This week, we're marking six years of Somerset cool! Can you believe it? Six years since that very first blog about The Talbot Inn in Mells (which is still awesome of course). It's been an exciting six years, lots has evolved during that time and there's lots more to come too... but for now, to celebrate six years of Somerset cool, we also want to celebrate the independent Somerset businesses, creatives, makers and producers you love. So now, you can nominate your favourites,

There's nothing more magical than twinkling lights to create a stunning Winter atmosphere and this year, The American Museum & Gardens in Claverton, near Bath, has created a beautiful visitor trail, lighting up their landscape gardens. I caught up with Amelia Christmas from the Museum, who told us more about their Enchanted Garden of Light. You can hear that chat and discover more about what's in store, right here: The Enchanted Garden of Light is shining here in Somerset unt

For my Festive Big Night In show on BBC Radio Somerset, I recorded some fantastic conversations for you and one of them was with the brilliant Writer and Director of the Nativity! films, Debbie Issit. Nativity! is one of my absolute favourite festive films and every year we watch, we laugh, we cry and we sing 'Sparkle and Shine'... so it was wonderful to chat with Debbie and find out a little bit more about what makes it so magical (and hilarious ;)). Grab yourself a festive

Thirsty? Is yours a cocktail or a mocktail? Well, you can have both in the plush surroundings of Somerset's beautiful cocktail bar, The Somerset. It was great to spend some time there and around the historic market town of Ilminster last week, for my 'big night in' on BBC Radio Somerset. The bar is part of Alice Temperley’s Phoenix Studios and I caught up with Bar Manager, Tom Powel, to make some delicious mocktails... and also with Mark Cresswell, who has joined with Alice t

As part of my look at the Somerset food scene on 'The big night in' on BBC Radio Somerset, I headed to the historic village of Barrington and to The Barrington Boar, which is a gorgeous, modern country pub serving all kinds of refined Somerset comfort food. It’s at the very heart of the village and is run by husband and wife team, Alasdair Clifford and Vicky Collins, and I started off by asking Chef Alasdair what ignited his passion for food. He actually gave one of my favour

Over the last few weeks, I've been bringing my 'Big Night In' to BBC Radio Somerset. The show takes the best bits of a big night out, like comedy, food, drink, and music, and delivers them right to you... so you don’t have to go anywhere! Comedy Like a laugh? Well, I've had some great guests sharing their stories with you on the show. On the 29th October, I caught up with comedian and regular on our TV screens (on shows like Live at the Apollo, QI, Have I Got News For You an

Soulful eyes, a free spirit, galloping over dramatic terrain... I’m talking about my first impression of the Exmoor ponies of course and a little while ago, I realised that I kept liking social posts about these beautiful animals, but didn’t actually know very much about the free-living ponies who have made Exmoor their home. I decided that needed to change, so I got in touch with Dawn Westcott - author, wild pony whisperer, founder of the Exmoor Pony Project and twice Intern

Love shopping small? Love indie makers? Want to help them shine bright? Well, Happy Shop Independent Day (and month) to you! June 25th has been set aside to champion the amazing small businesses across the UK, and as part of the celebrations (and our own commitment to shop small and indie), we’ve been catching up with Somerset maker and potter, Deborah Sparks. Deborah has been telling us more about her own gorgeous indie business, what Shop Independent Day is all about and wh

Backwell House has opened its doors again following the easing of lockdown restrictions and we’re so happy to have it back because after visiting in November, this chic, Georgian country house hotel, restaurant and bar immediately became a firm favourite. Here are several reasons why we loved it and why you will too... 1. The feel of a hidden-away oasis Nestled in the North Somerset countryside just outside the village of Flax Bourton, as soon as you head up the tree-lined dr

Yes, it's that time again! Although we celebrate Somerset every day, on Somerset Day (May 11th) we always take the opportunity to create a magical snapshot of the county, as seen through the eyes of some of Somerset's finest photographers. So, sit back and relax as we take you on a tour of a county like no other... visiting a selection of the iconic sights, drinking in some of those incredible views, meeting a couple of characters along the way and sharing 20 truly wonderful

I’m just going to come right out and say it, Clevedon Pier. I love you. I’ve been meaning to tell you, in writing, for quite some time now, so sorry I haven’t done it sooner. Today though, I’ve been sitting under a Somerset sky of the brightest blue, thinking about you and the memories we’ve made together and to be honest, you’re one of my absolute favourite spots in the county, come shine... ...or rain... ...come the depths of Winter’s coldest embrace... ...or the gentle bre

Well, Mother’s Day is this Sunday and whatever you’re up to, we’re here to share some very tasty ideas for creating a four-course dinner to remember, courtesy of the brilliant, multi award-winning Somerset Chef, Steve James. Steve’s shared some of his favourite recipes with us, using wonderful local ingredients, and of course there’s no reason why you can’t get your creativity on in the kitchen anytime (especially at the moment), so if you’re looking for something special to

We’re all hoping to see the back of Winter very soon, as we spot little signs of Spring in the bright daffodils beginning their blooms and in the sunshine, teasing us with an appearance every now and then. Before we say goodbye to February though, we wanted to share an assortment of the wonderful Winter sights of Somerset, captured by some of the brilliant photographers across the county. So, sit back and enjoy this Somerset cool Winter selection and the stories behind these

If you're an animal lover, or a lover of art on unusual canvasses (or any type of art in fact!), have we got a blog for you! I recently spied Sophie Thurlow's wonderful paintings of animals on teabags... yes, you heard me correctly, teabags... and at that very moment I knew we had to discover more, feature Sophie's work on Somerset cool and ask her four questions we thought you'd love to know the answers to. So, sit back with a cuppa (it'd be totally rude not to, considering)

Oh what a night! Friday evening saw the BBC Radio Somerset 'Make a Difference' Superstars Awards take place. I hosted the awards show with Luke Knight and we were honoured to share some of the stories of the people you nominated - people who have gone above and beyond in your communities over the past six months. From Glastonbury to Taunton, to Frome and back again, it was brilliant speaking to the incredible people you nominated from all across the county. We spoke to 7-year

If you read the blog and listen to the radio shows regularly, you’ll know one of the things I love is art for all... art that captures the imagination, the heart and the soul, art that brings people together. So, it was only a matter of time before we shared how some of our artists and arts projects across Somerset responded during lockdown - and whilst the work produced is very different, one thing remains true. Whether it’s a personal response or something created with the

It’s been a tough time for everyone over the last few months and as lockdown eases and our exceptional local businesses open their physical doors again, I’ve been catching up with six of our favourites to understand and share a little bit more about how Covid has affected them, when they’ll be getting back to doing what they do so brilliantly and a little bit more about their plans. Number One Bruton As a newly opened eight-bedroomed boutique hotel, creating a buzz in Bruton,

On Somerset Day (May 11th) we always ‘Picture Somerset’ and celebrate the amazing photography happening across this magical place we’re proud to call home. This year, we’re bringing together another stunning selection of warm and wonderful photos, and the stories behind them... so whether you’re living in Somerset or longing to be here, we can all enjoy the beauty, personality and creativity of our unique county. It’s a strange time at the moment but wherever you're reading t

If you love unique jewellery, you'll love discovering more about Ellie Swinhoe, a hugely talented Somerset Designer Maker

A bakery especially for dogs? With pupcakes & doughnuts? Yes, it really does exist & it's in Somerset! Check out our chat with Cheddar Paws.