Axbridge
The historic town of Axbridge is nestled beneath
the Mendip Hills, 3 miles from Cheddar. The square is the focal
point, with it's medieval and Georgian fronted houses, imposing
15th century church and magnificent King John's Hunting Lodge.
Awarded the status of fair trade town this year,
Axbridge enjoys a vibrant food culture, with a broad range of places
to eat, an award-winning butchers, a lively farmers market and
a farm shop selling beef reared on the levels.
"Rambling roses and a tumbling mill steam
are part of a secret garden" quotes
The Sunday Times in it's guide to the top 50 places to eat outside. This
café restaurant
and wine shop are run by former journalist Annabel Hackney and her film-maker
husband Geoff Dunlop and occupy the ground floor of their home.
Open on celebration days and for party bookings, the menu has a rustic yet modern
Mediterranean influence. Most of the produce is sourced locally
from a range of more than 40 local producers and much of it is
organic. Geoff says "We truly believe that sourcing local,
organic and Fair Trade produce should be the norm. At the moment
it still requires signalling, we look forward to a time when it
will be the assumed standard"
Renowned food writer, Mark Taylor enthuses "This was a lunch that made
me grin from ear to ear all the way home. Proper food - cooked with integrity
by people who care."
A combination of olde world charm and modern
comfort, The Oak House offers diners a choice of cosy nooks and
crannies, a light & airy bar area and
a charming restaurant featuring a working well. Stay over and enjoy a full
English breakfast or lighter options such as fresh fruit and croissants.
Each of the rooms has been decorated in a different style, we loved room
3, with it's leather suite overlooking the square and separate dressing room,
big enough to accommodate a cot.
Tables on the square, a pleasant rear garden and cosy bar make this pub popular
with residents and visitors alike. The renowned Axbridge burgers and Beef
and Butcombe Pie are made from local Moorland Farm steak. Owned by Butcombe
Brewery the Lamb is on the The Butcombe trail scenic route through the Mendip
countryside.
Walkers and cyclists gather here, a traditional
pub known for it's warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. Our Recommended
place to try the award-winning Potholer from Cheddar Ales, or the
custom-brewed Crowning Glory. Landlady Carolyn Hoyle-Johnson says "We
are very much a part of the local community, we support local events
and many sports teams have their home here. We serve traditional
pub food, with seasonal specialities. Our Cheddar Steaks are always
popular, and we have just introduced a range of light, healthy
options too."
On the Western edge of the town with magnificent
views across the Somerset levels. A wonderful place to stay and
a lovely venue for private dining. Owner and chef Patricia Tallack
works exclusively with produce that is available locally in season
or that is Fair Trade. Your food is as likely to have come from
a neighbour's allotment as from a commercial supplier. "My
wife and I went to Compton House for my Granddaughter's naming
ceremony." Says
David Potter, "I'm a big fan of good food and am spoilt for choice where
I live near London, but this was really special. The rack of Somerset lamb was
cooked to perfection, and the Cheddar strawberries were delicious." www.comptonhse.com
Once described as 'The sort of shop every town should have' Axbridge Butchers
come deli, is owned and managed by Phil and June Reaney who themselves describe
it as 'a local shop for local people', stocking free-range chicken, local
organic milk and cakes from nearby Bird's bakery. Nonetheless this does not
deter many loyal customers travelling from afar in search of their award-winning
sausages, notably the King John and the Mendip Herb.
Liz Scott is the 5th generation of her family to live in this farm at the end
of Moorland Street. She sells a range of her own grass-fed Aberdeen Angus
beef, lamb from neighbour Kate Odie and free range pork, chickens and eggs.
The smell of her sizzling beef burgers is the first thing that greets visitors
on their way to the monthly farmers market, perhaps the lasting memory that
they take with them is watching traditional Somerset life go by as they sit
in the square relishing their flavour.
Held on 1st Saturday of the month in the square, this bustling market with
its cheerful stall-holders and bright awnings is a sight to behold. Regular
traders include Moorland Farm, Orchard Old Spots free range Pork, Portbridge
Vegetables, Somerset Ducks, Watts Bakery, Westcountry Water Buffalo, Winsee
Liu's Oriental Dining, Wootton Organic Dairy, Western Herbs(from Feb-Oct),
Besleys Strawberries (from May-sept) and a Fair Trade Stall
The New Inn, half a mile west of Axbridge
on the A38 at Cross has a large garden with children's play equipment
and views towards Cheddar. The childrens' menu has tasty pasta,
potatoes and vegetables, but you can get chips too!. The large,
sturdy tables in the bar hold no temptations for curious little
hands and are great for all the family. Walking from Axbridge, follow the
public footpath from Houlgate Way through the fields to avoid the road.
A short walk from the New Inn brings you to Jan's Free Range where visitors
can see ducks, turkeys, chickens and geese as they are meant to be. Janet Brinson
has been breeding ducks here for 15 years. She sells their eggs, rare white
eggs from White Star chickens and goose eggs direct from the farm and to 20
or so local pubs and shops. Also for sale are Khaki Campbell, Aylesbury and
Runner ducks, and in season turkeys and guinea fowl.
The Axbridge website has a comprehensive guide, but here are our suggestions
King John's Hunting Lodge
A fascinating museum owned by the National trust
St John The Baptist Church
Walking
Simply wander around the historic streets, venture onto the Somerset levels
or climb to the top of the Axbridge Hill and take in the breathtaking views.
Axbridge is on The West Mendip Way from Uphill to Wells and on The Butcombe
Trail. There are several paths leading up to the hills and down to the levels
from the town.
The Butcombe Trail
Cycling
Axbridge is on the strawberry line cycle route www.sustrans.org.uk/webfiles/leaflets/Strawberry%20Line%20leaflet.pdf
Mountain biking is also popular
Sailing
Bristol Corinthian Yacht
Club on the reservoir welcomes guests
and offers sailing and windsurfing courses
Stay over
Compton House
The Oak House
The Parsonage
Reservoir View Motel
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