BACKSTORY

Nick and his wife Jo are adventurers who have organized long overland expeditions through remote regions of Africa, delivering supplies and collecting art and materials.
They built Dragon House in England using materials collected over 50 years of adventures. Their son James, the creator of Somerset, was raised in this environment of traveling, collecting, and building.

James moved to OTR in 2011 and fell in love with the neighborhood. In 2015, he teamed up with Jeremy Moore, former Neons GM, to create an indoor/outdoor bar with a vibrant garden, using authentic and interesting materials sourced from around the world, to inspire people to take a greater interest in distant cultures and travel off the beaten path.

Somerset was built using 8 shipping containers and dozens of suitcases of materials and opened in Summer of 2021. The team is made of friends and uses their own creativity to make it feel organic and natural. They hope Somerset would be a place where Nick would have wanted to sit and sip a G&T as the sun goes down.

Name

Somerset, a land of myths and wonders. Where ancient rituals and festivals coexist with modern adventures. A place where history and magic intertwine.
James, a young adventurer, wants to bring the spirit of Somerset to his neighborhood, through a place that evokes the tranquility and wonder of this county. Welcome to Somerset, where legends come to life and adventure awaits.

Cultural

Connections

Somerset is a bar that values cultural diversity and connection. We source unique and authentic furnishings and fixtures from artisans and traders around the world, by traveling personally to their countries and trading directly with small businesses. We believe in celebrating the aesthetics of other cultures to foster a more connected and understanding world

TEAM SECURITY

We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer healthcare and paid time off, as well as fostering a positive and supportive work environment. We want our staff to thrive, not just survive

COMMUNITY

We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of our neighborhood. Our doors are open to community groups and organizations to use our spaces for free and our menu offers a range of affordable options. We also have an honesty book library for our patrons and neighbors to borrow from. We believe in fostering connections and building community through shared experiences.

CLIMATE

We understand the impact our business has on the environment. That's why we strive to use eco-friendly materials and reduce our carbon footprint. We're aware that our efforts may only be a drop in the ocean, but we're committed to doing our part.
That's why we partnered with Eden Projects to plant 10,000 mangrove trees in Indonesia and Madagascar, ensuring that our locations operate as net carbon positive businesses.