Gayle's Somerset chill-out zones
Chris Gayle will be Somerset bound for part of the NatWest Blast and ESPNcricinfo offers this useful guide to some new places to chill out during his stay
David Hopps
23-Mar-2015
Chris Gayle may have to try some new chilling places during his stay in Somerset • WICB Media
Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival would have been Gayle's perfect spot. We could have imagined him touching up his street cred at Worthy Farm, lolling around the VIP area as he exchanged stories with Kanye West, this year's headliner - and maybe Kim Kardashian too. Careless that by then he will be at the Caribbean Premier League, a fixture clash that has prevented him from donning the most photographed pair of celebrity wellies.
The Glastonbury Festival would have been Gayle's perfect spot. We could have imagined him touching up his street cred at Worthy Farm, lolling around the VIP area as he exchanged stories with Kanye West, this year's headliner - and maybe Kim Kardashian too. Careless that by then he will be at the Caribbean Premier League, a fixture clash that has prevented him from donning the most photographed pair of celebrity wellies.
The Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
Where better to ease that bad back after a bout of six-hitting than at the trendy Thermae Bath Spa? The Romans recognised the healing power of Bath's waters more than 2,000 years ago, and Gayle can follow their example at this mineral-rich spa favoured by Bath's cool crowd. Groups of 12 can party at the rooftop heated pool. Any takers?
Where better to ease that bad back after a bout of six-hitting than at the trendy Thermae Bath Spa? The Romans recognised the healing power of Bath's waters more than 2,000 years ago, and Gayle can follow their example at this mineral-rich spa favoured by Bath's cool crowd. Groups of 12 can party at the rooftop heated pool. Any takers?
Bruton
You mean you've not heard? Oh, do catch up. It will take Gayle an hour's drive to reach the oh-so-cool, tiny market town, set in the prettily rolling pastures of east Somerset. Any number of film makers, musicians and fashion designers will be aching for Gayle to grace them with his presence. Vogue has even dedicated seven pages to the town in a recent issue. "Notting Hill in the early days," if you believe the irresistible self-promotion of London's exiled country folk. Chill pills all round.
You mean you've not heard? Oh, do catch up. It will take Gayle an hour's drive to reach the oh-so-cool, tiny market town, set in the prettily rolling pastures of east Somerset. Any number of film makers, musicians and fashion designers will be aching for Gayle to grace them with his presence. Vogue has even dedicated seven pages to the town in a recent issue. "Notting Hill in the early days," if you believe the irresistible self-promotion of London's exiled country folk. Chill pills all round.
Exmoor
If Gayle fancies a lifestyle detox, he can enjoy some of the best walking in the country on Exmoor. There are Exmoor ponies, hidden villages offering cream teas, the famous Tarr Steps where you can walk across the River Barle (and, err walk back again), a climb up Dunkery Beacon where you can see Wales - yes, Wales! - on a clear day and the Coleridge Way were you can yomp along in the footsteps of the famous poet. Gayle might not need the designer shades, though.
If Gayle fancies a lifestyle detox, he can enjoy some of the best walking in the country on Exmoor. There are Exmoor ponies, hidden villages offering cream teas, the famous Tarr Steps where you can walk across the River Barle (and, err walk back again), a climb up Dunkery Beacon where you can see Wales - yes, Wales! - on a clear day and the Coleridge Way were you can yomp along in the footsteps of the famous poet. Gayle might not need the designer shades, though.
Beer and Skittles at the Lamb & Flag Inn
We like the thought of Gayle chillin' at a traditional Somerset beer and skittles night and where better than the Lamb & Flag Inn on Blagdon Hill, only five miles from the County Ground. The skittle alley at the rear of the pub can even be turned into a disco for a private gathering. Traditional music with occasional live music and a welcoming clientele. He will be long gone by the time of the cider and sausage festival on July 13.
We like the thought of Gayle chillin' at a traditional Somerset beer and skittles night and where better than the Lamb & Flag Inn on Blagdon Hill, only five miles from the County Ground. The skittle alley at the rear of the pub can even be turned into a disco for a private gathering. Traditional music with occasional live music and a welcoming clientele. He will be long gone by the time of the cider and sausage festival on July 13.
David Hopps is the UK editor of ESPNcricinfo @davidkhopps