The Sheppey

Secreted away in rural isolation at the heart of the magical Somerset Levels, you wouldn’t give this distinctly unprepossessing roadside pub a second glance. But step inside and any preconceptions are immediately dispelled – the Sheppey is fun and funky, from the cool as a cucumber bar to the retro furnishings and Hockney prints. Actually a converted dairy farm (this is Somerset after all), accommodation comes in the guise of 3 rooms above the pub and 2 adjoining cottages a short walk across the fields. The modestly-sized rooms are artfully decorated with paisley-style wallpaper and music and film themed pictures and posters – the best room is the one with the reclaimed vintage telephone doors and copper bath, while another offers unencumbered views of Glastonbury Tor from a balcony perched above the river, albeit with drinkers supping away below. Bathrooms, meanwhile, come with freestanding tubs and jumbo-sized rain showers, plus organic toiletries and fresh flowers thrown in for good measure. Included is a continental breakfast served in your room. The two red brick cottages offer more solitude, each one containing an upstairs bedroom, well-equipped kitchen and a homespun living space with good-sized sofas, shelves packed with books and woodburner.

Whilst here it’d be remiss not to sample the pub’s awesome food – perhaps a bowl of Sheppey fish stew out on the waterside terrace – and if you’re staying on a Friday, expect to hear some top draw live music. A fun weekend bolthole if ever there was one.