The Almshouse Tea Shop

In a 15th-century former Almshouse on Axbridge's medieval square, this tea shop radiates charm. Step into the Grade II-listed building for lusty breakfasts, made-to-order sandwiches and paninis (try the brie, cranberry and walnut), cream teas with homemade scones and wickedly good hot chocolate made with real Belgian chocolate. Cakes are freshly-baked daily and include all the favourites - coffee and walnut, carrot, lemon drizzle, chocolate. They also stock a tempting range of gifts (and scarves) and local produce, so leave time to browse.

Venture up the spiral staircase to find comfy sofas around a wood-burner in the beams, while outside the grapevine-clad, walled courtyard is an amazing suntrap with a real Mediterranean feel.

Dogs are so welcome they get sausages cooked especially for them. If they or their human companions need to run free, the nearby reservoir provides great scenery for walks and the staggering Cheddar Gorge is minutes down the road. Axbridge is little known and very special.