With one night only to escape minus child there was no room for a duff moment. Thankfully any fear of that was swiftly banished when we stepped through the huge doors of At the Chapel. Greeted by the smell of fresh bread spilling from a gigantic stone oven, I knew we had found somewhere special.

Formerly a coaching inn and chapel, today the impressive building has been sensitively restored and houses a restaurant, café, bar, wine store, bakery and five beautiful bedrooms. The feel is contemporary but not starkly so; white walls, lots of wood, interesting furniture and some great artwork.

Apart from a venture along Bruton’s tiny high street (special note to the impressive Quillon Antiques), we happily spent most of our time in the stunning double-height dining space. The food was exceptional, making the most of fresh local produce and the wood-fired oven. Perfect pastries and wood-fired pizzas up to fancier meat and fish options – all faultless and delicious.

Food aside, the thing I loved most about the place was the laid-back atmosphere and great mix of people. There are the interesting visitors (artsy types and parents paying a visit to the local boarding school) but it’s by no means some exclusive weekender hangout; locals meet for supper, groups of friends gather and the cheery and efficient staff go about their shifts. There’s a lovely buzz, but equally you can tuck yourself away and read the papers before contentedly climbing one flight of stairs into a huge, comfy bed. Waking to find a tray of fresh croissants outside your door, and you really couldn’t ask for more!