Locanda On The Weir

Locanda On The Weir

, Porlock Weir, Somerset.

Set in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, in front of the 15th century harbour at Porlock Weir, Locanda on the Weir is is a haven of impeccable informality in a country retreat by the sea. It's hard to do justice to this little hamlet where the boats rise and fall on the tide, the stony beaches stretch off in both directions and the little cottages look like they have always looked.

Residents are invited to relax in the lounge over drinks and snacks from the bar whilst enjoying the fine sea view before them. For sunny days there is a beautiful cottage garden, and when the weather turns nippy there will be a log fire burning.

The Chef Proprietor is originally from Italy and has a passion for fresh, locally sourced cuisine and Italian wines. He delights in creating classic Italian dishes influenced by the Exmoor larder, and is always on hand to talk about his food with his guests. The Italian influence extends to breakfast too, but that doesn't preclude such important English delicacies as Full English Breakfast, a Vegan equivalent, or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Whatever your choice, breakfast at Locanda will set you up for a day of exploring Exmoor.

Four of the five bedrooms enjoy views of the harbour, Porlock Bay, the beach or the meadows reaching back inland to Porlock itself. The hugely impressive (and huge!) Santa Maria Suite has the absolute best views, a four-poster bed, a sofa and chairs, and a 65 inch television over the fireplace. Other rooms are slightly more modest but nevertheless enjoy king-size or super king-size beds, tea and coffee trays, televisions, recently refurbished decor and en-suite bathrooms.

The Exmoor National Park boasts a large population of wild Red Deer and ponies, that freely roam the moorland and woodlands. The scenery of rocky headlands, ravines, waterfalls and towering cliffs has gained the Exmoor coast recognition as a heritage coast. Exmoor Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first place in Europe to achieve this prestigious award and only the second in the world. On a clear night, over 4000 stars are visible to the naked eye and many more from one of the telescopes provided by the hotel.