The sleepy English town of Bruton in Somerset has quietly become home to Britain's second-best restaurant, Osip, which tied with The Ritz in London at the National Restaurant Awards. This quaint market town, often dubbed the 'Notting Hill of the West Country,' blends historic architecture with world-class cultural attractions, trendy food spots, and design-led boutiques.
Osip: A Michelin-Starred Gem
Osip, led by chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, is a farm-to-table restaurant celebrated for its locally sourced tasting menus. It holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. The restaurant came joint second in the National Restaurant Awards, behind only Bouchon Racine in Clerkenwell, London. According to Wallpaper magazine, the restaurant was initially named after Russian poet Osip Mandelstam, meaning 'he who brings plenty.'
Bruton's Charm Beyond Dining
Bruton attracts a trendy London crowd with its galleries, chic boutiques, independent shops, and eateries. The town features 16th-century stone cottages, ancient alleyways, a rapidly running river, and a picturesque twin-towered church. On the outskirts, Jubilee Park offers the Dovecote, a former 16th-century watchtower with stunning views. Woodland trails lead to King Alfred's Tower, a folly commemorating the end of the Seven Years' War.
Accommodation and Accessibility
In June 2025, Osip introduced onsite accommodation with four rooms named after Somerset rivers—Avon, Brue, Somer, and Pitt—making it easier for visitors to enjoy Labron-Johnson's cuisine and explore the town. Bruton is accessible by train from London Paddington in about 2.5 hours, with possible changes at Bath or Bristol.
According to numberonebruton.com, 'Bruton’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the decades but right now it’s in its prime. It’s quirky, creative and really rather surprising. We think you’ll like it.'
