Retaining its defiantly independent status, The Castle Hotel has been a family-run hostelry, set in the heart of the rejuvenated shire town of Taunton, for almost six decades.
Seeking to provide its guests with a bespoke service and well-rounded experience, the Chapman family’s enduring passion for their hotel is clear: Quality bedrooms and the exclusive BRAZZ restaurant steal the show.
Housing some 44 spacious and thoughtfully decorated rooms and suites, The Castle Hotel includes a much sought-after penthouse, encased in imposing battlements and revealing panoramic vistas from the Quantocks in the north to the Blackdowns in the south. Sojourners stopping in any room at The Castle are treated to individually designed spaces, from the hand and imagination of Louise Chapman, that give a sense of home comforts and intimacy.
The brasserie style BRAZZ restaurant boasts its own culinary reputation and has been the launchpad for such respected names as Gary Rhodes and Phil Vickery. The current head chef incumbent, Jamie Raferty, has continued in this vein with much pride being taken in the sourcing of many of the ingredients from the best of the South West larder. Ruby Red Devon cattle, fish from the famous Brixham Market, smallholding vegetables within five miles of the hotel and, of course, some of the region’s best buffalo, sheep and goats cheese, all go into the crafting of dishes such as the smoked haddock and leek tartlet and the hearty 28-day dry-aged 8oz rib-eye steak.
With its scenic countryside and wisteria-clad exterior, The Castle is a fairytale backdrop for a special occasion. Facilities range from four modern meeting rooms with audio visual capabilities to dedicated wedding planners, ceremony rooms and even preparatory beauty treatments, with every detail covered.
