Comfortable glamour in the heart of town
This smart hotel has retained its reputation as a stalwart of style in Taunton for decades. During that time it’s been home to numerous talented chefs and is currently under the stewardship of head chef Andrew Swann.
You don’t need to be a resident at the hotel to enjoy its various gourmet offerings, which include the elegant Art‑Deco-style Castle Bow restaurant. Its stained-glass windows provide a smart setting for afternoon tea.
Private dining options are plentiful and include the luxurious Penthouse with panoramic views of Taunton and the Quantocks, which is available for 6–16 guests.
The more casual Brazz is a buzzy restaurant kitted out in contemporary decor. It’s a favourite in the county town for laid‑back lunching, drinks and casual suppers. To get the full vibe, order the house special of Brazz fish cakes which have been on the menu since the restaurant opened in 1998.
High-quality South West ingredients form the backbone of The Castle’s menus and include the likes of Quantock lamb and Brixham crab. In the summer, guests can dine alfresco in the 12th‑century walled gardens.
Trencherman’s tip: if you can, stay the night. The attractive bedrooms are supremely comfortable, and the hotel is situated right in the centre of town for easy exploration on foot.