One of Bristol’s brightest star chef’s is coming to take over the kitchen at Tetbury’s The Priory Inn. 

New head chef Tom Bannister has worked at some of Bristol’s best eateries including a head chef role at The Souk Kitchen.He is planning to introduce a new, more casual approach to dinning focusing on the social side of eating, using the charming dining space at The Priory.

The Arkell’s Brewery hotel has undergone a management makeover since Greg Heath took over the reins of the hotel in July. 

theprioryinn.co.uk

The Cotswolds Distillery have introduce their own twist on the classic Old Tom Gin. 

Dating back to the 18th century, at a time when gin was consumed in copious amounts, this juniper spirit was traditionally sweetened with sugar or liquorice to conceal the astringent qualities of the substandard spirit. Thanks to the thriving craft cocktail scene, Old Tom Gins based on traditional recipes have made a comeback in the past few years.

Tasting Notes
The Cotswolds Old Tom has sweet, woody notes from liquorice root balanced with zesty orange citrus and light spice from the ginger.

Serving suggestions
We enjoy our Old Tom neat, garnished with fresh orange peel, or why not try a Tom Collins cocktail by adding lemon juice, soda and sugar syrup.

It's available now in-store and online.

500ml | 42% ABV | £29.95

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/products/old-tom-gin

50 restaurants in the Cotswolds have made it into the Michelin Guide 2020 that was published this week. 

We have done the honourable thing and listed them all for you so you don't have to to go on a wild search. 

You can find the whole list by clicking HERE.

The Royal Oak in Whatcote has been awarded a Michelin Star.

The menu showcases high quality local, organic, wild ingredients and game often 'shot to order' by gamekeepers on local estates, while keeping the local pub ethos throughout.

Chef Richard Craven has been a well-know name in the culinary world in the Cotswolds after the success of The Chef's Dozen in Chipping Campden and said on twitter "We’re still reeling from last night but we would like to sincerely thank our little team and incredible part timers for all their hard work. Thank you Michelin for taking the time to visit us and for awarding us this absolute honour."

​www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

The National Hunt horse racing season starts this week, and there's just 17 days until the first meeting at Cheltenham Racecouse.

The Showcase, a 2-day meeting on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October, kicks off the season for many racing enthusiasts here in the Cotswolds. 

In addition to great racing, why not celebrate the start of the season in style with the first ever Cheltoberfest on both days of The Showcase meeting, including live music from The Bierkeller Boys, a range of local real ales, and tips from a racing tipster before racing commences.

For more information and tickets, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-showcase

The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power opened its doors again after its shock closure in July. 

The famous 17th century Cotswolds racing pub has been taken over by The Lucky Onion Group, which is owned by Julian Dunkerton. 

​Obviously we pooped down and had a look. The pub's interior looks and feels warmer, and there is still a racing theme throughout. There is, of course, Dunkertons Cider of draft as well as other local ales and lagers.

We also had a bite too. The Ham, Egg and Chips is immense with an orange glazed whole ham hock on the plate. 

hollowbottom.com

The Cotswolds Distillery have added a new whisky to their range with the launch of the first-ever whisky matured in peated casks in the Cotswolds.

The peated cask release is hand-crafted in small batches using 100% locally grown barley, and has been matured exclusively in ex-peated quarter casks from Scotland. The result is a wonderfully-balanced rich and fruity whisky with subtle notes of peat smoke.

They began making this single malt using 100% locally grown, floor-malted barley which is mashed and then fermented for more than 90 hours before a double distillation in their bespoke copper pot stills, resulting in a light and fruity new-make spirit.

After being diluted to 63.5% ABV, they then filled ex-peated quarter casks from Scotland with the new-make spirit and left these to mature, allowing the rich and fruity spirit to take on a light smoked peat flavour. The whisky has been fully matured in these casks and bottled at cask strength (59.3% ABV), non-chill filtered and with no added colouring. 

Tasting notes

Nose: Vanilla with light charring and a touch of dried fruits and spice.

Palate: Creamy peat smoke layered with light fruits and tannin-rich wood.

Finish: Lasting finish of smoking embers, floral honey and woody sugars.
​

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/products/peated-cask-single-malt-whisky

It has been announced that The Hollow Bottom will officially reopen on Monday 7th October.

The popular horse racing pub in Guiting Power closed suddenly in July before being bought buy The Lucky Onion Group, owned by clothing brand Superdry's co-founder Julian Dunkerton. 

hollowbottom.com

​Check out the new menu below.

The McCoy Awards return to Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 27th September to celebrate the outstanding contribution to jump racing at all Jockey Club Jump Racecourses during the 2018/19 season.

The awards, named after Sir AP McCoy, the record-breaking 20-time champion Jump jockey who retired from race riding in April 2015, reflect on the triumphs and the highlights of the season and appreciate all the people within the sport, from the unwavering support of owners to the often unsung dedication of stable staff. The McCoys exist to recognise the individuals without whom this sport would not prosper as it does.

Last year's winners included Harry Skelton for leading professional jockey, Nicky Henderson was leading trainer with over 40 horses, and Tiger Roll picking up the Judges Choice Award for his incredible victory in the 2018 Grand National.

Jump Racing returns to Cheltenham for The Showcase on Friday 25th & Saturday 26th October 2019 and will feature the first ever Cheltoberfest, with live music from the Bierkeller Boys a racing tipster, and Real Ales and Magners Cider will be available in The Centaur. 

Keep up to date with everything at Cheltenham Racecourse on our dedicated horse racing page, The Roar.

​Watch the highlights from last year's awards below.

The shortlist for the 2020 National Fish and Chip Awards has been announced – and a Cotswolds restaurant has made the cut. 

​Malt & Anchor in Cirencester will now compete for the chance to take home the coveted title of the ‘UK’s best fish and chip restaurant’ which will be announced in January 2020. 

Established in 2017, Malt and Anchor describes itself as having a 'traditional chippy menu with a twist', including their speciality fish and chips, panko coated calamari, locally sourced award-winning pies, butcher sausages and Malt & Anchor’s own fresh fish specials. The restaurant also offers a takeaway service as well as an array of fine wines, cocktails and boutique beers to compliment their menu.

www.maltandanchor.co.uk

The King's Head Inn in Bledington has been named 'Inn of the Year' for 2020 in the latest Good Pub Guide awards. 

They were one of 14 pubs awarded and  follows up being named Good Pub Guide 'Pub of the Year' in 2017. 

Other winners from around the UK include;

Pub of the Year 2020
The Inn at Whitewell, near Clitheroe, Lancashire

Dining Pub of the Year 2020
The Assheton Arms in Downham, Lancashire

Licensee of the Year 2020
The Wyvill Arms in Constable Burton, Yorkshire

New Pub of the Year 2020
The Swan in Marbury, Cheshire

Value Pub of the Year 2020
The Dipton Mill Inn, Diptonmill, Northumbria

Unspoilt Pub of the Year 2020
The Kings Head, Laxfield, Suffolk

Country Pub of the Year 2020
The Harp , Old Radnor, Wales

Town Pub of the Year 2020
Babbity Bowster, Glasgow, Scotland

Inn of the Year 2020
The Kings Head, Bledington, Oxfordshire

Beer Pub of the Year 2020
The Fat Cat, Norwich, Norfolk

Own Brew Pub of the Year 2020
The Beer Hall, Hawkshead Brewery, Cumbria

Wine Pub of the Year 2020
The Woods, Dulverton, Somerset

Whisky Pub of the Year 2020
The Bon Accord, Glasgow, Scotland

Gin Pub of the Year 2020
The Cholmondeley Arms, Cholmondeley, Cheshire

The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power is the latest addition to The Lucky Onion portfolio and will reopen its doors in October 2019.

The pub has always been a huge favourite of the horse racing community and was the scene of celebrations both after Bindaree won the Grand National and when Imperial Commander landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup for nearby trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. 

Away from racing, the pub's charming rural setting is perfect for a quiet lunch and supper, with The Lucky Onion's lovingly-cooked good food, and the finest ingredients from the around the UK, at the heart of the menus. There's an extensive beer and wine list too.

A beautiful 17th-century Cotswold stone building with excellent country views, The Hollow Bottom will feature The Lucky Onion’s signature design touches around its already existing deep recessed windows, low ceilings and exposed stone walls and timbers.

In the winter, expect a roaring wood-burning fire in the bar. In summer months, you can soak up the sunshine with drinks and food on the terrace.

The Lucky Onion took over ownership after the property closed in July 2019. 

Below is the new Hollow Bottom logo.

Cheltenham Racecourse has got a great combination for racegoers as West Country legends, The Wurzels will be taking to the stage on Friday 15 November after racing on Countryside Day, the first day of The November Meeting. 
  
The Wurzels have got a ‘brand new combine harvester and are giving you the key’ to unlock your evening’s entertainment in The Centaur with West Country legends. 
  
The extremely popular four-piece band, famed for hits such as “I am a Cider drinker” and “The Combine Harvester” will perform in The Centaur after racing for free for all Club and Tattersalls ticket holders. The West Country singers will be part of plenty of countryside-themed activities taking place throughout the day. 
  
From local Hunt Parades, to Silent Auctions, Countryside Day offers a wealth of family entertainment as well as six quality races on offer. The proceeds of this special day shall be split between the Countryside Alliance and Equestrian Team GBR Tokyo2020, to help with expenses in the run up to the Olympic Games. 

The November Meeting is Cheltenham’s largest race meeting outside of The Festival™ presented by Magners, and runs from Friday 15 – Sunday 17 November. The November Meeting Saturday hosts the feature race of the meeting, the BetVictor Gold Cup while The November Meeting Sunday is the famous Family Fun Day with plenty of entertainment, including appearances from the Minions at intervals throughout the day and the D-Day Darlings performing in The Centaur after racing.

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-november-meeting/

I always look forward to The Big Feastival. I have watched it grow since 2012 when Razorlight and Texas were topping the bill, Jamie Oliver and Valentine Warner were doing cooking demos , and Peppa Pig was the highlight in the Little Dude's Den. 

Eight festivals on and all of the original foundations are still there. It's just got bigger and a whole lot better and this year was by far and away the best yet. 

They got lucky with the weather. It was over 25 degrees all weekend and no matter what anyone says, it makes a massive difference. They also got a little bit lucky with Lewis Capaldi. When he was announced on the line-up he was nowhere near as big is he is today. I think many people there on Friday were purely there to see him. 

In keeping with tradition, Friday was brought to a close with a DJ set. This year saw Rudimental turn Alex James' Farm into Ibiza Rocks with their 75-minute set. 

Lucy May Walker was the highlight from The Udder Stage which BBC Introducing took over each afternoon showcasing some rising talent from the UK.

Dodgy and The Zutons both played the main stage on Saturday before Jess Glynne brought the evening to a close. 

The sun was beating down again on Sunday afternoon where Barns Courtney produced one of the best sets of the weekend. He was followed by Alex James' Orchestra and an awesome DJ Set by Jonas Blue that would probably have been suited being on a little later than his 4.30pm slot, but nobody seemed to mind. The sad loss of Jade Bird to illness meant that she was replaced by Abba Tribute Björn Again which is never a good thing, and triggered a quick escape back to the Cheese Hub.

Jack Savoretti is riding the wave of success from his hugely successful "Singing to Strangers" album and was perfect as the sun was setting behind the main stag, before Elbow, who I feel were lost on a lot of the younger generation, brought the Feastival 2019 to a close with a customary flawless set that concluded with Grounds For Divorce and One Day Like This from their number one album, The Seldom Seen Kid. 

As the name of the festival suggests, food is a huge part of the weekend. You need more that 3 days to sample all of the incredible street food on offer and without doubt the best food ant any festival I have ever been to. The brisket bun, pickled red chilli from Smokstak and the steak from Carcass were both incredibly good. As was the meat from DJ BBQ where you can sing along to some classic rock with T-Bone Chops, not his real name, on air shovel. The fried chicken from Only Jerkin' and Burger and Beyond burgers were both exceptional, and the queue for Souvlaki Street suggests their amazing looking Greek wraps were hugely popular. Sadly I couldn't fit anymore in and have already noted them down for next year. 

The Collaboration Kitchen returned for a second year serving up some special edition dishes from most innovative names on the UK street food scene. I tasted my first ever mac 'n' cheese pie thanks to My Pie x Anna Maes (Mac Not Crack) which was ridiculously good. 

The NEFF Big Kitchen again played host to an array of demonstrations and Q&A sessions from some of the biggest names in food including Raymond Blanc, Mark Hix, Prue Leith and Gennaro Contaldo. 

The thing I love is that the Feastival isn't trying to be edgy or cool in the slightest. In all fairness it would actually struggle if it was when Dick and Dom introduce Lewis Capaldi to the stage following a quick game of "Bogey".

​It is just brilliantly British with outstanding food, heaps for families to see and do (under 12's go free) and music which is the aural equivalent of comfort eating. 

thebigfeastival.com

We're not sure about you but this is the moment we have been waiting for. 

The Big Feastival's Big Menu has landed and it lists all of the food options that you will be able to work your way through across the weekend. 

The Big Feastival takes place this weekend at Alex James' Farm in Kingham.

thebigfeastival.com

The Lygon Arms in Broadway has created a limited edition burger named after us, The Cotswolds Gentleman, to celebrate National Burger Day. 

The incredible double patty stack will be available for a week from Monday 19th - Monday 26th August 2019 and costs £25 with 10% from each burger sold going to Children's Air Ambulance. 

The burger consists of:

West Bakery Bun
2 Waghorne's Beef Burgers
Old Spot Flaked Ham Hock
Chargrilled Pork Belly Slices
Tracklements Onion and Apple Cider Jam
Cotswold Gold Mayonnaise
Applewood Cheese

and is accompanied by:

Sweet Potato Fries 
Onion Rings
​
Nation Burger day takes place on Thursday 22nd August 2019. 

Tag us @CotswoldsGent and @LygonCotswolds into your social media posts!

www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk

The former Hare and Hounds pub at Fosse Cross between Northleach and Cirencester is reopening with a new name this August. 

The Stump, the locals' nickname for the Hare and Hounds, will open on August 19th after a complete renovation and will offer a wonderful Italian inspired menu with pizza legends Baz and Fred at the helm.

​A huge bar spans the length of the pub, three open fires keep the pub cosy in the winter and there is the sunny garden for the summer months. Oak beams and stone floors are juxtaposed with the modern tiled open kitchen and the huge wood fired pizza oven. 

Pizza aficionados Baz & Fred have created a simple yet delectable menu of wood fired pizzas, classic pastas, as well as salads and small plates. All of the food will be served freshly prepared from the new open kitchen.

Local beers line the bar including  DEYA Steady Rolling Man Pale Ale and there is a good selection of local gin for The Stump G&Ts. You can also enjoy an aged negroni, the signature cocktail at The Stump.

The pub also boasts  ten simple ensuite rooms for anyone wanting to make a weekend of it. 

Enjoy 25% off all food during opening week from 19th -23rd August 2019.

Check them out at thestump.co.uk

Timings for the main stage and The Big Kitchen at The big Feastival have been released. 

The 3-day festival takes place at Alex James' Farm in Kingham, Oxfordshire from Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August 2019 and sees Lewis Capaldi, Elbow, Jess Glynne and Rudimental all headline. 

thebigfeastival.com

Barons Eden Limited, represented by Savills, has brought four assets in the Cotswolds to the market. 

The assets in the portfolio are Huxleys Restaurant and Island House, both in Chipping Campden; The Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water and The Old Bank in Moreton-in-Marsh.  The portfolio is available to purchase either individually or as a whole. 

Housed in a seventeenth century building, Huxleys Restaurant in the heart of Chipping Campden, offers 100 covers across both inside and outside space, including two private dining rooms. Island House, on Chipping Campden’s high street, provides a rare opportunity to create a new food and beverage offering.

The Dial House Hotel provides 15 boutique rooms all of which are en-suite alongside two recently renovated dining areas and a bar lounge. Prominently located in the centre of the picturesque high street of Bourton-on-the-Water, there’s ample opportunity for further development of the grounds.

The Old Bank in Moreton-in-Marsh town centre has planning to convert to a 10 bedroom hotel with restaurant and bar and would suit a range of other uses subject to planning permission.

​Adrian Pearson of Barons Eden Limited adds: “We are choosing to sell our Cotswold assets in order to concentrate on expanding our portfolio of larger hotels and spas.” 

James Greenslade, associate director in the hotels team at Savills, comments: “These four charming assets provide a rare opportunity to acquire properties in the picturesque Cotswolds villages. Each one is unique in its character and all provide a range of opportunities for new owners, in particular the redevelopment of Island House could work well in conjunction with the existing operation at Huxleys.”

Returning for the sixth year in a row, The Friday Night Supper Club will transform The NEFF Big Kitchen into a beautiful al fresco dining space for guests to enjoy a 4-course dinner featuring a handpicked collaboration of Chefs coming together for the first time ever.

The Feastival-exclusive collaboration brings Action Against Hunger all-stars; Robin Gill of the farm-to-table bistro, The Dairy; James Lowe of the British, produce-led restaurant Lyle’s; Anna Haugh of the Irish-inspired restaurant Myrtle; and Helen Goh of the famous Middle Eastern influenced restaurant, Ottolenghi; to create a unique and specially-themed menu for guests to enjoy under the stars. 

Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail courtesy of Warner’s Gin, a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne paired with the main course as well as wine, beer and soft drinks served throughout the evening. So sit back, relax and enjoy!

Tickets are now on sale with all profits going to Action Against Hunger to purchase yours click here.

MENU
In support of Action Against Hunger 

Welcome Drink
Warner’s Gin Cocktail

Grazing
James Lowe, Lyle’s
Sourdough from Flor with unpasteurised butter from Lyle's
Summer vegetables with honey and anchovies
Little gem lettuce with cured pollack and tomatoes

Starter 
Anna Haugh, Myrtle
Heritage carrot salad, cais na tire cheese, tarragon dressing and violette crisps

Main 
Robin Gill, The Dairy
Lamb Feast: shoulder with BBQ cabbage, ricotta and olive oil, merguez and sour fennel
Paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

Dessert 
Helen Goh, Ottolenghi
Rolled Rosewater and Berry Pavlova

Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available throughout the evening.

Time: Friday 23rd August from 19:00-21:00

Location: The NEFF Big Kitchen

Price: £85.00 per person

Before we know it, the National Hunt season will be upon us again. 

It all kicks off at Cheltenham with The Showcase meeting on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October 2019. 

The exciting two-day meeting sees a host of new racing recruits join the ranks - from trainers and jockeys to future equine stars and sets the tone for what's to come, leading all the way to The Festival presented by Magners in March 2020. 

Here are all the fixtures at Cheltenham Racecourse for the 2019/20 season. 

​THE SHOWCASE
Friday 25th & Saturday 26th October 2019

THE NOVEMBER MEETING
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th November 2019 

THE INTERNATIONAL 
Friday 13th & Saturday 14th December 2019

NEW YEAR'S DAY
Wednesday 1st January 2020 

FESTIVAL TRIALS DAY 
Saturday 25th January 2020

THE FESTIVAL™ PRESENTED BY MAGNERS
Tuesday 10th - Friday 13th March 2020
Book your tickets before 2nd December at 10:59am for the best price

THE APRIL MEETING
Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th April 2020

RACE NIGHT FEATURING HUNTER CHASE RACING 
Friday 1st May 2020

For tickets and further information about each meeting, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham

There is just a month to go until The Big Festival returns to Alex james' farm here in the Cotswolds for another year. 

There will be awesome music, incredible chefs and mighty fine food and drink from Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th August 2019.

Here are how the 3 days look. Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Tickets: thebigfeastival.com

There is a month to go until The Cotswolds Distillery will be bringing together some great live music, delicious food and their award-winning Outstanding Natural Spirits and a large range of beers from Hook Norton Brewery for one day at the distillery on Saturday 17th August.

From 12pm – 8pm you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a day filled with incredible blues, jazz, swing and rock music from 7 different acts, including the legendary Kenny Young who will be performing his hit song 'Under The Boardwalk' with 1970's rock band Yellow Dog, swing, rhythm & blues band King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, and Hipkiss fronted by Patsy Gamble and Muddy Manninen (ex. Wishbone Ash).

​Anyone who buys a ticket will be automatically entered into a special Cotswolds getaway competition with the winner announced on the day of the festival. One lucky person and their plus one will win a trip to the Cotswolds Distillery for a Gin or Whisky Blending Masterclass, followed by dinner in The Back Garden and an overnight stay at Dormy House nearby in the Cotswolds. On top of that, breakfast will be included the next morning and full use of the House Spa facilities!

Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets.

Are you planning on heading to the Cheltenham Festival in 2020? You have until 10.59am on Friday 5th July to get the lowest prices on tickets. 

The Festival™ presented by Magners was full of emotion, stories and incredible racing in 2019 with memorable wins for Frodon, Paisley Park and Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo. 

Visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival for all tickets and information.

Did you know it's Negroni week? And did you know that one of the greatest cocktails in 100 years old this year?

The Lygon Arms in Broadway are celebrating in style with four takes on the cocktail and have shared their classic recipe with us. 

The Classic

25ml Gin 
25ml Campari 
25ml Sweet Vermouth
 
Method:
· Pour all the ingredients into a stirring glass filled with ice
· Add 1 slice of orange to the stirring glass
· Stir the ingredients with ice for 30 seconds
· Strain the mixture over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass
· Garnish with a fresh orange wheel

Check out their other creations HERE.