promises to be unique with 18th & 19th century antique furniture and including distinctive fabrics repurposed and used for the headboards. Whilst ensuring The Bradley Hare keeps the spirit of its past, James has added in some contemporary twists. For example, the artwork on display will showcase British modern pieces including post second world war paintings blending tradition with these more modern touches.
Some of the bedrooms in the main house will feature English traditional wallpaper whilst the five bedrooms in the Coach House will feature slightly larger bedrooms with more pared back and tranquil interiors. All of the rooms will offer guests those sought-after home from home comforts, some with vast elegant freestanding baths and all with sumptuous beds and linens, fit for a duke or duchess.
Those looking for a little peace and quiet can take a short stroll to the Potting Shed, a private and secluded boutique beauty studio hidden within the grounds of Bradley Park. The Potting Shed will offer guests of The Bradley Hare vegan and organic beauty treatments as well as holistic therapies in picturesque walled garden surroundings.
A short distance from Bruton, Frome and Bath, The Bradley Hare is just a stone’s throw away from many desired attractions, such as Hauser & Wirth, King Alfred’s Tower, Longleat and Stourhead – the splendid 18th century world-famous landscape garden and house which is run by the National Trust.
With so much to see and visit right on its doorstep, The Bradley Hare is the ideal spot for those wanting an idyllic retreat away from a city, in what feels like a true British adventure. Wiltshire remains largely an undiscovered gem. With the introduction of The Bradley Hare there is now the perfect place to stay whilst exploring this beautiful part of the world.
Weekend rates will start from £130 per room per night including breakfast thebradleyhare.co.uk
