Final note on Frome

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council.

We can't leave Frome without some discussion on where you can stay and eat.

There are many options that you should explore.  I'll tell you about just a few of them.  

I was talking to Matthew last night about our weekend in Frome.  I commented that I had two of the best meals that I've had since I moved to the UK while we were there and he totally agreed.

The first was at the Restaurant at the Grange.

 

The Grange is a famous residential cookery school in nearby Whatley.

(Pippa Middleton attended their month-long cooking course.)

It's not a hotel or bed & breakfast but this is where we were lucky enough to stay for the weekend. 

They do have a cottage on the premises that is available for holiday lets and you can contact them about an overnight stay in one of their rooms.

Jane Averill who opened the school in 1988 was a fabulous hostess and she fed us so well!

You may not be able to experience her amazing breakfast spreads

but you can definitely enjoy the fabulous food she and her great staff create by visiting the Restaurant.

These are definitely The Best Lambchops I've ever had.

Matt had them on the first night and we both ordered them on night number two.  Amazing!

The Restaurant at the Grange is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch. 

We had a lovely lunch on Saturday at Café La Strada on Cheap Street,

a big hearty bowl of Watercress Soup with a poached egg and a variety of sandwiches with ice-cold elderflower cordial.  They are also known for their Italian-style ice creams created by owner Jude Kelly in exciting flavors such as Grapefruit & Peppercorn, Gin & Tonic or Gorgonzola, Chili & Fig.

Because three square meals a day is just not enough we stopped at Divas Café for a coffee and sweets break.  It's located at the Black Swan Arts Centre and is open Monday through Saturday from from 8:30 to 5:30.  Try the carrot cake, it was mouthwatering.

We didn't stay or eat at the Archangel but I popped in to take a few pictures to give you some options.

This spot was first recorded as an inn 1311 and was once a medieval coaching inn called The Angel.  In 2008, it underwent a major renovation and became the Archangel.

There are now 14 rooms available and a three story bar and restaurant built into an old hay barn.

Just across the street is the George Hotel with rooms and a restaurant.

We popped in for a cheeky drink and free wifi.

Last but not least is The Cornerhouse which is most certainly where we will stay when we return to Frome.  It used to be known as The Lamb Inn but changed ownership in 2011 and has a new name.  

 

We stopped in on Sunday and sat down with the owner Martin Earley for the other best meal I've had in the UK, a Sunday Roast.  Three courses for only £15 and better than anything I've had in London.

Martin once ran a software company but had a dream to open a pub and hotel.

He arrived in Frome with his suitcase having never even set eyes upon his new purchase.

He then got to work turning it into a pub that he would enjoy visiting.

He has totally renovated and it has all of the little touches that make a place special.

It's a bright airy pub serving great food, close to the train station and city center.

He proudly showed us around.  The rooms are all various sizes and very clean and comfortable.  You can get a double en suite room for £80 to £100 with breakfast.  We are looking forward to getting back.

We had a terrific time in Frome and I'm so glad that invitation hit my inbox.

We will definitely be back. 

I have to thank all of the people that welcomed us so warmly to Frome and

also those that read and commented on these posts.

I'm sure we will see you again soon!

More about Frome...  Supermarket and Made in Frome.

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*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council for the purposes of review.   Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. 

The Frome Super Market

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council. 

The weekend that we went to Frome wasn't just a random weekend.  

It coincided nicely with their monthly Frome Super Market which is the first Sunday of each month.
(This means you can go tomorrow September 1st!!)

And it's called Super Market (with a little tongue in cheek) because it basically takes over the whole town centre.

Picture a flea market, farmers market, artisan market, craft sale and suitcase sale all in one.  It stretches all the way from the Cheese and Grain, across the River Frome, along Market Place and up Catherine Hill.  It's open from 10am to 2pm and I'll let the photos do most of the talking on this one.

You'll probably want to plan your trip to coincide with the Frome Super Market.

And don't worry about the shops being closed on Sunday, they open up for this special day.

Be sure to check out the Frome Event Calendar for their many other special events
including the annual Frome Festival and Cobble Wobble.

And I have one more word for you.  Cheese.

Saturday, September 14th is the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show!

With over 350 trade stands, you can get your fill of cheese and then check out the animals.

I just might see you there.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN



 *We were the guests of the Frome Town Council for the purposes of review. 
Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Made in Frome

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council.

I spent many years living in the suburbs of San Antonio, Texas.  Thousands of cookie cutter houses around hundreds of cul-de-sacs.  Each with a two car garage and an 8 foot privacy fence.  When it was time to shop, I'd hop in the car and head to the local mega store for everything from groceries to toothpaste to throw pillows.  I purchased clothing in chain stores with barely a word to the person across the counter from me.   

But, there was one year when I moved away from all of that.  I was visiting  a small town in the Texas Hill Country one day and saw a Apartment For Rent sign outside of an old converted hotel.  It was right in the heart of a charming little German/Texas town called New Braunfels.  I moved in less than a week later.  

A coffee shop with big cushy couches was next door.  Downstairs was a cheese shop that I frequented so much that the owners became friends.  On the weekends I would stroll down the main street stopping in little specialty shops.  I'd stop here for my favorite candle or there for a new outfit.   

I got to know the owners and staff at the local wine bar just up the street (shocker).  I met up with girlfriends for craft night at the ceramics studio up the street.  Groceries were purchased at the local farmers market. 
 
It was one of the best years.  There is just something special about living in a small community and building relationships with the local business owners.  The smile you get when you walk in is a smile of friendship and you can't put a price on that.

That is exactly what I found in Frome.  Matt and I were trying to figure how we could be a part of it.  We dream of owning a business someday, we just haven't quite figured it out yet.  We could easily picture owning a shop on Catherine Hill in Frome and living right above it with our two dogs (still working on that).   Someday, maybe. 

We were lucky to meet a few of the business owners in Frome who had made that dream come true through hard work and dedication. Here are some of the places that we visited.

The Owl Gallery is an Art & Craft Gallery on Catherine Hill run by six local artists where you will find ceramics, prints, paintings, wire sculptures, glass work and the most amazing felt masks.   Those felt masks are just amazing.

Just across the cobbles of Catherine Hill you will find Annette Gabbedey's showroom.  Annette designs and creates beautiful jewelry working with precious and semi-precious stones.  She specializes in Australian opals and began her career in London.  She greeted us at the door and talked to us about the passion behind her elegant creations.

Mary Kilvert also started in London.  One day she was exploring the artisan quarter of Frome, spotted a For Sale sign and fell in love.  She soon after opened her first shop on Catherine Hill and now lives and works upstairs.  Her shop is full of charming fairytale illustrations and signature dry-felted sheep clad in hand knitted sweaters.   Little Baatholomew can be found on cards, mugs, linens and more.  We were welcomed into the bright store by Mary, her husband and her cute little spaniel. 

So, remember that drop dead sexy little red number that Nigella wore that caused such a stir?  Guess where she got it.  In Frome at Deadly is the Female. I wanted to grab a handful of clothes and run to the dressing room and come out draped in Hollywood glamour.  The owner of this fabulous shop is Claudia Kapp, who welcomed us (along with the store's mascot).  She went to fashion school and worked in London.  One day while strolling through Frome she spotted a For Sale sign... well you know the rest of this familiar story. 

 
 

At the Black Swan Arts Centre (another must see in Frome) you will find Seed, a design emporium established by Sinead Foley.  A chance visit led her to Frome and well, you know.  Here you will find unique designs and products from British designers and artists.  She offers an eclectic range of products that you may not find anywhere else. 





Frome is also home to Silk Mill Studios, a multi-purpose venue that was recently shortlisted in 'The Best Rescue of a Historic Industrial Building or Site' category in the English Heritage Angel 2013 awards.  Along with exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, the preserved former textile mill houses studios for local artists and craftspeople. 

We were able to snoop around one of the studios used by Raggedy.  The first thing I saw was a sign saying "Dress like nobody's judging."  How fabulous is that?  Hayley Trezise works her magic in this studio turning old and vintage fabrics into "quirky couture" which she makes available online or in selected boutiques.  

And don't worry, it's not only art, jewelry, clothes and housewares that are created in Frome.  Here's something for the guys.  Just go to the local pub and order a pint of "Beer".  Or maybe your prefer "The Usual."  Because as they say at Milk Street Brewery... "It's all about the beer."

If I've convinced you to visit Frome, you might find these two apps helpful:  Frome App or  Shop in Frome App. Be sure to check opening hours also.  Many of the shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Frome is just a hub of creation and entrepreneur spirit.  As you can see, it sucks people in.  But, it's not just about the new 'Froomies'.  It's the people who were born and raised in Frome that have created this wonderful atmosphere that attracts and nurtures that spirit.  More about Frome... Super Market and where to eat & stay.

What about you?  Do you dream of opening up your own shop someday?

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 *We were the guests of the Frome Town Council for the purposes of review.   Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.