Wishing you lots of fun & happiness in 2023!

I hope all is well with you and you're making lots of fun & exciting plans for the year ahead. It's been awhile since I last wrote to you so apologies for the long delay but at last here's an update on news from the Hut and life here in Somerset.

With Spring just round the corner and the promise of warmer, sunnier, longer days, I very much hope to welcome you here again in 2023.

The Barrington Boar, just over the hill, continues to deservedly win award after award including entry

in the 2022 UK Michelin Guide, Taste of the West Gold Award, The Times Top 30 pub & shortlisted for the Trencherman Guide Best Pub category...voting is currently underway! So a meal at The Barrington Boar is definitely highly recommended; pre booking is essential and remember to mention that you are staying here as they promise something special for Stocklinch Shepherd's Hut guests!

New faces on the Ilminster high street include The Somerset Cheescakery open on Friday and Saturday mornings until they sell out (which doesn't take long!) of their seriously, outrageously tasty cheesecake combos and flavours!

Temperley, situated in the Pheonix Studios is the headquarters for fashion designer, Alice Temperley for a spot of designer fashion shopping. And tucked into the courtyard you'll find the award winning cocktail bar The Somerset and scrummy bread and pastries at the Market Bakery.

But don't worry as our local favourites continue to thrive and welcome you including Barrington Pottery, The Green House, Pips Railway Carriage, the National Trust Barrington Court, and this being serious cider country, the award winning cidermakers, Perry's Cider and Burrow Hill Cider Farm.

Speaking of cider it's wassail season here in Somerset so here's a handy guide to explain more about it & the Best Places to Take Part in a Somerset Wassail 2023!

And looking ahead to high summer, for those of you looking to do something a little more energetic than lazing in the hot tub & hammock, I highly recommend a spot of messing about on the River Parrett.

Only a short drive from here you can do all things watery including paddle boarding, kayaking and wild swimming. Langport and Muchelney are great spots to "put in" with lots of coffee, cake and pub options to be had in Langport including award winning The Bakery and Canteen and The Kitchen at Bow Wharf, it makes for a great way to spend some time.