The Bradley Hare

Your sign to escape to the English countryside

Dear Reader,

I’ll start by stating that this is long overdue. And, as we commiserate during the brisk, final days of January and long for the warmth of summer, I’m writing to share with you a lovely experience I had at The Bradley Hare in August. Though I enjoyed this idyllic inn during the summer months, it is the perfect place to curl up by the fire this winter.

The Bradley Hare may be a simple brick building on the outside, but it is filled with character and personality. It is situated in Maiden Bradley, a small village in Wiltshire, that is easily accessible by car or train from London. The hotel doubles as the local pub for this village, offering British delicacies from locally sourced ingredients. Upstairs, you’ll find quirky, charming guest rooms, each of which is unique. James Thurstan Waterworth, ex-Soho House designer, carefully curated the interiors with antiques and fabrics from nearby. Our queen bed was tucked into the wall, mimicking a bunk bed, and a perfectly grand bathtub interrupted the center of the room. There was a small desk from which you could write a romantic novel, a rocking chair, a separate bathroom with a standing shower, and a small window overlooking the outdoor patio. We loved it.

We enjoyed three meals downstairs and were delighted with the glorified, modern take on pub food. The menu is seasonal and is always prepared with the freshest produce. The beef and roasted potatoes were to die for. Meanwhile, the Bloody Mary made my top 5. There is also a fabulous wine list. My travel partner, Maggie, can be a harsh food critic and she was quite pleased.

Getting there: I would certainly recommend driving to The Bradley Hare. The journey is roughly two hours and a car will give you the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas. If you’re afraid to drive on the wrong side of the road, like me, it’s about an hour and a half train ride from London Paddington to Westbury station. From Westbury, you can hail a taxi for the short 20-minute journey to the hotel—however, I would recommend scheduling a taxi in advance, as cars are few and far between. The hotel will help you.

Learn more about it here and write to me when you go. A good friend of mine is the reason this pub stands proudly today, and his team will be thrilled to welcome you.

Snuggle up with a book, a glass of red wine, your significant other or some variation of the three.

As always, eat, drink and be merry!

xx, EFR