BREAKING THE CHAIN

Have you been affected by the KFC "crisis"? Were you one of the ones who phoned 999 to inform the police of your emergency? If you answered yes to either of those then this probably isn't for you.

​For a while now I have found it increasingly difficult to go to a chained restaurant, pub and even supermarket, I know Budgens and Coop are both chains but at least they try and support local producers and from an outside point of view, do a good job in doing so. 

When it comes to eating out in the Cotswolds we are spoiled for choice. It surprises me that people still go to some chained restaurants in Cheltenham with so many amazing independents to choose from. How the bloody hell is Frankie & Benny's still there? 

If you want a good burger go to The Bottle of Sauce or Holee Cow. Fancy a chinese? Head to The Mayflower. How about a pizza? Well you can head back to The Bottle of Sauce or visit Fat Toni's. You can get some of the best curries in the UK at Prithvi and the East India Cafe. The choice is endless. Are you looking for your fix of Japanese? Look no further that Koj and KibouSushi. We haven't even mentioned all of the pubs and restaurants around the Cotswolds serving incredibly good food, beer, wine and spirits with service to match because it's their name that is over the door. I could go on and name all of the pubs I love or you could just visit our Cotswold Pub Guide* and see them for yourself!

I'm not saying to never eat at a chained restaurant again and I'm definitely not saying that all of them are rubbish, The Boston Tea Party does a cracking breakfast, The Ivy is the hottest seat in town and the Cosy Club is decent for a drink, but the next time going out for some food is mentioned, why not try one of the amazing independent alternatives that are on offer? 

However, if you do enjoy eating food out of a bucket, the Colonel's doors are sure to be open again very soon.

​* Blatant Advert Alert