Olivia Hamer Webb’s Guide To The Cotswolds
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The south Cotswolds is such a special place. Weekends usually start with me sticking the kettle on and letting the dogs out into the garden. In the evenings, most of my neighbours and I meet up to walk our dogs at the same time, which has become a lovely little routine that really makes me feel at home.
Living here really influences my work and style. The creative hub and the landscape make me want to make farmhouse-style pieces – think large tea mugs and vases to be filled with wildflowers. My home is Georgian with buttery yellow walls and chandeliers, but I mix in lots of art and books piled up in every room, alongside green glass lamps, marble coffee tables, antique desks and more muddy boots than people. It’s a bit mix-and-match, but it’s ‘eccentric farmhouse’ in style – if that’s even a thing!
My favourite walk is Smallcombe Vale (Bathwick Skyline). There’s a beautiful derelict church surrounded by trees, wild garlic in spring and I’ve never heard bird song so beautiful in. I’ve been recording bird sightings and songs for the last two years and have recorded 65 species just on my daily walks. The spotted woodpecker is my friend, and if you sit still enough, a deer will often trot past. I also love taking trips to Bruton, which is full of buzzy cafés, amazing restaurants and really wonderful design.
For coffee, Green Bird Café is small but cosy. The staff are so kind and they always give Otis (one of my dogs) a sausage. Landrace Bakery makes the best cardamom buns. For groceries, Eades of Bath is my local – a family-run shop with seasonal and local produce. Sometimes, the youngest daughter sits at the till with the dog waiting to scan your veggies. I just love how the whole family works together.
For pubs, The Bell Inn is a family favourite that hasn’t changed in decades, and Chequers is perfect for a Sunday roast. For dinner, I always head to Beckford Canteen. My other local favourites include Harvest on Walcot Street for healthy snacks and alternative ingredients, Corkage for wine, and The Hideout for whiskey. Noya’s Kitchen is a tiny Vietnamese restaurant run by Noya herself, and Wolf Wine on Walcot Street is a cool wine bar.
Shopping and interiors are another big part of my life. I love 8 Holland Street, Always Sunday, and Graham & Green for colourful furniture and homeware. I also love to support friends’ businesses like A Yarn Story and Minerva Art, which is where I get my art supplies.
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Bath is full of inspiration – the streets and buildings are historic in themselves, and Prior Park Landscape Gardens makes you feel like you’re in a period film. The Bath Christmas Market is magical and Frome Market is my favourite. Toppings is the bookshop I always visit, and I admire Tom Davey’s paintings, which capture the energy of Bath perfectly.
Castle Combe is a must for a day trip, especially in autumn. The drive from Bath University down Bathwick Hill is also beautiful – you can watch the city unfold as you come down into town.
Follow @OLIVIAHAMERWEBB & watch ‘At The Wheel’ on YouTube to see Olivia in the studio with Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman & more.
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