Well, July’s upon us and it must be said that things are all looking rather pleasing.
For starters, we are delighted that our Five Star rating as a B&B and our prestigious Gold Award have both be awarded to us for another year. It’s hard work to keep standards high, but it’s very, very worthwhile.
And in other Somerville-specific news, we always pay attention to the feedback forms we leave in our rooms – and thank you for filling them in. One very specific issue that arose was the view that the small little individual soaps we provide for our bathrooms are very wasteful and not at all environmentally friendly. (They can only be used once and are then thrown away.) As a direct result, we have now replaced them with refillable hand soap dispensers (which are still by The White Company). We hope you will be happy with this decision – and we will, of course, keep some individual soaps in stock for any guest’s specific request.
Also looking at changes here in the Somerville, we have recently added to our collection of art works by Teignmouth-based Laura Wall, and bought a beautiful print of the estuary looking down over Teignmouth from Shaldon. It’s now looking rather splendid in our breakfast room.
In The Town
Looking a little further afield, after a fairly average June the weather here in Devon is glorious. The bars and restaurants are all full up on their outside terraces, and all the public gardens around Torquay are blooming. The beds outside Abbey Sands, which is at the entrance to Torquay, have been re-planted and are looking amazing with the ornamental olive trees.
Still in Torquay, our favourite restaurant in the bay is No 7 Fish Bistro. Besides eating there regularly ourselves we refer many guests to the owner, Paul, and his great team. After you have had a drink at their wine bar you sit in the restaurant downstairs and a tray of the fresh fish caught in Brixham just the day before arrives … It is truly fantastic but do book early! You will be extremely lucky to be able to just walk in without a reservation. (And, as with pretty well all local attractions and restaurants, don’t forget that I am on hand to do the booking for you. Just ask.)
And In The Country
We recently added some of the local Sharpham Cheese to our breakfast offering and it seemed natural to take a visit to the Vineyard and Creamery and investigate further. Well! What a wonderful spot it is, just on the outskirts of Totnes, high up on the hill with outstanding views down over the River Dart. They have a shop to buy the wine and cheese or you can pre-book a guided tour of the vines then finish with a tasting of the various wines they produce. We decided to do the self-guided tour of the vineyard (only a 25-minute walk), then stop for a Sharing Platter and a glass of their sparkling and white wines. If you are staying here for a few days this is a great day trip. We couldn’t believe we’ve missed it in the first three years we have lived here. The photos speak for themselves.
And Finally
We’re delighted to be able to say that we’re in full swing here at the Somerville. As I write we do still have some spots available in August and September but, as always, do please phone (01803 294 755) to book as soon as you can. And we guarantee that if you call to book you’ll get the very best rates.
