A tour of Frome (AKA) my home town
Just over a year ago I left London for the small town of Frome in Somerset. I grew up in the Dorset/Wiltshire/Somerset borders so it felt something like coming home. Moving here has been one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Frome is such a special place with a thriving arts scene and independent business community. It might be a small town but has recently made headlines in the National Geographic as Somerset’s most exciting market town and the New York Times for its work to combat loneliness in the community. If you’ve read my books you’ll know that community is something that is incredibly important to me, so it feels very fitting to now live in a place that is working hard to make people feel more connected.
I love my new home so much that it is the main location of my next book, The Vintage Shop of Second Chances. I can’t wait to introduce you to the town through my book - to its cobbled streets, community spirit and, of course, its vintage shops. But in the meantime here are some of my favourite places to visit in the town and the surrounding area…
Frome is lovely all-year round but if you want to check out the nicest shops and restaurants I would recommend avoiding a Sunday and Monday, when lots of places are closed. That’s except for the first Sunday of every month when the town comes alive for the Frome Independent. The main streets are closed to traffic and taken over by independent stallholders selling everything from food and drink to unique gifts and homeware. There’s music, great stuff to eat and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
The Frome Festival takes place every July and is a celebration of the arts and the new Frome Lit Fest will be on in September. And then for a true countryside experience the Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, also in September, is one of the most-anticipated events in the Frome calendar, home to a cheese pavilion showcasing over 1500 cheeses, as well as music, children’s activities and, of course, livestock showing. It is something of a Somerset institution.
The most delicious Tapas inspired by Spanish, North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. You need to book in advance but it’s well worth it – a really special place.
Lovely wine bar with a pizza oven, great menu and the best view in town. I particularly love their charcuterie boards.
This café is a Frome institution, and somewhere I end up most weeks. It used to be situated above the river but recently moved to a bigger premises with a great outdoor space. Fantastic brunch, coffee and baked goods (lots of vegan and gluten-free options). Dog and child friendly.
Another great place to visit with babies and dogs. I spend a LOT of time in the play area in the café (housed in an absolutely beautiful old church, which also has a gallery and classrooms used for exercise and children’s classes) and in their beautiful garden. Excellent coffee and pastries. Their cinnamon buns are not to be missed.
Born out of lockdown, Burrito Boi started as a takeaway business but they now have a restaurant at The Station, a great local spot that is a buzzing place to visit on a summer weekend. Their burritos are fantastic but I particularly love their deadly but delicious frozen margaritas.
Cosy pub that also serves the dirtiest, tastiest burgers in town (including vegan). One of the first meals I had after giving birth and I still dream about that burger.
Elegant but informal French bistro. Pop next door to Bar Lotte for cocktails, plus live music on a Wednesday evening
On a weekend, the pavement outside Moo and Two is the place to be. This a real community hotspot, with locals chatting and drinking on benches outside. I love it here and it inspired a café in my new book!
Catherine Hill, Stony Street and Cheap Street are the main shopping streets and are full of fantastic independent shops. Here are some of my favourites.
Gorgeous shop selling vintage-inspired fashion. One of the inspirations behind my new book! My go-to place to visit if I need a dress for a special occasion.
Fab vintage shop, where I happened to buy my wedding dress! Another inspiration for The Vintage Shop of Second Chances.
In my mind a town is not a town without a bookshop. I’m so lucky to have this one on my doorstep – a real community hub with staff who are always happy to help with recommendations.
The stationery shop of dreams. This place has everything. Plus a very cute shop dog who has his own Instagram.
This gallery and gift shop sells beautifully-curated prints and bits and pieces made by local artists and crafts people and raises money for We Hear You, a local counselling service for people affected by cancer.
Gorgeous flower shop (who did my wedding bouquet!), also selling lovely plant-themed gifts.
Fantastic handmade chocolates, plus incredible milkshakes and hot chocolates.
The loveliest gifts for adults and children, plus some lovely vintage childrenswear.
Gorgeous new and preloved eco childrenswear.
As well as serving great food, Bistro Lotte also has cosy rooms. Rook Lane House is another lovely B&B and for a pub with rooms, try the Archangel right in the centre of town.
Take a walk up Gentle Street, a beautiful cobbled street that is anything but gentle with its steep incline and was the filming location for scenes in Poldark. Willow Vale is another must-walk route that takes you from the centre of town down to Rodden Meadow, a peaceful spot for a stroll or a picnic.
Not strictly in Frome, but here are some more of my favourite places in the local area.
Shepton Mallet Lido, open throughout the summer
I couldn’t write a local guide without including my local lido! Shepton Mallet Lido is somewhat unassuming, small in size and located in the middle of a small housing estate, but it is such a wonderful community pool. With friendly staff, a little café and fountains and a lovely grass area for children, it’s a great place to visit whether you’re a serious swimmer or a splash-about-er. Rosemary and Kate would approve!
Stunning walled garden with pizza oven, café and little shop. Also features in my next book! While you’re in Mells, why not also stop for a drink at The Talbot and pop into the community shop / café / post office (a place that also seems straight out of one of my books). There’s also a lovely walk you can do along the river.
Moated castle (free to visit) in a gorgeous village. You can also join the Mells river walk here too.
Palette and Pasture, Trudoxhill
The most amazing ice cream parlour, also with tons of activities on site for children.
White Row Farm, Beckington
Another great one to visit with children with an outdoor play area, a well-stocked farm shop, a fab café and a lovely vintage shop.
Hauser & Wirth, Bruton
I feel so lucky to have this inspiring (and free!) gallery close by. I love visiting for a dose of culture and it’s actually really baby-friendly (pram accessible) and has a beautiful garden. While you’re there, do stop in to the town of Bruton and go to the independent bookshop and café Stripy Duck Books, wonderful vintage shop Swan Vintage and At the Chapel for a great meal or for doughnuts from their cracking bakery.
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