HOLM Somerset
📍South Petherton
For our Neighbourhood Stays series our travel tastemakers uncover hotels and boltholes that ooze style whilst celebrating local. In this instalment Amira Hashish finds a foodie sanctuary in HOLM…
Neighbourhood: Tucked away in the sweet village of South Petherton, HOLM is surrounded by picturesque countryside, charming market towns, and a thriving community of artisans and growers. Local heritage and contemporary creativity meet, offering an escape that feels tranquil and deeply connected to the land.
What to expect: A restaurant with rooms that marries exceptional dining with refined yet characterful guest rooms. Since its opening in 2021, this intimate retreat has continued to evolve under the direction of former Salon Brixton chef Nicholas Balfe, whose ever-changing menus celebrate the rich bounty of the West Country. Meticulously sourced ingredients are showcased across an a la carte, set lunch, or chef’s menu, while weekend mornings bring the added indulgence of house-made pastries. Heading upstairs to one of the cosy rooms after dinner is such a treat.
Community and ambience: HOLM fosters a strong connection with its local community, from the produce grown on-site to the small-scale artisans it champions. The quarter-acre landscaped garden is a serene outdoor dining space in warmer months, while the wine list showcases low-intervention, small-batch producers from across the UK and Europe. A converted bank vault cellar holds a selection of rare and quaffable finds.
Design Details: Above the restaurant, there are seven thoughtfully designed bedrooms. The bones of the 1830s former bank have been respectfully restored, creating a warm, understated aesthetic that speaks to the building’s past while offering modern comforts. Local artistry and design are at the heart of the interiors.
Bespoke oak headboards and mini-bars, handcrafted by South Petherton’s Tortie Hoare, sit alongside reclaimed wood bedside tables and vases by Devon-based Pacha Design. Artwork from Somerset-linked artists, including Caziel, Tom Morris, and Alexandra Robinson, is curated by Mount Collective, whose archive spans centuries of artistic expression.
Handmade ceramics from John Leach’s Muchelney Pottery and St Agnes-based potter Gail Cooper add tactile beauty, while wool blankets from Gather and Hebridean sheepskins from Otter Valley Farm lend an extra layer of texture and comfort.
Which room should I book? Each room features an ensuite bathroom, with select rooms including roll-top tubs and a striking four-poster bed. We spent a relaxing night in Rowan, the spacious sanctuary in the loft.
On the menu: Breakfast is served in the restaurant or on the terrace, shifting with the seasons. This is no ordinary B&B offering, the dishes are innovative and delicious. Think Chalk Stream trout smoked in-house over local applewood or foraged mushrooms in truffle butter on house-made sourdough. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon butter brioche buns are not to be missed.
Lunch and dinner dishes are as seasonal and scrumptious as they come. We would suggest soaking up the highlights with the £75 chef’s tasting menu. Montgomery cheddar fries, smoked potato tortellini and custard tart are a couple of the standouts. Balfe and his team do a sterling job of making you feel at home whilst being in knowledgeable and passionate hands.
Local experience: Balfe is launching a series of exclusive foraging experiences this Spring and Summer. From wild garlic and elderflower to jack by the hedge and jelly ear mushrooms, each experience will highlight the wealth of local ingredients to be found in the woodlands, fields, and hedgerows. Priced at £95pp, including the foraging experience and lunch. Find out more at holmsomerset.co.uk.
Book: Rooms are available from £149 per night on a B&B basis.