What To Wear and Where To Go
Discover the hidden gems on our doorstep with our guide to Somerset. Packed with insider tips, great food and a little luxury.
Written by Jenny Garcia
Model Photography by Tayla Nebesky for Maze.
When spring and Easter lay stretched out before us, our minds often turn to those all important questions, what shall we do? Where shall we go? And if you’re anything like me, what shall I wear when I get there?
This edition of the Maze journal is dedicated; to our local areas of Somerset and Bristol. Discover the classic Georgian cities of Bath and Bristol, the historic market town of Frome, art, culture, a little luxury and a highly recommended selection of pure indulgences, from artisanal afternoon tea, cyder making, haute couture facials, and of course our three Maze stores.
First on our hit list is the quaint Somerset town of Bruton, which boasts four of our must visit locations. We wouldn’t blame you however, if you never progressed further than The Newt, where you’ll find peace and tranquillity at their indulgent spa, set in amongst idyllic gardens shaped over 200 years, a farm shop, Beezantium, and Cyder press.
Whilst in Bruton, stop by at Lunaria’s studio, who’s floral displays you may recognise from the Maze shop windows. Dried creations or fresh seasonal blooms from their very own cutting gardens are made to order.
No visit to any new location would be complete without a good dose of art and culture, which you’ll find heady amounts of at the infamous Hauser and Wirth gallery.
To encourage your reluctant departure, why not book an overnight stay with At The Chapel in one of their 8 contemporary rooms housed within the old chapel itself. Be sure to partake in afternoon tea produced by their artisan bakery, followed by a browse (and perhaps a cheeky purchase) from the in-house wine store, before dinner on the jasmine scented, sun drenched terrace. Now what to wear, you might be asking. When exploring Bruton, laid back style is a must. The loose fit, crinkle Signal Trousers from Folk pair perfectly with the crinkle Assembly Jacket and a simple white tee.
A dress is always essential when on a trip. However, given the Great British weather, you must be prepared, come rain or shine. The Selected Femme Trench Coat is the perfect spring layer; we particularly enjoy it paired with Sideline’s Frankie Dress.If you’re a foodie at heart (who isn’t?) then Frome Independent Market will tickle your taste buds. Host to street vendors cooking up gastronomical delights from all corners of the globe in amongst local artisans, flea market stalls, vintage clothing, entertainment for the kids and of course artisanal coffee for the caffeine aficionados.
The market happens the first Sunday of every month, once you're done exploring, make your way over to Marston Park. Just a 7 minute drive away, the glamping spot, is perfect if you fancy something a little more al fresco, rustic and futuristic. Marston Park is a creative space for exhibitions, performances and workshops. Home of the iconic 1960’s Futuro house dreamt up by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen, only 68 of them are known to exist in the world.When visiting Frome, you’ll mostly be outside; so a practical outfit is required; Norse Projects Falun Sweat Pant and Vagn Hoodie combine to make the perfect sweatsuit, ready for any adventure. Finish with Rains Liner Vest for an extra layer and the waterproof Weekend bag, you know, just in case.
The Pizzy Trousers from Bellerose are a seasonal favourite, inspired by classic worker pants with details like large patch pockets and an elasticated waistband; comfort has not compromised style. Team with our bestselling Senia Top and trainers for a casual weekend look.You could make a weekend of it and reserve a room at The Pig Nr Bath, stay in The Hide, Apple Store or Coach house, indulge in the chefs home-grown produce, sleep in beds so comfortable you’ll never want to clamber out, but clamber you must to devour the yummiest granola on the planet, and sample the hand-reared, homemade crackling served with warm apple sauce.The City of Bath is a mere stones throw away, where you’ll find Maze of course and further recommendations can be found here.
With plenty to do in Bath, you'll be entertained for hours. The Rains Woven Jacket and Woven Shorts have lots of pockets for keeping your weekend essentials safe; we love this co-ord paired with the Folk Contrast Sleeve T-Shirt in a gorgeous pink.
Why not have a moment with your partner and colour match with the Folk Embroidery Day Dress, crafted in a weighty cotton it works beautifully with a classic denim jacket and Kate Sheridan Tote Bag.
Finally heading North West to Bristol, you can never be disappointed by Clifton Village, where you’ll find local boutiques, Reg the Veg, East Village, The Mall Deli, Foiliage café (my personal favourite) and our beautifully curated Maze Home store located a few doors down from our clothing store.
Hungry from all that browsing and trying on, head South West to The Ethicurean for dinner before heading home from your trip. Pioneers in paving the way for a new generation of hospitality with sustainability, natural home grown locally sourced produce and ethical practices at the heart of everything they do. Book to avoid major disappointment. Your Bristol trip will need an outfit that can transform from day to night. Universal Works are experts when it comes to playful summer shirts, one of our favourites this season; is the Road Shirt in Navy Sunflower. The natural tone of the Oliver Spencer's Cowboy Jacket compliments the shirt, whilst the Norse Projects Aros Heavy Chinos and white trainers pull the outfit together.
To add a little sportiness to your outfit, partner a Norse Project Cap with the Sideline Marit Dress. For a warmer layer, the Lolly’s Laundry Silas Sweater is perfect, it accentuates the vibrant blue tones. To take this outfit from day to night simply remove the cap.We hope you enjoy discovering our local areas, eateries and overnight stay suggestions. Please do pop in and tell us which ones you’ve enjoyed the most, and share your own discoveries and top tips, we love to hear of new places to indulge in.