FROME has once again been named as a must-see destination, receiving praise from the national press for its ‘beauty’, ‘community spirit’ and entertainment.
Time Out London magazine has named Frome as one of the top places for Londoners to take a weekend break. And if that wasn’t enough, The Times newspaper, has hailed Frome as one of the best places to live in the south-west. Listing Frome in its top 15 weekend break destinations, alongside cities like Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester, Time Out London describes the town as a ‘Georgian beauty’ that is ‘gorgeous’ and ‘peaceful’ but with an ‘edge’.
After last year naming Frome as the best place to live in the South West, The Times has again singled Frome out for its electic range of shopping opportunities and its busy community-spirited lifestyle.
Speaking to Frome Times about the recognition Frome has been receiving, newly-elected mayor, cllr Mark Dorrington said, “It is great that Frome is well and truly on the map. We have worked hard to make Frome standout – so its great that people outside the town are recognising this and are coming to visit or live here.
“However, we must not forget the people who are already here, the people who grew up here – it’s important that our young people have an opportunity to get onto the property ladder and that are own children are not forced out of the town because of more people moving here.
“I have a long history with Frome – my family moved to Frome in the early 1960s, I grew up here, was educated here, I moved away and came back – I’ve seen Frome change over the years, it is constantly evolving. But whilst we always need new ideas and should welcome sharing best practice between new and old residents, we should not forget the long-standing traditions that have made Frome what it is today.”
Time Out London magazine’s review of Frome said, “There’s a reason Britpop’s top tier (Pearl Lowe and Danny Goffey, Brett Anderson) and Nicolas Cage (yes, really) have swapped London for Somerset.
“Within a welly’s-throw of Glastonbury, it’s gorgeous and peaceful but still has a bit of an edge. Make Frome, a Georgian beauty a with loads of cool stuff on its doorstep, your base: go vintage shopping in Bruton, leaf-peep in Stourhead’s majestic gardens and hike up Cley Hill as the sun sets (it’s a UFO hotspot).
“Back in the cobbled streets you can tuck into galettes at Bistro Lotte, pair craft beers with an artisan cheese board at Palmer Street Bottle and book a Scandi-inspired Sunday lunch at Fat Radish. Stay at The Merchant’s House, a Grade II-listed B&B in the centre of town – breakfast by the Aga makes for a delicious start to the day.”
The review of Frome in The Times said, “Beth Orton, charity bingo and the Wurzels say all you need to know about this pretty, free-spirited town, where all 17 councillors are independents and the schools are good or outstanding.
“The eclectic trio have all been spotted on the events programme at the not-for-profit Cheese & Grain hall, which also hosts many a market, including vegan ones. The Frome Independent, a movement as well as a market, reclaims the high street once a month.
“With a growing range of arty, crafty, fashiony shops — Yarn Collective, Resident Store — and foodie delights adding to the appeal of its narrow cobbled roads and cluster of listed buildings, Frome offers style to underpin its substance.
“If you’re not one for getting involved, this place may not be for you, but grassroots types will love its “make do and Mendip” attitude. There’s nowhere to touch it for community spirit: last year’s Best Places to Live regional winner is still in good, friendly form. Everywhere you look, there’s something: a choir, transport, lunches, a college… even a community fridge, where locals donate unwanted food. How cool is that?
“The Compassionate Frome project is still keeping hospital admissions down by enlisting residents to combat isolation and ill health. A cinema, the Black Swan arts centre and, of course, Cheese & Grain add to the full house.”
