I'm not going to lie, a Sunday roast is one of my favourite things in the world and it annoys me when people start meddling with it. But, and it's a big but, this was until we experienced 'Wellington Sunday' at the Lygon Arms in Broadway.

I'm usually a roast beef kind of person when I'm out and a pork or chicken person when at home. I would be a beef person at home if I were more organised to go to the butchers and always struggle to find a nice joint at the supermarkets so chicken and pork it is. Although we were there for the Wellington, the Waghorne’s (a local butcher, not a type of cow) 30 day aged sirloin, beef dripping roast potatoes was still very tempting.

The dining room at The Lygon is beautiful not matter where you sit and at 2.30pm it was still relatively busy with people trickling in. I started forming a "most beautiful dining rooms in the Cotswolds" list in my head but could only think of another three as good. 

Not knowing the size of the Beef Wellington we decided to share a twice baked cheese soufflé. I'm not sure there is a better starter when it's done well, and this one was pretty good.

With just a gravy jug as company, the showpiece arrived as red as the 1st Duke of Wellington's uniform and just how we imagine Arthur Wellesley would have wanted it two centuries ago. The beef dripping roast potatoes were very good too. In a world where everyone compares a restaurant or pub roast spud to ones they have at home, these were definitely better than mine and I could have easily had another one, or two... or three. 

After another wine and anther gin it was time to leave. I'm not used to this lunchtime feeding but could definitely get used to it if it's as good as this. 

I might just book again next Sunday. 

www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk
​
​Food: 9
Service: 9
Location: 10
Price: Twice baked cheese soufflé, garden salad, £11. Scottish beef Wellington, £27

The Dormy House Hotel will be launching two new restaurant concepts opening in February. 

The Garden Room will become The Back Garden, a celebration of the finest ingredients from the Cotswolds including high-welfare rare-breed meats, veg grown in our own gardens and responsibly cultivated grains, all sourced and served in tune with the rhythms of nature.

​On top of that they are building a brand new restaurant, MO. that will offer a unique, interactive 7-course tasting-menu experience to just 12 guests at a time. They will showcase creative cooking, unexpected ingredients, forward-thinking culinary techniques, and just a hint of food theatre, again with sustainability and seasonality at centre-stage. At MO you’ll never eat the same menu twice.

For more information and to book, click HERE.

The Stereophonics are the latest band confirmed to play Forest Live this summer. 

They will be coming to Westonbirt Arboretum on Thursday 23rd June 2019. 

You can find all information here - www.forestryengland.uk/music/stereophonics-westonbirt-arboretum

This week saw us launch out Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide. 

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to great pubs and this list was incredibly hard to complile. We hope you enjoy visiting many of these throughout the year! 

www.thecotswoldsgentleman.co.uk/top-50-pubs-in-the-cotswolds.html

Following its highly acclaimed inaugural season in York this year, Europe’s first-ever pop up Shakespearean theatre arrives at Blenheim Palace for summer 2019. 

Four of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays - Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III and Romeo & Juliet will transport audiences to the thrilling, intimate atmosphere of an Elizabethan playhouse, with plenty of breath-taking, spine-tingling and heart-stopping moments between 8th July - 7th September 2019.

The 13-sided scaffolding theatre offers three tiers of covered seating and an open courtyard for standing ‘groundlings’.

Outside the theatre, visitors can experience a vibrant Shakespearean village, offering the finest Oxfordshire fare – from local ales to scrumptious ice creams – served from oak-framed, reed-thatched buildings; an array of ‘wagon’ entertainment; minstrels and a stunning Elizabethan garden ​with ornate box-edged beds of cottage flowers, roses and herbs.

Step back in time and experience Shakespeare as it was in his day, with bloody battles, comic mayhem, gruesome murders and grand oratory.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/shakespearesrt

We all love a deal and this offer is one not to be missed!

Use the code Cots20JAN until 31st January when you visit Holee Cow at their new home on Winchcombe Street in Cheltenham throughout January.

This offer is exclusively for The Cotswolds Gentleman readers. 

​Happy New Year and spread the word! 

The Queen's New Year Honours List was published last night and there is recognition for many people in the Cotswolds. 

DCVO (Royal Victorian Order)

Susan Louise Wigley, CVO Lady in Waiting to The Duchess of Gloucester.


RVM (Royal Victorian Medal)

Karen Jayne Buckle Cook Highgrove House.

Marlene Jones Housekeeping assistant Highgrove House.


CBE 

Richard Scudamore Executive chairman Premier League. For services to Football

Steven Scott McCarthy Minister of Defence Materiel British Defence Staff Washington. For services to Defence.


OBE

Richard Boggis-Rolfe Chairman National Employers Advisory Board. For voluntary service to the Armed Forces Reserves

Dr Charles Edward MacDonald Foster Reader in Physical Activity and Public Health Bristol University. For services to the Promotion of Physical Activity.

Clare Denise Gibbs Strategic Partnering manager Cabinet Office. For public service.
​

MBE

Susan Glover Durrell Consultant Physiotherapist Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For services to Physiotherapy

Alan George Head Chairman Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Squadrons, RAF Air Cadets. For voluntary service to Young People. 

Helen Andrews Operations manager Bristol, Civil and Family Justice Centre, HM Courts and Tribunal Service. For services to Justice and the community in Bristol and Cheltenham.

Charles Patterson Reed For services to Disabled People in Sport.

Maureen Loxley Price Integrity Operator Tesco plc and Trade Union Representative, Usdaw. For services to the Retail Sector and to Trade Unions.

Peter John Leonard Nixon For services to Conservation and to the National Trust.

Elisabeth Mary Skinner Academic Leader Society of Local Council Clerks. For services to Parish Councils.

BEM (British Empire Medal)

Joy Hibbins Founder Suicide Crisis. For services to Vulnerable People.

Mary Elizabeth Doreen Robinson For services to Music in the community in Blockley. Gloucestershire.

Hamish Robert Thompson Technical Services Officer Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service. For services to Firefighter Safety. 

Is this the perfect cocktail for Christmas morning? We think so!

The clever folk at The Cotswolds Distillery have created A Very Merry Berry which is full of flavours from the hedgerow, which dance on the bubbles of the Champagne. 

INGREDIENTS
25ml Cotswolds Distillery Hedgerow Gin
15ml fresh cranberry juice
Champagne

HOW TO CREATE
Pour measures of Hedgerow Gin and cranberry juice into a Champagne flute and top up with Champagne, gently stir and serve.

EMBELLISH
Fresh blackberries

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/pages/winter-cocktails

If you haven't already heard, No.38 The Park is the new home of Prithvi - Cheltenham's No.1 restaurant.

No 38. The Park has always offered a boutique experience that combines the services of a hotel with a luxurious home from home feel, and now guests will be able to enjoy the fine dining and South Asian flavours that have made Prithvi hugely popular on the Cheltenham restaurant scene. 

Prithvi at No.38 will be open for dinner 7 days a week as well as for lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The restaurant will seat 56 in the main dining room as well 8 in a private dining space. 

prithvirestaurant.com

​What are you doing for New Year's? Here's your guide to the best NYE parties in Cheltenham this year.
​

For any Peaky Blinder fan, this is the NYE party for you. Enjoy a 3-course supper and live music from the brilliant Thrill Collins for just £60 while dressed in your best Peaky Blinders attire. Party only tickets are available at £20. 

theluckyonion.com/whats-on/a-thrilling-blinder-of-a-new-year-at-the-tavern/

Whatever you fancy doing this year, No. 131 and Crazy Eights can help. Enjoy a NYE Tasting Menu at 131 (£85) or if you want to just party the night away then just by a Party Ticket (£20) for Crazy Eights including a drink on arrival and Live DJ. 

theluckyonion.com/whats-on/new-years-eve-at-no-131/

If Motown is your thing then look no further than Cheltenham Town Hall. Enjoy canapés and a glass of bubbly on arrival before making your way up to the balconies for a delicious three-course dinner with wine, overlooking the magnificent Main Hall, dressed as the golden age of disco, above the dance floor and stage. A 2-course and dance only ticket are also available!

www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk/event/new-years-eve-supremes

Welcome 2019 in style at Ellenborough Park. Enjoy champagne and canapés on arrival followed by a delicious 4-course dinner in the Horsebox Restaurant, then kick your shoes and dance the night away to a live jazz band in the De La Bere Court before the fireworks display at midnight. £150pp

www.ellenboroughpark.com/offers/new-year-horse-box

Travel down the Rabbit Hole with The Bottle of Sauce this New Year's Eveand enjoy some crazy goings on including Flamingo Crazy Golf, Mad Hatters tea party and a Af'Tea party until 4am! 

thebottleofsauce

 Celebrate the new year in style at Door 4 with live music from the incredible Camilla Lewington, bubbles, cocktails and a lot of dancing. 

Door4NYE

The self proclaimed "biggest party to end 2018" takes place at The Bierkeller with their Celebrity Masquerade Ball. There will be celebrity masks, props and a bubbly reception for all booked tables. 

www.thebierkellercheltenham.com

If you're looking for a good old fashioned knees up to see in the New Year then Wild Beer is the place for you. There will be champagne inspired beers, Brut IPA's and some throwback tunes to get it the mood to shimmy and shake into 2019. 

www.wildbeerco.com/bars/wild-beer-at-jessop-house

Woodkraft, the latest venture from 2015 MasterChef champion Simon Wood, opened today on Regent Street in Cheltenham today. 

Offering the best seasonal and local produce, Woodkraft will be serving brunch, lunch and Sunday sharing roasts in a relaxed and informal setting. 

Their basement and first floor dining areas can be available for private hire and for exclusive use for larger groups. For exclusive hire and private events, their normal opening times do not apply.

Check them out - woodkraftcheltenham.com

It was a different picture a year ago today as the Cotswolds sat under a blanket of wonderful deep snow, turning it into a magical winter wonderland. 

​Will we get a repeat this this winter? 

The Beach Boys have been confirmed as Sunday night headliners at the Cornbury Festival in 2019. 

The festival takes place on the 5th, 6th and 7th July at Great Tew Park. 

www.cornburyfestival.com

Six pubs in the Cotswolds have been named in the Top 100 cosiest in Britain ​in a list compiled by the Daily Mail food and drink critics, Tom Parker Bowles and Olly Smith. 

Here are the pubs and what the pair had to say about them.

The Bell Inn, Selsey

A classic 16th-century Cotswold boozer with local ales and nearly 100 different kinds of gin. The food ranges from pub classics right through to a decent Sunday roast. If you’re staying, the breakfast is pretty splendid too.

www.thebellinnselsley.com

The Red Lion, Cricklade

A 16th-century pub with a flower-strewn façade that brews its own beer. You can’t get much more local than that. And they’re good beers too, served up in the sort of pub made to linger in all afternoon. Snack on homemade Scotch eggs and pasties, or get stuck into Wiltshire ham and free-range fried eggs.

www.theredlioncricklade.co.uk

The Woolpack, Slad

This pub has one of the prettiest views in Britain, looking over the luscious Gloucestershire valley made famous by Laurie Lee in Cider With Rosie. This was his boozer too, and it’s a classic. There’s a piano that springs into action most nights, as well as a small bar, a fire and really excellent food. 

thewoolpackslad.com

The Ebrington Arms, Ebrington

With its own Yubby beer, snug luxuriant rooms to stay in and dishes that deliver endless satisfaction, it’s hard to leave this country gem once you step through the door. Beams, firelight, food that celebrates local glory and brilliantly brewed beer – this is among the very best of British pubs.

www.theebringtonarms.co.uk

Old Green Tree, Bath

Get to this tiny beer paradise early to grab a seat by the fire – it’s small but perfectly formed. Expect wood panelling and a beer selection to thrill. Try the roast beef sandwich and enjoy conversing with whoever you sit nearest. Blissfully free of distractions, this place is magic in miniature.

thegoodpubguide.co.uk

The Royal Oak, Whatcote

Very much a local pub, albeit a rather smart one. But chef owner Richard Craven is one hell of a chef. Expect game in season, from roe deer tartare to pheasant with snails. Home-made bread comes with dripping butter, and there’s excellent fish too.

www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

For the full list, visit www.dailymail.co.uk

Tears For Fears have been confirmed to play at Blenheim Palace on Saturday 22nd June 2019 as part of the Nocturn Live events. 

They will be supported by White Lies & Scritti Politti. 

For tickets visit nocturne.seetickets.com/tour/nocturne-live

One of Cheltenham's finest Indian restaurants is relocating. 

Prithvi, ranked #1 restaurant in Cheltenham, is moving to No.38 The Park from December 4th 2018 from their current Bath Road residence.

Their new address is 38 Evesham Rd, GL52 2AH. 

This is the wonderful Christmas advert that everyone is talking about.

Love is a Gift was made by Phil Beastall from Tewkesbury and it's simply beautiful.

Grab a tissue...

L'anatra Italian Kitchen in Bourton on the Water has launched Tapas Tuesdays. 

Enjoy 2 courses and 1 drink for £15,  4 courses and 2 drinks for £25 or choose from the menu. 

The feasting night takes place all day (12pm - 9pm) every Tuesday. 

www.chesterhousehotel.com/italian-kitchen

Today saw the soft launch of The Ox Barn at Thyme,  a 56-seater destination restaurant under the direction of Head Chef, Charlie Hibbert. 

Rooted in a passion for the local land, food and entertaining, the carefully curated menus are farm-based
and plant-inspired. His team and the gardeners at Thyme will work together to select and grow the fruits,
vegetables and herbs used to create his Modern British Countryside fare. Signature dishes include: Leeks
with Fried Wiltshire Truffled Egg, Roast Southrop Lamb with Braised Beans and Salsa Verde and Hazelnut
Cake with Poached Pears and Cream – all sourced within just metres of the kitchens. As well as a traditional
à la carte menu, the evenings will also play host to a set menu with optional wine-pairing.

The nineteenth century former oxen house is the newest addition to the family of meticulously restored
farm buildings. A state-of-the-art piece of agricultural architecture at its conception, Caryn Hibbert
worked meticulously to preserve the soaring archways and original Cotswold stone rubble walls, to now
house a modern, dining destination - including a contemporary bar and seven and a half metre Charvet
open kitchen - to allow for an authentic, heritage-rich dining experience, enabled by today’s best culinary
technologies.

The Ox Barn will open on Wednesday evenings for dinner from 6pm – 10.30pm and open all day Thursday
to Saturday serving lunch from 12pm – 3pm and dinner from 6pm – 10.30pm. Brunch will also be served
from 8am – 4pm on Sundays.

The soft launch runs from 16th November - 9th December​

www.thyme.co.uk/dining/ox-barn

The Cotswolds Distillery has launched its latest product, a 60.9% "Founder's Choice" cask strength single malt whisky comes from distillery founder Dan's favourite casks: their shaved, toasted and recharred American Oak red wine barriques.

These uniquely active casks were developed by the diestilleris' good friend, the late Dr Jim Swan, to give a rich and intense maturation to our fruity new make spirit. The casks draw the absolute best from the wood and provide the perfect conditions for maturing whisky, giving a balance and depth of flavour that would normally be associated with much older whiskies.

Tasting notes: Rich and full-flavoured: dark chocolate, cherries & dried figs, oak spice.

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com