Located in the picturesque village of Maiden Bradley, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty in the heart of South Wiltshire, The Somerset Arms strikes the perfect balance between country chic and contemporary cool. It's run by Lisa Richards and Rachel Seed, dear friends of Gunpowder whose previous accolades include owning and running an iconic magazine in Marbella, Spain. Experts in reviewing good hotels and good food, the talented duo thought it would be interesting to be on the other side of the reviewer's pen. After all, they know exactly what makes for a good review! But this pair needn't tremble everytime a reviewer walks through the newly-painted doors - Gunpowder can confirm that everything at The Somerset Arms is as it should be, from the fluffy towels that lay await on guests' beds to the expensive bottled water that sits on their side-tables.

Having snapped up the slightly weary Somerset Arms earlier this year, Lisa and Rachel worked their fingers to the bone completely renovating the property in time for the grand opening in July. Making the most of the building's original features was a must for the pair; ripping away the chintzy, beer-stained carpet they found original floorboards worthy for show, and smashing down the 60s-style brickwork they discovered an original Georgian fireplace. Having reviewed some of the world's most astounding hotels, the duo couldn't resist adding a touch of modern-day glamour to the property, either; Farrow & Ball paint and Cole & Son wallpaper are just a few of the additions to mark the The Somerset Arms out amongst its local competitors.

There are five stylish rooms to choose from at The Somerset Arms, all of which boast high thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets (you can feel the difference, trust us), flat-screen TVs and DVD players (we foolishly brought our own portable DVD player - we should have known one would be provided) and deliciously high-end products from luxury coffee to oh-so-gorgeous shower gel. Two of the rooms even feature their own freestanding baths, which are perfectly-shaped for loved-up couples to enjoy a little alone time in (to make bath-time all the more special, we suggest ordering up a bottle of Champagne and a couple of flutes).

Downstairs, the public spaces are just as stylish. Structured around an open bar area, the restaurant and pub are an exercise in thoughtful design and comfort and certainly achieve the wow-factor Lisa and Rachel were hoping for. Decked out in soothing greys, sandy beiges and subtle greens, and furnished with an eclectic mix of wooden tables, comfy sofas and perspex chairs, the public spaces would give city restaurants and pubs a run for their money. Lisa and Rachel have a passion for stunning, functional design, and this is evident in
every aspect of The Somerset Arms. The glossy magazines strewn across every table is a subtle homage to their other passion, which is still very much alive.   

As with everything else at this gorgeous 'pub-with-rooms', the food more than exceeds expectations. If you're expecting Wetherspoon-style pub grub, think again; here it's all about mouthwatering seasonal dishes with soul. Highly recommended - and enjoyed by Gunpowder's ravenous team - is the scallops with fennel and vanilla risotto followed by the rib-eye steak served with hand-cut chips and the plumpest, juiciest tomatoes we've ever laid our eyes on.

While we're city-lovers at heart, we certainly didn't go without any city-style creature comforts at The Somerset Arms. Everything expected of a hotel in London or Miami is found here, from Michelin-worthy grub and expertly-chosen wines to boutique hotel-esque interiors and first-class hospitality. So if you find yourself at The Somerset Arms one blustery winter's eve and you've had one too many, ask the friendly team behind the bar if there's room at the inn. Mary certainly wouldn't have given birth in a rotten old manger had she stayed here!
www.thesomersetarms.co.uk / Images: The Somerset Arms